Director(s): Jonathan Demme

Writer(s): Thomas Harris, Ted Tally

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Ted Levine, Scott Glenn, and Frankie Faison

Synopsis: When the FBI has run out leads on the trail of a killer, they enlist the aid of a young rookie agent to interview one of the worlds most brutal murders, Hannibal Lecter.  As a result, Clarice Starling embarks upon a journey filled of mystery and suspense, and must look inside her self before she falls prey to either murderer, either physically or mentally.

My Review: Basically an almost perfect film. 

The films production, while incredibly executed, is simply presented to only add to the uniqueness of this solid film.  It keeps things simple, but there is always the undercurrent of tension through the use of lighting and camera techniques that makes the film what it is: shocking bold and incredibly honest.

Foster and Hopkins chemistry is stronger than almost anything that you will ever see in a conventional movie, and they bring their characters to life.  Both one Oscar's for the film, and you can see why.  From the very moment you see Agent Starling, you feel as if she is a friend.  As the mystery unfold, your care for her plight only increases.  Hopkins breathes life into the maniacal Lecter with precision, and he does something almost unheard of from a character such as Lecter, you begin to like him.

The film, though some might call it slow moving, is a movie that you cannot help but keep your eyes focused to.  Everything in the movie has its purpose, and not a thing should be deleted from it.  It is very much a character driven piece that pulls no punches in its story or excellence.

The latest DVD incarnation of the film features much of the same features that the impressive Criterion release did, but it does boost an improved transfer and provides a clear view of things that you see*and that you don't.  If you can locate the Criterion release, it features a commentary with the director and with its stars.