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RETROSPECTIVE
The Silence of
the Lambs
Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
Directed By: Jonathan Demme
Produced By: Edward Saxton, Kenneth Utt
Written By: Ted Tally
Distributed By: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
The haunting visuals in The Silence of the Lambs are some of
the most memorable of all-time. I have watched, studied, and respected
it as a cinematic masterpiece for quite some time. Showcasing raw talent
at its very best, this adaptation of the chilling Thomas Harris novel
could very well be the best film ever made. “Hannibal
the Cannibal” is one of my favorite characters on film, and actor
Anthony Hopkins captures him in a performance guaranteed to draw
nightmares, of terrifyingly bold wit. Jodie Foster, who is my favorite
actress, should be worshipped for her memorably monumental performance
as the young F.B.I agent, Clarice Starling. The Silence of the Lambs
is a pitch perfect film, exhibiting timeless material. With the
unfortunate mishap of a terrible sequel, this true classic isn’t as
highly acknowledged as it should be. Jonathan Demme’s beautiful
concoction of evil, love, and inner-beauty is a brilliantly stirring
picture. It is truly stunning.
Our first look at “Hannibal
the Cannibal” is priceless, and terrifying. In a small cell, behind a
glass wall sits Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins. He is a
short fellow, in tightly worn prison clothes. Stocky and thin, you
wouldn’t think that Lecter would be such an evil villain. But, one look
at the expressional face of Anthony Hopkins leads us to believe that he
is mad, at first sight. A vicious cannibal, insane in the head,
Hannibal
is, in a word, frightening. To accompany this inhumane face, however, is
true love and compassion. Inside Lecter there is a caring individual,
released through his sadness and wanting. He doesn’t share this kindness
for his average victim, obviously. This sensitivity is released on
certain people. Living in a cell for quite some time, and prepared to
stay there for life, we don’t see much of this side of the cannibal.
But, when a pretty, young F.B.I Agent, by the name of Clarice Starling
(Jodie Foster) walks down the long row of cells which lead to the
permanent home of Dr. Lecter, everything changes.
Agent Starling was sent to interview Dr. Lecter, to help the F.B.I.
with another investigation.
Hannibal
wouldn’t talk to any regular agent, but with her good looks and young
charm, Clarice was their last attempt to gather some good information.
The F.B.I. needs his help to catch another serial killer, Buffalo Bill
(Ted Levine). They turned to Lecter because of his mentality, and the
fact that he could think exactly like a killer, for he was one himself.
Hannibal
opens up to Clarice, and the two basically fall in love over time. But,
more importantly, the rookie F.B.I. agent must track down this killer on
the loose. Buffalo Bill, or “Billy,” as
Hannibal
calls him skins women and makes clothing out of their dead flesh. After
starving his victims, and placing moths in their throats, he begins this
process. A truly insane transvestite, Bill is also an incredibly jarring
character. Despite the gory concepts dealt with in The Silence of the
Lambs, mostly all of the horrific material is brought to the picture
psychologically. It has a few graphic moments, but these only contribute
to its effectiveness.
All of the technicalities of the film are as artful as the
magnificent performances. Jonathan Demme’s direction is perfectly done,
and the camera work is some of the best I have ever seen in my life. The
intricate shots, carefully positioned, from the beginning until the end,
are intrepidly mystical. The final showdown is the best of any scene,
and the excellent direction that it contains, is made evident. Tak
Fujimoto’s cinematography is also to thank for this, in its inspiring
beauty. The film editing, by Craig McKay, is most triumphantly done, and
was robbed of an Oscar. The original score is fabulously done by master,
Howard
Shore.
It brings the right tempo to all of the occurrences, which are well lit
by all of the enchanting aspects of this film. In its dazzling self,
The Silence of the Lambs has everything a good film should offer,
and more. I can constantly rave about its extremely unappealing story,
made appealing, by fantastic talent.
In the very heart of this film there is purity; undeniably rich. It
will remain one of my favorites, if not my absolute favorite, for a long
time. My dear friend Cami stated this, and it really sums up the entire
movie: “As many times as I watch it, the less I understand it. It’s just
that complex.” The Silence of the Lambs is that good.
-Danny Baldwin, Bucket Reviews
