Well hello Oscar.

Rating: Null/10 (30 September 2010)

In Silence of the Lambs, just like Manhunter's plot (also based on a Thomas Harris novel) an FBI agent seeks help from the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lector to capture a psychopathic killer holding a girl captive.
Director Jonathan Demme's 1991 award winner was a smash hit that almost catapulted Hopkins into typecast hell. Ted Tally screenplay is excellent and the dialogue superb, however, surprisingly both Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins picked up best actor roles for their melodramatic performances.
Nevertheless, Hopkins commands every scene he's in but really isn't that creepy. Unexplainably, Ted Levine was not nominated for his role as Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb, which is simply psychotic and chilling. Scott Glenn given an understated performance and the supporting cast are familiar faces which include Anthony Heald as Dr. Frederick Chilton and Charles Napier. There's walk-ons by Roger Corman, George A. Romero and singer Chris Isaak!
Demme won best picture for this solid thriller, the scenes lighting and sets are fantastic, including Lectors cell, temporary holding and Bill's House. The locations are distinct and some credit must go to Tak Fujimoto's photography for this. The final reel is amazing thanks to Craig McKay's slick editing coupled with tension of Howard Shore's score.
To Silence's credit it sets the foundation for Hannibal and Red Dragon. It is indeed a solid crime yarn but is overrated and lacks the sophistication of it's sequel and prequel.