"You spook easily?"

Rating: 10/10 (4 December 2001)

It was one of those films that teenagers would have stayed up late to watch on a Friday night, and the school playground would be buzzing for weeks after! This film achieved that very easily. Other film's that achieved this was Basic Instinct, and Se7en.
From the moment the film is over, you NEED to see it again. Was it a dream? Was it a nightmare? Did what you just see happen, or was it your own imagination? That's how good this film is. It introduced us to Dr Hannibal Lecter, arguably the greatest screen villain ever. Who could forget those claustraphobic scenes between him and Clarice Starling? That frightening noise of his Liver slurping antics? And that eerie "Good evening Clarice".
It won all five 'major' Oscars, and deservedly so, even though it was realeased as early as February!
A gripping storyline, and performance's make this a must see film. Just as me and my teenage friends talked about this film many years ago, many of our discussions continue to this day. That's a sign of a good film. Psycho is another! The way the focus is thrown from Starling, played magnificently by Jodie Foster, to Hannibal Lecter, Anthony Hopkins (need I say more?!), and Buffalo Bill, a splendid Ted Levine. We are forced to observe their actions, be they honourable, horrible, or homicidal, these are the key factors that make this intense viewing.
Of course another stroke of genius is to have a woman as the hero, heroine. Starling, is a student at the FBI, so we feel for her as she tries to unravel the mystery of Buffalo Bill, and her encounters with Lecter. Never has there been such a strong overwhelming performance from a woman since Ellen Ripley graced our screens. Starling also has a past, all hero's usually do, and this serves as an underlying psychological issue in the film. It's also what interests Lecter. He is very fond of her.

Director Demme, never lets us and Starling forget that the world she occupies is mostly a 'man's world', and this makes us identify with her whether we're male or female. We WANT her to succeed. (PLOT SPOILER!) In a perverse way, we want Lecter to escape and succeed too, but the way in which he does so is shocking, very shocking. That scene where he discards the officer's face is gruesome, but neccessary to further Lecter's character.
A taughtly directed thriller/horror, this film delivers on all levels. From acting, to set and costume design. Hands up who thinks the dungeon setting for the Starling/Lecter conversations is very atmospheric and oppressing? And credit goes to whoever created that Lecter face mask - ingenious.
If you've been living in a cave for the last 10 years and haven't had a chance to check out this great classic. Don't hesitate in seeing it sometime soon. "You spook easily?" I hope so. Perfect 10. Enjoy.