First principles - Simplicity

Rating: 10/10 (4 December 2006)

The brilliance of this novel/film truly lies in simplicity. Simplicity in deflecting. The plot itself is actually very simple: The FBI is on the hunt for the latest serial Killer Buffalo Bill and sends a trainee to gather information from the most valuable prisoner the Bureau possesses-Dr Lecter. Up until this point pretty simple, but this is the point where the magic begins, because from now on, although incarcerated, the cannibal Lecter, will orchestrate the whole show to suit his purpose - escaping, but also indulging in a deadly sharp mind-game with Clarice. I was watching the movie again some days ago, and somebody raised the question: how did Lecter get Dr. Chilton's pen, in his cell, while he was in a straight jacket? The brilliance lay in the fact that they never show us. It remains a mystery. Maybe a hint lay in the horrific image of the hanged angel, skinned policeman. Why do that, if not to distract from the simple yet cunning escape plan? After multiple viewings you will notice that Lecter runs the whole show, and Clarice, like all others involved are just subjects on Dr. Lecter's couch, but watching this movie 15 years later, knowing the outcome and every little trick, one must marvel at it's brilliance and style in using smoke and mirrors.