Hungry?

Rating: Null/10 (6 August 1999)

Where can I start. No doubt 90% of people who bother to read this will have seen the film and are wondering peoples' opinions on it. I for one can use the old cliche - the book is better. Hannibal Lecter's demented form of intelligence and Starling's vulnerability make it more of an interesting way to spend time than watching the movie. Lecter's character still far outshines that of Buffalo Bill who despite killing 6 people had all the edge of a butter knife and came across more as a violent Lily Savage wannabe. Harris' novel also expands upon Jack Crawford's role and his character is far more interesting than the celluloid character. These slight characterisation gripes aside, 'Silence...' is still an enjoyable, tense and at times brilliant film but for my money has to take a runner up spot to the less glossy and in my view more menacing take on the theme, 'Se7en' as the definitive serial killer thriller of the 90's. Having seen many a TV movie on the subject though, I still hand 'Silence...' and generous 8/10 due to its intelligent structure and clever direction.