A review of the 1991 classic film “The Silence Of The Lambs”

When this film was first released, it shocked audiences and, to this day, it is still chilling to watch. An adaptation of the bestselling novel by Thomas Harris, it portrays the efforts of new FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) to track down an elusive serial killer with the unlikely aid of imprisoned serial killer Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ Lector (Anthony Hopkins). A complex relationship, with some mutual respect, ensues between the reptilian prisoner and the clever but vulnerable novice agent. Although Foster has the most screen time and is excellent, it is Hopkins who is stunning and has the best lines, most notably: “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”

“The Silence Of The Lambs” was the first horror movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and actually all five major Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director (Jonathan Demme). Following the success of the film, there was a sequel, “Hannibal” (2001) and a prequel, “Red Dragon” (2002) which in fact was a remake of “Manhunter” (1986).

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