A magnificent Classic of cinema!

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 2007)

I have always been interested in serial killers. How exactly they go through the process of killing their victim etc. Well, this serial killer ridden dramatic masterpiece was a very interesting attempt to tell of the subject.
The story has potential. Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee is sent by her boss, Jack Crawford, to Dr. Hannibal Lector. A former psychiatrist who murdered many people, eating them shortly after. Lector is held in an asylum in Baltimore Maryland, where he is dealt with very carefully. Lector's brilliance and genius are renowned and he is very dangerous, even behind bars. It will be a real advancement into the field of forensic science to be able to unlock Lector's mind. And a huge career advancement for Starling, but when she actually meets Hannibal, he attacks her mind with his strange workings and is only semi-cooperative. At the same time, another serial killer, Nicknamed 'Buffalo Bill' is on the loose who kills women to cut off parts of their skin. Starling takes it upon herself to get information from the reluctant Lector who directly knows the answer to the case, but he reveals it in hints, thus Starling must interpret them before Bill kills his next victim, who is being starved for several days in order for her skin to loosen up.
First of all, I would like to say that this movie's photographic quality is like someone trying to curl a barbell that is barely too heavy for them. The weight is almost lifted, but just can't be. The photography is weighed down from an acceptable quality.
This movie is overall very well directed however, the lighting is perfect, and the other artistic elements run together very well. The sets are well constructed, the score fits flawlessly, and the story is handled in a gritty, disturbing manner. The entire production is just amazingly well done, and has a very strong atmosphere.
But Hopkins really makes this movie. I don't see why everyone thinks that Foster gave such a great performance. As Lectr, he is sophisticated, yet quite psychopathic at the same time. His performance really makes this movie. Also worth mentioning is Anthony Heald as Dr. Chilton who runs the asylum Lector is in. He brings a vanity and villainy to the role that contrasts well with Hopkins's demeanor.
So overall, Silence of the lambs was a very entertaining and compelling drama. I fail to see any flaws except for a bad performance by Scott Glen as Jack Crawford. Silnce of the Lambs will be remembered as one of the better films of the 1990s