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The Silence of the Lambs

R Released Feb 13, 1991 1h 59m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama List
95% Tomatometer 153 Reviews 95% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings
Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out. Read More Read Less
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The Silence of the Lambs

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Director Jonathan Demme's smart, taut thriller teeters on the edge between psychological study and all-out horror, and benefits greatly from stellar performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Times (UK) The crux of this excellent thriller is the battle of intellect and wills between them [Clarice Starling and Dr Hannibal Lecter]. Aug 2, 2023 Full Review Jay Scott Globe and Mail A failure that is a function of its success. Dec 7, 2022 Full Review Kathy Huffhines Detroit Free Press Throughout the movie, Demme gets across more terror than a dozen Friday the 13ths by showing not the horrifying thing itself but the faces of people looking at horror. Rated: 8/10 Mar 23, 2022 Full Review Mark Johnson Awards Daily Suspenseful and shrewd, Hopkins’ Lecter is one of the most fascinating villains in film (despite less than 20 min of screen time). In spite of his contemptible reproach and steely demeanor, there’s just something about Lecter that makes us root for him. Jun 8, 2023 Full Review Terry Francis Southern Voice (Atlanta) Most books, plays or films never give us even this much. Yet The Silence of the Lambs gives us so much that it's a shame the film doesn't find ways to deepen its concentration on the colossal aberrance of the minds of its complementary terrors. May 9, 2023 Full Review Erick Estrada Cinegarage The transformation between the two protagonists is truly outstanding. [Full review in Spanish] Apr 12, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Michael C Not a single lamb. Would not recommend this movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/24 Full Review Narciso R Don't think that this was a great movie, Jay and silent Bob disagree. NRJ. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/25/24 Full Review Cork B Generally horror/gore/procedurals are not my bag, but Hopkins is one of the creepiest bad guys of all time. Most of the creepiness is conveyed only through dialogue. Foster does a great job as his foil. Truly a classic of its genera. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/23/24 Full Review Elijah R It should really go without saying by this point, but The Silence of the Lambs is a haunting, powerful thriller supported by excellent performances by its main characters. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/19/24 Full Review Jason D The Silence of the Lambs: A Journey to Discover Power. Most people would agree that "The Silence of the Lambs" is a psychological thriller. But is it simply a creepy cat-and-mouse story or does it contain deeper messages? "The Silence of the Lambs" revolves around Clarice Starling, a young FBI intern, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibal serial killer. Clarice's mission is to interview Dr. Lecter to find clues about Buffalo Bill, another serial killer. From there, a complex relationship is born between these two people, mixed with manipulation, fear, and mutual respect. Dr. Lecter, despite being imprisoned, always tries to manipulate and control Clarice through interviews with her. Throughout the film, Clarice's mission to capture Buffalo Bill forces her to confront her past and her own insecurities. Clarice's journey is not only about catching the killer but also about facing her fears and trauma. When “The Silence of the Lambs” debuted, it captivated audiences with its tense atmosphere and suspenseful story. However, underneath these elements, "Silence of the Lambs" is a story about the transformation and growth of the soul. Clarice's past is one of trauma, symbolized by the screams of the sheep she was unable to save as a child. This trauma motivates her to save Buffalo Bill's latest victim, hoping to silence the screams of the lambs in her mind. The film suggests that facing and confronting one's traumas is essential for spiritual growth and healing. The scenes between Clarice and Lecter are pivotal in this respect. Lecter's probing questions force Clarice to face her deepest fears and insecurities. In one of the film's most memorable exchanges, Clarice reveals her childhood traumas with Lecter. (The screams of the sheep she couldn't save as a child.) This exchange symbolizes her willingness to face her past head-on. This moment marks a turning point in her journey, highlighting the film's message of overcoming fear through self-awareness and determination. By opening up to Lecter, Clarice gains the insight needed to track down Buffalo Bill. Clarice's journey isn't just about catching a killer, it's also about her growth and her struggle to silence the flock. It is a journey of self-healing. "The Silence of the Lambs" is not only a scary horror film, it is also a journey of discovery about the human condition. "The Silence of the Lambs" conveys a profound message about self-discovery. Through Clarice Starling's journey, the film pushes us to confront our inner demons and realize the power within each person. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/09/24 Full Review Jason B Why are you reading this? Go watch it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/06/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Silence of the Lambs

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Cast & Crew

The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - It Rubs the Lotion The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - It Rubs the Lotion 1:44 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Screaming Lambs The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Screaming Lambs 2:13 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Buffalo Bill The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Buffalo Bill 2:50 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Quid Pro Quo The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Quid Pro Quo 2:07 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Love Your Suit The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Love Your Suit 2:06 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - What Does He Do, This Man You Seek? The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - What Does He Do, This Man You Seek? 2:10 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Pitch Black The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Pitch Black 2:13 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Closer! The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Closer! 2:09 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti 2:00 The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - You Ate Yours The Silence of the Lambs: Official Clip - You Ate Yours 1:39 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out.
Director
Jonathan Demme
Producer
Ronald M. Bozman, Edward Saxon, Kenneth Utt
Screenwriter
Thomas Harris, Ted Tally
Distributor
Orion Pictures
Production Co
Orion Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 13, 1991, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 27, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$130.7M
Runtime
1h 59m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby SR, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.66:1)
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