The Silence of the Lambs - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: And The Lamb Lies Down...
Review: I've been in awe of Jodie Foster's work ever since her role in THE LITTLE GIRL WHO LIVES DOWN THE LANE. Ms. Foster is a true artist, and probably my favorite actress. In LAMBS she surpasses all of her previous efforts by light years! As fledgling FBI agent Clarice Starling, she must rise above herself (as the awkward neophite), in order to stare down evil in it's purest form. Clarice is introduced to Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), an infamous serial killer who also happens to be a genius. Kept in the deepest part of an asylum, Hannibal is overjoyed to see Clarice, and must ultimately assist her in capturing Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), the latest serial murdererer to steal the headlines. The interplay between Hannibal and Clarice is the dark, fleshy heart of this story. All else is incidental scenery and fluff. The horror, gore, and suspense only serve as a framework for this meeting of the minds. Starling is trying to save lives, while Lecter is trying to get into the depths of her soul. Each gives up only enough to get them to the next ascending level of their symbiotic relationship. Clarice grows increasingly desperate and dependent on Hannibal as Bill's latest captive gets nearer to her impending expiration date. She finds herself forced to reveal to Lecter, the very events / memories that have most terrified and damaged her, hidden things she has shared with no one else. Lecter grows more fond of Clarice the closer he gets to her innermost fears and secrets. Both receive something they need from the other. Both find absolution and release. There is a mutual admiration and respect that teaters on the brink of .... love?? Director Jonathan Demme brings this out of Foster and Hopkins in ways I've not seen before or since. He makes both characters sympathetic and alive. I found myself wanting Hannibal to escape just as much as I wanted Clarice to shoot Buffalo Bill, and save his victim from certain doom! What a dichotomy! I cheered for one monster, while longing for the extermination of another! SILENCE OF THE LAMBS is one of those landmark movies that shatters barriers and sets new standards. Watch it and see what I mean ...

Rating:
Summary: Anthony Hopkins' best performance since Psycho!
Review: I never thought he'd get any better than he was as Norman Bates in Psycho, but Hopkins is even better as Hannibal Lecter.

Jodie Foster is great in this, too. I've liked her ever since she starred in Annie.

Rating:
Summary: Near Cinematic Perfection
Review: No need to rehash every positive thing others have said about the movie, since they're so true. Just two observations I feel compelled to make:

1. Jodie Foster was excellent in her role, but having seen Thelma & Louise, I cannot help but be mystified that she won out over either Susan Sarandon or Geena Davis - their roles and performances were way out of her league.

2. Hannibal is so dangerous and inventive that people are cautioned to not even let a paper clip be provided to him. Yet in his makeshift cell from which he escapes he has a portable cassette player, which would be rife with components he could use to injure or aid his escape. Hello?? Major plot flaw.

That said, this is a film deserving of its ratings and appreciation, and should not be missed.


Rating:
Summary: Scary And Thrilling
Review: This film will make you jump out of your boots. It amkes you think things you never thought you could think. It really scares you, and it is terrifying.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most memorable movies of the 90s
Review: This is one of the greatest thrillers-slash-police procedurals-slash-horror movies you'll ever see.
A killer story (so to speak), and some of the greatest acting performances ever...not a sour note to be found anywhere. The phenomenal Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of doctor Hannibal Lecter in particular has become part of popular fiction. Once you have seen this movie you won't forget it. Ever.

Director Jonathan Demme's greatest film opened Thursday, February 14th 1991, and won all five major Academy awards that year, one of only three films in history to do so. "The Silence Of The Lambs" is graphic, sometimes sad, often unsettling, occationally horrifying, but it never decends into misantropy or hackneyed horror movie clichés. Instead it keeps the viewer interested - fascinated - through all 118 minutes.
"Silence Of The Lambs came as an unexpected bonus to me", says Anthony Hopkins. It did to me, too, and it remains a must-see. Don't let the mediocre follow-up "Hannibal" deter you from watching this movie, perhaps the most memorable thriller ever made.