The Silence of the Lambs

by Robbo

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Posted on 24 April 2021

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Rating -

The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American detective psychological thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ted Tally, adapted from Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel and stars Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald and Kasi Lemmons.

A number of murders of young women have alerted the FBI to a serial killer dubbed ‘Buffalo Bill’ (Levine) because he skins his victims.

Jack Crawford (Glenn), head of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit enlists the help of trainee Clarice Starling (Foster) to interview Hannibal Lecter, a former psychiatrist and incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer as Lecter’s insight could prove useful in the pursuit of ‘Buffalo Bill’.

Buffalo Bill abducts Catherine Martin, daughter of Senator Martin and keeps her imprisoned in a well in his basement.

The rest of the film covers the race to find ‘Buffalo Bill’ and free Catherine Martin and the relationship between Starling and Lecter.

The Silence of the Lambs was a sleeper hit that gradually gained widespread success and critical acclaim, particularly the performances delivered by Hopkins and Foster who both won Academy Awards.

Although Lecter only appears on screen for less than 25 minutes, Anthony Hopkins does really steal the film with the most chilling and memorable performance.

The film certainly delivers suspense, horror and thrills in equal measure and one I would highly recommend.

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