

Yet whether you view The Silence of the Lambs as a searing drama with social and psychological overtones or merely an edge-of-the-seat popcorn thriller, its standing as a timeless classic cannot be questioned. Similarly, Buffalo Bill was labeled a freak 25 years ago, but today we possess a greater understanding of his gender identification problems, which adds more texture to his tortured character. Clarice’s struggles to infiltrate the male-dominated FBI culture, win the respect of her peers, finesse unwanted advances, and match wits with a master manipulator who preys upon her deep-seeded insecurities like a hungry vulture resonate more strongly in light of recent events, and as a result, her ultimate triumph earns even more ardent admiration. Yet the thrilling plot gains additional power and relevance when viewed today, thanks to the current spotlight on sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse and an increased awareness of transgender issues.
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The tale of Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a rising ”star” at the FBI Academy who’s tapped by senior agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) to pick the diabolical brain of notorious murderer Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in a desperate attempt to catch fellow serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) before he strikes again, is well known.

It may be scary and disturbing, but its dazzling style, layered narrative, and complex underlying themes temper the horror and transform a straightforward detective yarn about a frantic hunt for a serial killer into a richly textured journey into the dark recesses of the human psyche. Always riveting and endlessly fascinating no matter how many times you see it, Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’ acclaimed novel is a true work of cinematic art and that rare motion picture that combines expert storytelling with superior craftsmanship in every category. The Silence of the Lambs earned that distinction not because of its grisly subject matter, which includes murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism, but because of its brilliant direction, searing performances, and substantive script. To date, how many horror movies have ever won the Best Picture Oscar? Just one.
