Brilliant and fascinating

Rating: 10/10 (1 August 1999)

I have to say that The Silence of the Lambs ranks as one of the best thrillers of the decade.
Anthony Hopkins portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is nothing short of remarkable. The first scene where we see him is beautifully done. His voice is utterly chilling and he seduces you into liking him, a difficult task. Jodie Foster also gives a great performance as Clarice Starling, sent to interview Lecter in the hopes that it will lead to the capture of Buffalo Bill. Their four scenes together are nothing short of magnificent. The tension that appears is real, and we feel it. Jonathan Demme is a director whom I have never really admired. Now, I can say that I do, and this movie is a masterpiece of direction. Especially the climax. He also directs the final confrontation scene between Hopkins and Foster very well. It plays out a perverse parody of a love scene, and there is a lot of sexual tension (especially when he strokes her finger at the end of it).
Simply stated, a great movie experience, and worthy of it's place on the AFI list.