The best modern thriller there is.

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2001)

**** = A masterpiece to be recorded in the books and never forgotten
***1/2 = A classic in time; simply a must see
*** = A solid, worth-while, very entertaining piece
**1/2 = A good movie, but there are some uneven elements or noticeable flaws
** = May still be considered good in areas, but this work has either serious issues or is restrained by inevitable elements deemed inescapable (e.g., genre)
*1/2 = Mostly a heap of nothing sparked by mildly worthwhile moments
BOMB = Not of a viewable quality

The Silence of the Lambs = ****

Rated "R" (for grisly, graphic images, language, and some nudity)

When I hear people talk about this film, it seems like it is some sort of horror movie with excessive, extreme gore. It really agitates me because in fact this is almost the opposite of the truth. "THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS" is not a horror, but an intense drama - a thriller. There is violence only when necessary or to accentuate a particular scene. However, it is the manner in which the film is presented that intensifies the plot. It is a mature drama.
All scenes are grim and eerie; director Demme is to blame for all the bold, creepy images and camera work. But still, "SILENCE" retains something more than just a creep-fest: the plot is as tight as a rope holding a two ton piano, and the dialogue is crisp and sophisticated. Howard Shore's haunting score is equally as jarring.
In short, this film rings truth and still manages to creep. I wouldn't say "scare," although I'm sure some would. It's just a well-produced drama, as I say, brought up to the next level. And it's very good.