THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - 1991
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS WILL RIVET YOU TO YOUR SEAT
Usually when a bestselling novel is made into a film everyone is ready to take aim. Rightfully so since very few novels have been transformed successfully onto film.
The Silence of the Lambs is an exception to the rule. This is a brilliant psychological thriller which reminds one of a real rollercoaster ride - full of hairpin turns, sickening descents, and sudden accelerations. Jonathan Demme, who scored big with the blackest of mob film comedies, 1988's Married to the Mob has managed to transform the pages of the most terrifying novel ever written into an extraordinarily haunting film.
The story begins with Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an FBI agent in training who is sent to question Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for a profile on serial killers. Unbeknownst to Starling, she is actually the bait sent in to charm Lecter into helping the FBI nab the latest serial killer who's still on the loose.
Lecter, who's referred to as "Hannibal the Cannibal" since he relishes in eating his victims, is fascinated by the young, strong Clarice in an eerie charming sort of way.
By the time Clarice figures out she's being used as bait, it's too late for her to just walk away. She too is fascinated with Lecter's brilliant evil genius and is determined to track down the latest serial murderer in time to save his latest victim before it's too late. The serial killer has earned his title "Buffalo Bill" because he keeps his victims trapped in a pit before he skins them.
Lecter does provide Clarice with some vital information to help her catch "Buffalo Bill" in turn for some personal information of his own. He wants to know all about Clarice. Her family, her childhood memories, and what makes her control her rage.
Clarice's search for "Buffalo Bill" takes her on a personal journey into her past. She continues to be haunted of the time she spent on a relatives Montana farm when she was a little girl. She was awakened one night from a horrible screaming. It was the screaming of the lambs as they were being slaughtered.
Clarice confirms Lecter's belief that if she can save "Buffalo Bill's" latest victim in time she can stop the screaming of the lambs.
The relationship between Clarice and Lecter is so compelling that you want to see more of them. Their relationship is a struggle between good and evil. Foster, manages to deliver another excellent performance. Through most of the film, Foster expresses her feelings through her eyes. She doesn't need dialogue to let us know she's angry, frightened, or strong - it just shows in her face. This demonstrates the great skill of Jodie and proves once again what a chameleon she is with being able to change colors instantly.
Hopkins is riveting as the brilliant mastermind, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He manages to make you find him despicable yet you feel some sort of compassion for him at the same time. Hopkins, as Lecter is able to provide some much needed dark humor throughout the film and in the end has the last laugh.
I must tell you that my friend, Kristin who also saw the film is still in shock over it. She described her experience of seeing this film as flying in an airplane because you're so out of control. The movie literally straps you in your seat and doesn't let you go for a moment until the final credits are rolling.
Well, it's hard to match that description however, I cannot say enough good things about this film except go see it and it will be two of the most exhilarating hours you'll ever spend at the movies.
Usually when a bestselling novel is made into a film everyone is ready to take aim. Rightfully so since very few novels have been transformed successfully onto film.
The Silence of the Lambs is an exception to the rule. This is a brilliant psychological thriller which reminds one of a real rollercoaster ride - full of hairpin turns, sickening descents, and sudden accelerations. Jonathan Demme, who scored big with the blackest of mob film comedies, 1988's Married to the Mob has managed to transform the pages of the most terrifying novel ever written into an extraordinarily haunting film.
The story begins with Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an FBI agent in training who is sent to question Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for a profile on serial killers. Unbeknownst to Starling, she is actually the bait sent in to charm Lecter into helping the FBI nab the latest serial killer who's still on the loose.
Lecter, who's referred to as "Hannibal the Cannibal" since he relishes in eating his victims, is fascinated by the young, strong Clarice in an eerie charming sort of way.
By the time Clarice figures out she's being used as bait, it's too late for her to just walk away. She too is fascinated with Lecter's brilliant evil genius and is determined to track down the latest serial murderer in time to save his latest victim before it's too late. The serial killer has earned his title "Buffalo Bill" because he keeps his victims trapped in a pit before he skins them.
Lecter does provide Clarice with some vital information to help her catch "Buffalo Bill" in turn for some personal information of his own. He wants to know all about Clarice. Her family, her childhood memories, and what makes her control her rage.
Clarice's search for "Buffalo Bill" takes her on a personal journey into her past. She continues to be haunted of the time she spent on a relatives Montana farm when she was a little girl. She was awakened one night from a horrible screaming. It was the screaming of the lambs as they were being slaughtered.
Clarice confirms Lecter's belief that if she can save "Buffalo Bill's" latest victim in time she can stop the screaming of the lambs.
The relationship between Clarice and Lecter is so compelling that you want to see more of them. Their relationship is a struggle between good and evil. Foster, manages to deliver another excellent performance. Through most of the film, Foster expresses her feelings through her eyes. She doesn't need dialogue to let us know she's angry, frightened, or strong - it just shows in her face. This demonstrates the great skill of Jodie and proves once again what a chameleon she is with being able to change colors instantly.
Hopkins is riveting as the brilliant mastermind, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He manages to make you find him despicable yet you feel some sort of compassion for him at the same time. Hopkins, as Lecter is able to provide some much needed dark humor throughout the film and in the end has the last laugh.
I must tell you that my friend, Kristin who also saw the film is still in shock over it. She described her experience of seeing this film as flying in an airplane because you're so out of control. The movie literally straps you in your seat and doesn't let you go for a moment until the final credits are rolling.
Well, it's hard to match that description however, I cannot say enough good things about this film except go see it and it will be two of the most exhilarating hours you'll ever spend at the movies.
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