The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest films ever made. It’s quite amazing how much the film works in every aspect. It’s a film that I think could be recommended to anyone and they would enjoy it. The Shawshank Redemption is another example of that.
I remember when I first watched the film years ago. I liked it but I didn’t love it. I did think it was unsettling. I recently watched it again and it really grew on me. I was blown away from the perfect quality.
I love the story. The idea that an FBI Trainee is sent to seek help from a cannibal serial killer to in order to catch another serial killer is so fascinating. The dialogue scenes between Clarice and Lecter are the best scenes in the film. Their chemistry is some of the best in cinematic history.
Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter is one of the greatest performances of all time. He is so goddamn good in this film. He has a presence that lingers throughout this entire film. He’s utterly terrifying. He’s only in the film for 16 minutes and that blows my fucking mind. He won an Oscar for his performance and he deserved it.
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling is also fantastic. Clarice is an awesome protagonist. She has a goal and has to go through series trials to succeed. She has weaknesses and overcomes them. She’s a prime example of a great female protagonist. She’s well played by Foster and has good writing to back her up. Foster also deserved to win an Oscar for her performance.
The direction by Jonathan Demme is phenomenal. The way he shoots closeups in this film should be studied. This film is 90% closeups but they really elevate this film into a whole other level. His direction is subtle but it really works well for the story. He deserved to win his Oscar too. The script by Ted Tally is so perfect. The dialogue is tense and just perfect. I like how the film doesn't have an unnecessary scene. He also deserved his Oscar win.
Ted Levine deserves a shoutout for his courageous performance. He is riveting and horrifying. What a brilliant performance!
This film won the big five wins at the Oscars. Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay. The Academy got it right for once. Only three films have won the big 5: The Silence of the Lambs, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and It Happened One Night. I think it’s awesome that a horror film won Best Picture. It’s one of my favorite best picture winners.
Yes, this is a horror film. I hate how it’s labeled as a thriller when it’s horror. There are some really disturbing scenes in this. The dialogue is well written but it has some creepy moments. Like when Dr. Chilton shows Clarice a photo of Lecter’s nurse victim with the red lighting. We don’t see the picture but Chilton’s words and Clarice’s reaction is enough.
Never has a film work so perfectly. Every aspect is top notch. The acting, the script, shot compositions, music work so well together. It’s one of the greatest films of all time.
