Excellent, suspenseful adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2001)

I am continually disappointed seeing movie adaptations of books I've loved to read. This is one of the few times I felt differently! Jonathan Demme's adaptation of Thomas Harris' Silence of the Lambs is quite literally the most suspenseful, perfectly cast, exceptionally scored thriller in years. Kudos are due largely to the extraordinary performance of Sir Anthony Hopkins. (To be truthful, even hearing him narrate this year's Grinch movie gave me the willies - imagine Hannibal Lecter in Whooville!?!). Hopkins is delicious in his portrayal of the imprisoned doctor and Jody Foster's Clarice Starling is the perfect blend of intellect and innocence. Both the tension and their rapport is instant and the sequel "Hannibal" will sorely miss this - Clarice will be played by actress Julianne Moore. The screenplay was so true to the novel ( - agreed - condensed as required - but true none the less). My only complaint is the casting of Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford. Unfortunately Glenn seemed a little too 'spit and polished' and a little less haggard (remember in the book he had nursed his terminally ill wife as well as made finding Lecter a crusade). A more world-worn Nick Nolte may have satisfied my appetite better (no Hannibal pun intended). This is one of my top 10 favorite films and a definite "must see" for suspense/thriller fans.