The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) gives FBI serial killer hunter Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) pointers from his maximum security asylum cell. But is he trying to help the investigation, or is this some kind of sinister seduction?

“You don’t want Hannibal Lecter inside your head,” someone tells Clarice. Good luck with that. Fair to say that Jonathan Demme’s film of the Thomas Harris best seller was the most culturally pervasive psycho killer movie since, well, since Psycho. It’s a genuinely creepy, skin crawling suspense film, despite minimal on screen blood. Hopkins plays Hannibal with stillness and poise. But it’s the novelty of seeing the diminutive Foster in the role of the FBI agent which really makes it stand out. As Foster remarked when she picked up her second Academy Award for Best Actress, Clarice is “a strong and beautiful feminist hero.”

This 1991 classic is part of our monthly Premium Pick series, in which VIFF Premium members nominate a favourite film to share with our audience. This title was suggested by Blake Boyko. Thank you Blake!

Staff Pick: Ruthie

The popularity of Jonathan Demme’s movie is likely to last as long as there is a market for being scared.

Roger Ebert

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