Halloween 2021 Review #14 – ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
The Silence of the Lambs is the next movie on our October challenge. After spending a week with Michael Myers, my attention turns to Hannibal Lecter. So, I’m going from one murderous stalker to a soft-spoken psychiatrist who loves to eat people.
Aren’t horror movies wonderful?
The Silence of the Lambs stars the incomparable Sir Anthony Hopkins and the brilliant Jodie Foster. They’re joined by Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, and Brooke Smith. It’s a cast without a single weak link.
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 adaptation of the book of the same name by Thomas Harris. It follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an FBI agent in training who’s sent to interview Hannibal Lecter (Sir Anthony Hopkins). However, she soon finds out she’s actually there for his help.
Using his expertise, Hannibal aids Clarice in finding the killer known as Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). It’s an interesting idea that has been replicated many times since, but never as good.
Unlike the other movies I’ve watched recently, this one isn’t afraid to use its idea to the fullest. There are moments I question how far it goes, but it makes sense for the story.
For all the good The Silence of the Lambs has, it’s the acting that stands out. The two-handers between Clarice and Hannibal are creepy but portray a kinship. Moreover, Sir Anthony Hopkins chilling performance as Hannibal is strange.
But in a good way.
Hannibal Lecter is evil – there’s no doubt about it – but whenever he’s on-screen, you can’t help but want more. It’s down to the performance drawing you in and forcing you to keep watching. There’s a reason his portrayal won him Best Actor at the 1992 Oscars.
The same goes for Jodie Foster. She shifts between Clarice’s vulnerability and headstrong attitude like a chameleon. The characterisation for Clarice is brilliant: she’s smart, she learns from her mistakes and she’s not afraid to lay her soul bare.
But, characterisation only goes so far. Through Jodie Foster, Clarice is born. She’ll have you rooting for her from the moment she comes onscreen until the very last second. Again, it doesn’t surprise me she won the Best Actress Oscar for the role.
The Silence of the Lambs is an interesting movie with a gripping story, powerful acting and some moments that don’t sit as well through a modern lens. But, for its time, it gives one of the strongest female characters in cinema.
