The Silence of the Lambs

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Summary: "Best thing for him, really. His therapy was going nowhere."
Review: Well, I finally went out and got the special edition of "The Silence of the Lambs." I wasn't really planning to, because I had already bought the movie two times before. The first time was when it first came out on DVD, which was a pretty lousy copy. Low quality video and sound, almost no extra features, and so on. Then, I bought the Criterion Collection version, and it was indeed an improvement. It didn't have a lot of special features, but it had a few. And the picture and sound was much better.

So why did I finally break down and buy this version? Well, after re-visiting "Hannibal" after seeing "Red Dragon," I realized how much I really loved this film. And, I also learned that it was remastered in a high-definition 16x9 anamorphic transfer and 5.1 Surround Sound. So, I finally broke down and purchased this copy. Plus, I knew that I could still keep my Criterion version, because it had features such as commentary that is unavailable on this version. Overall verdict: I ended up very happy that I bought this version, because it is far superior to the other two.

Before I get into the DVD aspect of the film, allow me to recap the story for those who are unfamiliar with the story. I'm sure that number is very small, but I might as well just in case. Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an FBI agent in training. One of her first assignments is to talk to a vicious serial killer, known as Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter, hoping to get into the mind of a killer to catch another who is on the loose. But it isn't going to be easy, for Hannibal has an agenda of his own, and he loves to get into the minds of others. This all adds up to a terrifying and nightmarish thriller that you will never forget.

The acting is outstanding. Jodie Foster does her part justice in every way. And Anthony Hopkins is amazing as Hannibal. Who would've thought that he could play such a terrifying role? You could tell that he was having fun with it. The director did a great job of painting us a picture full of darkness, nightmares, and dread. Ted Tally did a terrific job of writing a script that was very true to the novel (he also returned to write the screenplay for "Red Dragon").

And now, for the DVD. This version of the film is quite an improvement on all different fronts. The picture is crystal clear and you can swear that you're seeing things you never saw before. The lightness and darkness is perfect. The sound is also a big improvement; loud when it's supposed to be and quiet when it's supposed to be. There are many special features, which include a brand new documentary that includes new interviews with the cast and crew, 20 minutes of deleted scenes, the original 1991 "Making of" featurette, an outtake reel, trailers, and many more where that came from. I really enjoyed watching the documentary and interviews; especially the new ones made specifically for the DVD. They are really interesting. But I really enjoyed all of the special features. (Just remember if you have the Criterion version, keep it, since this newer version does not include commentary from the cast and crew.)

So, I was very happy to finally break down and buy this new and improved version of an ultimate and frightening classic, "The Silence of the Lambs." It still remains as one of my favorites (would have to be if I bought the movie three times!). If this is one of your favorites as well, then I recommend getting it. It is really a big improvement in many different ways.

Oh yeah, if you've never seen the movie, don't go in expecting a horror movie. A lot of people have been saying it's a good movie but it's a bad horror film. I really do not consider this a horror movie. I think of it more as a dark thriller. When I think of "horror," I think of all of the Freddy and Jason movies. Then again, that's just me.

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Summary: The Silence of the Lambs
Review: A surprise hit at the box office, Jonathan Demme's psycological thriller is as good as a horror film can get! "The Silence of the Lambs" came out in 1991, when it seemed like movies shifted back and forth between kookie freakshows(Children of the Corn)and prepackaged action flicks(Terminater 2). In this climate, "Silence" was like a breath of fresh air to thriller fans looking for something with a little more substance. The film actually contains only one really graphic scene. Most of the horror is created by the uncertainty and suspense in the plot, as well as some mighty fine acting(Anthony Hopkins take a bow). The script focuses on two vicious and mysterious criminals, both very volatile, yet with very different psyches. The films' daring turns and twists continue all the way to its climax when the FBI agent (Jodie Foster) and the wanted serial killer (Ted Levine) meet face to face almost by pure chance! More interesting than this, however, is Foster's dialogue scenes with the imprisoned madman, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). Well, I wont go on with all the details and spoil it for you, so I just say this: If you like suspence-filled thrillers that make you think, buy this movie today. It is one of the best of all-time in its genre!

Thanks for reading.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies in the last ten years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: The Silence of the Lambs is one of the best movie in the last ten years because of its ability to insert a female hero in the center of the story. In most movies before this, Clarice Starling's character would be a man. This movie is also an acting and directing masterpiece. From watching this movie, you can tell that without Johnathan Demme's masterful direction that this movie would not be have as good without it. As far as the acting is concerned, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins both give performances that will be two of the most memorable in film ever. Hopkins can not get enough praise for what he has done in this movie. If you enjoy scary movies and psychological thrillers, this is an undeniable classic.

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Summary: Quid Pro Quo
Review: Since the prequel film, RED DRAGON, is now out, I decided to watch SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, before going to see the new "Hannibal" flick. It has been almost 2 years since my last viewing of this now classic film. Based on author Thomas Harris's book and directed by Jonathan Demme, the movie is one of the best thrillers of the last 15 years. Raw FBI student Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is asked by her Supervisor (Scott Glenn) to visit captured serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Sir Anthony Hopkins). It is hoped that he may be of help in capturing another killer, Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb (Ted Levine), who skins his victims. Foster and Hopkins are great together as hero and anti-hero. Lecter is a chilling portrait of a madman. Foster gives Starling a strength that parallels Sigouney Weaver's Helen Ripley. The film is perfect and does what any good psychological thriller should. Demme keeps things moving and exciting. I think this film, is without question, Demme's best work.

The DVD has 2 different versions currently on the market. The studio special edition, put out by MGM, and a Criterion Collection disc. I own the Criterion DVD (which may be hard to find).I had planned to buy the new edition, but after looking at the two versions side by side, I decided to hold on to the one I owned instead. I think the extras on the older DVD offer better insights into the film and the criminal mind. The commentary track from Demme, Foster, Hopkins, Screenwriter Ted Tally, (who won an Oscar for his great script), and real-life FBI Agent John Douglas, is quite good. Especially when one considers that all of the comments were edited together. Usually they aren't anything special and don't turn out that good. There are seven deleted scenes, a few film to storyboard comparisons, additional storyboards, an interactive FBI crime manual. and the insightfull "Voices Of Death ". This feature gives viewers actual statements from serial killers that will make your goosbumps have goosebumps.

If you are looking to own "Lambs" on DVD, I recommend the Criterion disc, but if you can't find a copy, the MGM disc will do

Rating:
Summary: cousinpaco's top terrors: #2
Review: Nothing is more frightening than real life.

Shortly after "the Silence of the Lambs" was released theatrically, we were confronted with the news reports of Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes. Suddenly Buffalo Bill's nightmarish behavior didn't seem so far-fetched; the film didn't have to work as hard create some terrible creature to frighten us.

Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to go back to a time when Hannibal Lecter/Anthony Hopkins was subversive and menacing. He's become such a cult-antihero caricature of himself that he may never again send a shiver down your spine--it's too easy to root for him, instead. Back in the day, though, his controlled, winking evil kept the tone of the film unsettling; even the heroine's ALLIES were threats.

Thankfully, the whole of the film is strong enough to preserve its quality in spite of its own overexposure. Even without Hannibal Lecter, the film would have been harrowing. Lecter merely gives us the willies; Jame Gumb (played by Ted Levine) scares the pants off us. A few well-constructed twists keep us from getting too comfortable, and you'll be afraid to go in your own basement after seeing Jame Gumb stalk Clarice Starling in his.

DVD favors this movie quite well--the moody lighting benefits from the crisp presentation. The cinematography perfectly complements Hopkins' performance, underscoring his malevolent gazes.

There's a reason this horror flick won a Best Picture Oscar®.

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Summary: The Silence of The Lambs: The Return of Hannibal Lecter
Review: This was one of the greatest Thrillers. This was after Manhunter and Red Dragon and before Hannibal. It is about Rookie FBI Agent Clarice M. Starling(Jodie Foster) who is assigned from Jack Crawford(Scott Glenn) to get information from Dr. Hannibal Lecter(Anthony Hopkins) about a killer known as Buffalo Bill(Ted Levine). Dr. Lecter says that he will give information if Clarice will give information about her own complicated life. The Silence of The Lambs was one of three movies to get the most Academy Awards(the others were One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and It Happend One Night). The movie is a big mystery and is very thrilling at the end. This might get a little bit boring for you, but not for me!

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Summary: Have the lambs stopped crying?
Review: The Silence of the Lambs (1991) was truly a magnificent movie. This film combined an excellent plot, excellent acting, wonderful directing, and a very dark musical score to make it more than the regular suspense/thriller genre that one is accustomed to. All of the Oscars won by this film, its director, its actors and actress were all well deserving.

Director Jonathan Demme does a wonderful job of portraying this movie based on Thomas Harris' novel. Demme keeps the gore at a bare minimum, only focussing on two stomach churning scenes. One involving an autopsy, the other a prision escape.

The film follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a very determined FBI agent in training. Starling is sent in to the criminal asylum to try to persuade Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to fill out a questionaire about serial killers. Starling is very focused throughout the movie, but somehow she misses the true intentions on sending her to see Lecter. Lecter offers to help Starling with the "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine) case, in exchange for information from her about painful childhood memories. Every time Starling feeds Lecter a piece of her past he gives her a clue needed to help catch Buffalo Bill. Starling uses her new information to carry on with the investigation of Bill, all the while trying to acheive her ultimate goal of becoming a FBI agent in the Behavior Science Division.

History shows films that win Oscars for Best Picture usually become a Classic. I feel that in twenty or thirty years this film will be no exception, and it will be listed with some of the most popular classics of our time.

I rated this film 5 stars because it is a film in its own genre. I have yet to experience another film with its magnitude. I strongly encourage all film viewers who enjoy a strong suspense/thriller to watch this film.

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Summary: A herd of carnivorous lambs would be scarier.
Review: 'The Silence of the Lambs' is one of the most overrated movies of the past 15 years. I don't know what in the world audiences and critics found terryfying or tense about this borefest, but I wasn't impressed the least. One of the first problems is the director, John Demme. This man couldn't direct a scene to save his life. Many scenes seem uneven and look like they only took one take. All the scences look dark, dirty, and cloudy.
The second problem is the acting. Jodie Foster gives a southern accent a good try, but lets not fool ourselves. Then there is everyone's favorite, Hannibal Lector. When he talks to Jodie, he stares at her with INTENSE EYES. I'm really scared now!! The third problem is the story. Hannibal's escape is really shocking...Really shocking in that it was so ridiculous, so implausable, I found myself gaping at it in disbelief.

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Summary: Creepy as Hell
Review: Ok, I am assuming the everyone reading this has already seen the movie. I remember when I first saw Silence of the Lambs in 1991, I wasn't expecting much going in. But when I came out I knew I just saw one of the classic Horror movies ever made. With the best movie villain I had ever seen, Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal(the cannabal)Lecter. What Hopkins did with minimal movement and a stare, hasn't ever been done in a movie before. He had less then 30 min. of screen time, but Lecter is what sticks with you about the film. Jodie Foster gives a great proformance as FBI agent in-training, Clarice Starling. Which I feel was the model for Dana Scully on the X-Files. The relationship that builds between Lecter and Starling is at the heart of the movie. I am a real mood and atmosphere person, that is one of the things I notice when I watch a movie. Silence has the creepiest mood I have ever felt in a movie. The movie deals with fears and it lets you use your imagination while watching. I never get tired of watching this movie, I can watch it as though I had never seen it before, It still scares the Hell out of me.

BTW: I feel Anthony Perkins proformance/character in Psycho is equal to Hopkins, In Silence of the Lambs, it is just Hannibal gets under my skin more then Norman.

Rating:
Summary: What's the big deal?
Review: I'm not a horror fan, at least not a fan of things jumping out of the shadows. I'm also not a fan of gratuituous violence in films. So I avoided this movie for a long time. But everyone I know that saw it thought it was great, and it did win the Best Picture Oscar, so I finally gave it a try.

Well, I'm glad to say that nothing jumped out at the viewer and the gore was necessary to the plot and limited. The movie was well done, and the acting was very good. But why was everyone CRAZY about this film? I give it a solid 3 stars, which is to say above average, but it must have been an off year for the film industry if this was the best thing they turned out that year.

Anthony Hopkins is one of my favorite actors, but I don't think this is a role that "only he could play." The same could be said for Jodie Foster's performance. As for the writing, this is supposed to be a psychological thriller. Clarice is warned over and over not to let Dr. Lechter "get into her head." He asked a bunch of questions about her painful past. She answered them honestly. Yeah. So?

A movie for the masses I guess. I am now neither afraid nor tempted to see others in the series.