The Silence of the Lambs

Young FBI agent Clarice Starling is assigned to help find a missing woman to
save her from a psychopathic serial killer who skins his victims. Clarice
attempts to gain a better insight into the twisted mind of the killer by talking
to another psychopath Hannibal Lecter, who used to be a respected
psychiatrist. FBI agent Jack Crawford believes that Lecter who is also a very
powerful and clever mind manipulator have the answers to their questions to
help locate the killer. Clarice must first try and gain Lecter's confidence
before he is to give away any information.

“Silence of the Lambs” is known as one of the best thriller/horror movies of all
time, it earned 5 Oscars at the time of release. It was embraced by the
Academy in a way no other horror film ever had been before. The movie is so
popular even if you haven’t watched it you will still know something about it. The
story is based on the second book in Thomas Harris’ series of novels about the
legendary Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), this time he’s called into service
when the FBI sends in their ambitious young Agent Sterling (Jodie Foster) to
manipulate the imprisoned Lecter into helping them to catch a serial killer,
Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). Slowly being drawn into Lecter’s mind, Clarice must
tread into dangerous psychological territory if she is to catch Buffalo Bill before
he claims yet another victim.

What I enjoy about “Silence of the Lambs” is that it’s story is so thematically
rich. The chemistry between Lecter and Clarice is at times fascinating. To catch
a killer she has to give up the one thing she fears the most – Control. Letting
Lecter into her mind, watching him unravel her deepest secrets and fears is
engaging. Anthony Hopkins is simply Hannibal Lecter – it’s impossible for any
other actor to match his performance. Foster Is also perfect for the role – Her
determination, intelligence and fierce nobility is absolutely perfect for the role.
Jonathan Demme also did an incredible job as the director, it would be hard to
find a better performance over the past couple of decades (His use of camera
close-ups is also very effective).