The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by: Jonathan Demme | 118 minutes | crime, thriller | Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Ted Levine, Frankie Faison, Kasi Lemmons, Brooke Smith, Paul Lazar, Dan Butler, Lawrence T. Wrentz, Don BRockett, Frank Seals Jr, Stuart Rudin, Masha Skorobogatov

One of the most terrifying serial killers in the movies has to be Dr. Hannibal Lecter. According to Entertainment Weekly, Hannibal the Cannibal is the most popular movie horror of all time, ahead of Freddy Krueger, Darth Vader, Norman Bates and the Jaws shark. Sir Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of these bits of man-eating psychiatrist is truly sublime. In addition to being terrifying and life-threatening, Hopkins, as an eloquent and stylish killer, almost manages to arouse sympathy for his character. The character and film have also been parodied frequently in ‘The Silence of the Hams’ (1994) and most recently in ‘Austin Powers’ Goldmember’ (2002). ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ is based on the bestseller of the same name by Thomas Harris from 1988. In 1986 people already became acquainted with the character of Dr. Lecter in Michael Mann’s ‘Manhunter’ (aka ‘Red Dragon: The Pursuit of Hannibal Lecter’) when played by Brian Cox. But for everyone, Hopkins is the one and only Hannibal The Cannibal. Also ‘Manhunter’ was based on a book by Thomas Harris, namely ‘Red Dragon’ from 1981.

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ was a huge success, winning five Oscars in 1992. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins) and Best Actress (Jodie Foster) and Best Screenplay (Ted Tally). ‘Silence of the Lambs’ had a sequel ‘Hannibal’ (2001) and a prequel ‘Red Dragon’ (2002), a remake of ‘Manhunter’ (1986). Neither Foster nor Demme were willing to cooperate. Julianne Moore was given the role of Clarice Sterling in ‘Hannibal’. In this part, Lecter is on vacation in beautiful Florence. But where Demme mainly opted for subtlety, Ridley Scott went for explicit horror and horror scenes that are occasionally even laughable. ‘Red Dragon (2002)’ is slightly worse compared to ‘Manhunter’ (1986). In short, the sequel and prequel don’t come close to the chilling psychological thriller that is ‘Silence of the Lambs’. Author Thomas Harris has meanwhile written a new book about Lecter called ‘Behind the Mask’. In 2006 the film version of this fourth part (fifth if one counts ‘Manhunter’) can be admired in the cinema.

Foster knows how to portray the courageous and innocent Clarice with her talent. The dialogues between Doctor Lecter and Clarice are brilliant. It is a cat-and-mouse game in which both characters are explored. This is also where the mutual fascination of the FBI pupil and professional cannibal begins. Clarice struggles to extract information from Dr. Lecter in order to capture Buffalo Bill. At the same time, she has to reveal things about herself to the doctor, including the title statement. After all, quid pro quo. Although Dr. Lecter is not even in the picture that often, he is almost always present for the viewer. The role may also have stuck with Hopkins more than he would have liked. It was rumored that after filming ‘Hannibal’, Hopkins was often seen in restaurants enjoying chicken liver and chianti with a creepy look in his eyes. Both Foster and Hopkins are in top form in this thriller, but it is mainly Hopkins who makes an unforgettable impression in ‘Silence of the Lambs’. Especially when he leaves us with the message that he is getting a friend to eat….

A great film, now a classic, with an unprecedented level of suspense and a sinister atmosphere.