The
Silence of the Lambs
(1991)
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 Hour and 58 Minutes
Reviewer: Jones
Grade: A+"Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Brilliant. Cunning. Psychotic. In his mind lies the clue to a ruthless killer. Clarice Starling, FBI. Brilliant. Vulnerable. Alone. She must trust him to stop the killer."
What you have just read is the tagline of one of the most brilliantly put together films I have ever seen.
"The Silence of The Lambs" has many claims to fame. It won all five of the major Academy Awards in 1991 (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Screenplay).
Countless other accolades have been given to this most unlikely of award recipients. At first glance, one would think that this is nothing short of a horror movie, but once one takes a peek inside it becomes quite apparent that this is much more than your average run-of-the-mill horror film.
It is the story of an FBI agent-in-training named Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) and her quest to track down a serial killer who is known only as "Buffalo Bill" before he can claim his next victim. To do this she is sent to question an imprisoned serial killer by the name of Dr.
Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). He was known as "The Cannibal" during his killing spree, due to his penchant for feasting on the remains of his victims. Oftentimes he did this while they were still alive. As the tagline implies, Clarice has to find the killer through Lecter, but if he is to play the game, Lecter wants to know some things as well. If she is to track down the killer, she must allow Lecter to probe her mind for whatever answers he may desire. If she does, she just may be able to track down "Buffalo Bill".
This film works for many reasons. The most significant of which, is the performance of
Anthony Hopkins in the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. You want a bone-chilling performance?
Look no further than this one. I don't think anyone has ever inhabited a role in the way that
Hopkins inhabits Lecter. Whenever I think of Hopkins I think of Lecter. It is impossible to separate the two. The gleam in his eye chills you to the bone. I cannot imagine being in Clarice's position and having to meet this man in person. No thanks. I'll pass. Hypnotic and unwavering in his performance, Hopkins leaves an indelible mark on the cinematic world that
I can only hope he will be able to replicate in "Hannibal".
Equally formidable is the performance of Jodie Foster as the FBI agent-to-be Clarice Starling. What makes her performance outstanding is the fact that in every scene involving her and Lecter she holds her own with Hopkins. Which is no small feat by any means. She brings a vulnerability to the role that few, if any, other actresses could have. She is haunted by a past that she wants to forget. Problem is Lecter wants to delve into it deeper than she ever has before. She remains timid, but strong throughout the film. You can see Clarice become more assured of herself as time goes by, but as the film comes to a conclusion it is still quite obvious that she is still quite fragile on the inside. Another entry in Jodie's already impressive resume.
The film is presented in a very straightforward manner. You are always reminded that something is not quite right by the ominous look of the consistently overcast sky. The separate storylines of Clarice tracking "Buffalo Bill" and "Buffalo Bill" tracking down his next victim are interweaved nicely to keep you edging forward in your seat as the film progresses.
The way the conclusion is edited is nothing short of pure genius. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. It lulls you into a false sense of security like few movies this side of "The Exorcist" have been able to before.
There is one scene that will stay in my mind forever, but I don't want to give it away, because it needs to be experienced fresh and uncompromised. Just the way that it was presented to me the first time. I will say that it is one of the most chilling scenes I have ever seen, if not the most chilling. The way the score, which I should have mentioned earlier, creeps along with the imagery will send shivers up and down your spine. I guarantee that.
So why don't you pop some popcorn, turn off the lights, sit back and prepare yourself for a masterfully executed film, that borders on perfection? Go on already.
Hannibal is waiting.