Hannibal Lecter's America

Rating: 10/10 (6 August 2003)

The subtext of Silence of the Lambs is phenomenal considering it is the work of Jonathan Demme. He is not a creative person, but it is a blessing that this movie lacks any subtle directorial touches. The focus is on the actors, not the circumstances. This is evident in Howard Shore's score, a mix of the conventional horror movie and the old school thriller. It is not particularly pompous, but it doesn't need to be.
Jodie Foster attempts to be deep, if it weren't for Demme's camera she would be nothing more than a decoration. Her accent is just a distraction from her actions, by golly I hated it.
Anthony Hopkins is the dominant feature of the entire film. More than him, it is his character. Hannibal is certainly one of the 10 deepest characters ever created for film, he has superseded Hopkins himself. Notice how the camera loves Hannibal and he loves it back. Hopkins will never be better despite recent efforts to eclipse his role. Hollywood has tried cashing in on Hannibal Lecter's persona, but never understanding the context enough. Gore doesn't substitute for script.
The final parody, of course, is the way Demme presents America as either a victim or something hidden in a closet. The apparition never gets to see the light of day because it is constantly being snuffed out at night by the forces of evil. Maybe he was being prophetic in his primitive mind.
Given the documentary style of the film, it is interesting how much attention is given to Jame Gumb. Had he been absent more often, I'm certain it would've helped the suspense, but one must wonder ahead of time where the story is going. We can guess what Clarice is going to do ahead of time, but what about Hannibal? That is the fault of the editors, but Silence of the Lambs is certainly better edited than Batman or Empire of the Sun. It is gruesome, not for titillation in the fashion of Friday the 13th. Rather, it is present for the sense of realism. Might I add that this is one of the most disturbingly dark movies ever made.
Overall, a well-deserving winner of Best Picture (for once I agree with the accursed Academy of fools) that stands out in its genre. Horror will never be the same. I would have preferred if Foster didn't have that nagging accent, but that's a small price to pay for a lack of a message in the film. Geometrically superior to its so-called 'sequels'. 4.5 out of 5 stars.