Psychological Horror

Rating: 10/10 (22 October 1998)

"Silence of the Lambs" is horror at its best. While it lacks the stupidity of traditional slasher films, it possesses the intelligence to use the most adaptable medium for horror--the human mind. Hannibal Lector is brought to life powerfully by Anthony Hopkins in the role that has defined his career. Hannibal is scary because he is destructive, manipulative, sadistic and, above all, a cannibal. The horror that comes from his character is, despite all his "evil", he is likeable. Charming in an eerie way, all his evils are projected graphically onto the screen. Unlike other horror villains, Dr. Lector is distinctly human. We are all the more scared because he is real and believable. Many people truly think Hannibal Lector is a real person, a credit to Thomas Harris (for creating the character) and Anthony Hopkins (for bringing Dr. Lector to life). Dr. Lector again breaks the stereotype for modern horror villains because he actually helps our hero (Clarisse Starling) find the real killer. It is his words that lead Clarisse to the house of Buffalo Bill. "How do we first start to covet? We covet that which we see everyday." "Silence of the Lambs" isn't a pleasant film, but it is an unforgettable movie experience.