buffalo bill

Review – Silence of the Lambs

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Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Genre: Thriller
Director: Jonathan Demme
Main Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Scott Glenn

Plot Summary:
An unknown serial killer has been terrorizing the Southeast United States skinning his victims. Coined as “Buffalo Bill” by the media and police force, it is not long before the F.B.I. gets involved. Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) leader of the agency’s Behavioral Science Unit, assigns Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant but disturbed man who cannibalized his patients. Lecter is able to offer insight on the case, and the killer himself, but only if Starling is willing to share personal details of her life to him.

Brief Review:
The movie was adapted from the “Silence of the Lambs” novel written by Thomas Harris. For a movie that came out in 1991 it has still aged extremely well and stands up with the best movies of our current decade. While this movie is classified as a thriller, it could easily be seen as a horror movie to some. This is due to its dreary and unnerving soundtrack (by Howard Shore) that is perfect for building up tension in the brooding and sullen environments that the protagonist constantly find themselves constantly in. The actresses and actors all deliver exceptional performances, there are no weak showings, even from the minor characters. As an audience member it is easy to get sucked into the story and become fully engrossed in what’s going on, even during the slower sections of the movie. However one actor shines above the rest, Anthony Hopkins depiction of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, is phenomenal. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor, and it is well deserved. He sure to give any viewer the chills the first time around. For anyone that enjoys thrillers, horror, or crime dramas this movie is a must see. This film is one of my personal favorites, definitely standing strong within my top ten. All aspects of this movie blend together so well to deliver an unforgettable and unique story.