Inspirational - in a good way

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2005)

This is the movie that inspired me to become a filmmaker. It is absolutely brilliant on so many levels and so entertaining. So many films since have tried to copy its creepiness or its gore or its psychology, but none have found the right balance. If I could ever make a film half as good as one minor scene in this movie, I would be complete. The whole movie is a strange combination of subtlty and over-the-top theatrics. At first it seems like a common thriller (ready for late night HBO), then it takes a strange turn when Lecter begins his self-indulgent question and answer session with Starling. From that point on, it's one symbol, event, and spectacle after another. Everyone definitely needs to look for all the "I'm just a little girl trapped in a world of men" - thing that happens with Starling. She is constantly the only woman in a room. Men are constantly oggling her. What was Demme trying to say? Hm? I think the Academy Awards speak for themselves.