Outstanding Thriller, Great Performances

Rating: 9/10 (3 October 2006)

"The Silence of the Lambs" is probably the best thriller in the last 20 years and one of the best ever.
Clarice Starling (Jody Foster)is in her last year at the FBI training academy. Confident in his conditions Senior agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) assigns her to the case of a young girl's serial killer. What Crawford expects is Starling to contact brilliant psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), imprisoned for life and to have him help in the case as a profound expert in psychopatic behaviors and profiles (he is in jail for being a perfect example of both). From then on and simultaneously with the investigation, the film deals with the bizarre relationship between the intelligent and ambitious Starling and the convicted brutal assassin. Somehow both of them get to respect each other's bright personalities and feel a sick mutual attraction.
A very original story, an excellent script, a flawless atmosphere, an adequate musical score and a perfect casting are skillfully handled by director Jonathan Demme to obtain an extraordinary film in its genre. The final sequences keep the rest of the movie's high level unlike so many thrillers that have interesting plots but loose impact in the end.
Oscars for Hopkins and Foster where awarded for their performances in this picture and they sure deserve them.
Don't waste time with the sequels; once you have been in Paris postcards will not satisfy you.