"You Spook Easily, Starling?!"...

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2019)

Watching THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS again, after many years, it's evident just how much of a classic it truly is. The influence of this film on a generation of horror / thriller / suspense movies is obvious, as well as it's direct effect on TV shows, especially THE X-FILES. Perhaps taken for granted now, the stark realism / unflinching, boundary-breaking terror of TSOTL was unprecedented in any mainstream, American film of its era. In addition, the depth of the characters and intricacies of the plot raised this movie far above the usual, police procedural fare. Of course, today, Jodie Foster's FBI Agent Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins' unpredictable madman, Hannibal Lecter are well-known, but in 1991 they made jaws drop to the floor w/ their intense game of psychological chess. Starling and Lecter's symbiotic relationship was the heart, soul, mind, and strength of the film. Nothing like it had ever been seen or heard in any movie of its kind! Transcending its genre, this movie is a milestone which holds up incredibly well. Mesmerizing from start to finish, with so many brilliant twists and an unforgettable conclusion / epilogue. It jars and jolts without pandering. Bon appetit...