Silence of the Lambs (1991)
AKA: –
Year: 1991
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster (Clarice Starling), Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter), Ted Levine (Buffalo Bill), Scott Glenn (Jack Crawford), Anthony Heald (Dr. Chilton), Brooke Smith (Catherine – the abducted girl)
Country: United States
Language: English (English Subtitles)
Runtime: 01:58:47
Genres: Serial Killers, Detective-Mystery, Psychological Thrillers, Cannibalism, Captivity-Kidnapping, CrossDressing-Transsexual, Violence against Women
Plot – Spoilers:
Not only one of the greatest effed up movies ever made, Silence of the Lambs has to be one of the greatest any films ever made.
The 2nd in the Hannibal Lecter series after Red Dragon, it replaces Will Graham with Clarice Starling as the FBI agent consulting imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer, Dr Hannibal Lecter, on a new case of serial murders involving women being held captive for a while before being skinned and dumped in rivers.
There are a couple of differences between the two FBI agents and this lends new dynamics to their relationships with Lecter. Apart from the obvious gender difference, one is weather beaten and experienced and a sort of twin soul to Lecter while the other is a total noob with a burning drive to succeed and a moral compass that hasn’t yet been distorted.
Lecter plays riddles with Clarice and the law as pressure mounts following the abduction of a senator’s daughter. It all blows up into a stunning climax, with Hannibal meanwhile after 8 long years of captivity sensing an opportunity for himself too.
Favourite Scenes:
1. The Clarice-Lecter interactions
The first time they meet, Clarice Starling tries turning on the charm and Jodie Foster is brilliant in her portrayal of the awkwardness of an eager noob trying to outwit a master. The next few interactions see her drop her feminine traps and hit Lecter with frankness and a desperation to succeed, which he finds more agreeable. In fact, at one point he says, “Thank you Clarice” – It makes so much sense for him to say that. 8 years in captivity for a master of human psychology can be crippling. For such a person, to be allowed open access to another human’s mind must feel gratifying.
2. Ted Levine as Buffalo Bill
This must be one of the most underrated performances of all time. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster deservedly got the plaudits, but somewhere along the way, Ted Levine got a bit lost.
The “It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” is hilariously dark especially the distance Bill tries to maintain from his object in distress, while also trying to speak and behave like a transsexual (Lecter believes Bill isn’t really trans but trying hard to be one). And finally, the climax to this scene where Bill pinches his shirt out like a pair of tits all the while mimicking Catherine wailing – Oh man, just brilliant.
3. Clarice Starling stumbling around like a novice in the dark while Bill watches her through his night vision goggles.
Terrifying and gripping.
HANNIBAL LECTER SERIES:
1. Hannibal Rising
2.1 Manhunter (1986 Red Dragon version)
2.2 Red Dragon (2002)
3. The Silence of the Lambs
4. Hannibal
Very Good opportunity to watch movie.
I state that I have always loved and still love the Hannibal Lecter saga,but compared to other films that are on this fantastic site, I don’t think they are films to be considered extreme xD anyway,good job guys and thanks for these magnificent films!!!
This movie is ASTONISHING !! >:^0
I am so glad you had it on here, thank you thank you so so much !! You gave me an opportunity to watch (finally), I have so many good thing to say about this movie, it’s just so good !!
The acting is whacking, the shots are well-done and the scene/characters are memorable (ex: Clarice Starling and her country accent or Bill boy and his “dance scene”) I just love this movie, you have to watch it, it’s so wow !!
Will definitely watch this again and I STRONGLY recommend !! >:^D
Of course it is one of those benchmark films. When they are this excellent; you revisit them from time to time… I think it has been at least 4 years since the last time I saw it! And I noted something I passed over before; as the shooting at the end of the film is so intense! Because Starling is in the dark and Gumb has the Nightvision! So Note: Police officers never let themselves be drawn into a situation where they are outgunned, and outmaneuvered! What saved her, was she had the hammer back on her revolver, and he drew his hammer back giving his position away! If the situation is “shoot now,” you can draw the trigger straight back(bang) called single action!… But not quite as smooth as double action for accuracy, unless you really practice single action a lot. She squeezed off that first round double action, and as near as I could tell the rest of them were single action!
Securing the victim and calling for backup was her first responsibility; not fumbling in the dark. But that made for a very intense ending! That last scene, when he hangs up the phone and the music reaches a lingering crescendo with kettle drum; was spot on deep mood, and walking music… As Hannibal takes on a panthers prowl; stalking his next meal, the bad mannered Dr. Chilton…
Note: And I thought the same thing AKA, Ted Levine deserved more recognition for his great portrail of Jame Gumb… And thanks again for carrying the full set plus, I just may go through them again, because it was so enjoyable! Doc Blake
Not exaggerating but somehow I feel this is the best feminist movie ever made… This movie genre shouldn’t have classified as horror actually.. It’s a faminine movie without any bullshit.
Hopkins was made for this role and Ted Levine played the killer to perfection. Jodie Foster imo was a bit out of her depth here and not convincing enough. That being said, this film was dark, moody and depressing, just the way a good thriller should be. The first movie to send shivers down my spine, the second being ”Se7en” by David Fincher. Both are classics that have gained cult status and deservedly so. I rewatch these two all the time bc they are awesome.
biggest mistake giving Hopkins the chance to ham his way through one of the best characters ever created
Plz add sleep tight movie to the list.
It is probably a French movie with a creepy storyline which no one could ever guess
Loved Jodie Foster in this I want to lick her cunt and fiddle her asshole until she shits down my arm
A classic! i am a big fan of Anthony Hopkins!