Great, tense thriller

Rating: 9/10 (28 March 2016)

Great, tense thriller.
An FBI agent-in-training, Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) is given an assignment to interview infamous serial killer, Dr Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). He has been imprisoned in a mental hospital/prison for the last eight years. The reason to seek out Dr Lecter is that another serial killer, "Buffalo Bill" has killed and skinned five woman and the FBI feels Dr Lecter might have some insights into who he is. Then Buffalo Bill kidnaps a Senator's daughter and finding him becomes even more urgent.
Great psychological drama. Plot is fine, though one or two developments felt a bit contrived. As much a character-driven drama as a plot- driven one, as we have a battle of wits between Lecter, Starling, a psychiatrist and Buffalo Bill and individual personalities play a part in the outcome.
As the movie progresses the tension is ratcheted up well by director Jonathan Demme. The last few scenes are incredibly tense and claustrophobic.
Great work by Anthony Hopkins as Lecter. Well deserved his Best Actor Oscar. Jodie Foster is solid as Starling and also got an Oscar for her efforts. Decent supporting cast too.