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The Silence of the Lambs film image; close on man's grim face

The Silence of the Lambs

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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

Director

Jonathan Demme

Cast

Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Ted Levine

Credits
Country of Origin

USA

Year

1991

Language

English

Awards

Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay

19+
118 min

Book Tickets

Saturday June 27

7:30 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
Book Now

Tuesday June 30

6:30 pm
Hearing Assistance
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Credits

Screenwriter

Ted Tally

Cinematography

Tak Fujimoto

Editor

Craig McKay

Original Music

Howard Shore

Production Design

Kristi Zea

Art Director

Tim Galvin

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