Taut, Tight and Thrilling

Rating: Null/10 (19 January 2009)

Jodie Foster shines in this movie about a young FBI agent who, although is being used by her own department to extract information from a brilliant serial killer who is in jailed, manages to find the killer in a recent string of murders.
Foster has been an honest actress from her very first appearance in Taxi Driver. Some have criticized her for being stiff in that movie, but I always saw it as pure honesty. She proved herself over and over again with many roles where 'truth" was the operative word. In Silence Of The Lambs, Foster's nuances in her acting are phenomenal.
Anthony Hopkins, the consummate actor, again displays great restraint in his depiction of the jailed serial killer. He is menacing in his calm demeanor. Great to watch.
Jonathan Demme again proves that he should be more appreciated in Hollywood. Hs direction is perfect and his tempo is just right as he thrills us with each twist and turn.
The excellent screenplay by Ted Tally based on the novel by Thomas Harris is tight and real. Tally not only writes great scenes, like the first meeting between Foster and Hopkins, but great dialog as well.