The Silence of the Lambs

Orion Pictures Corporation | Release Date: February 13, 1991

8.8	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 857 Ratings

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AJ_13Jan 11, 2021

Really good psichological thriller, being the acting its greatest strengh. Anthony Hopkins' performance is one of the best ever, even though he doesnt have much screen time.

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Zac03Aug 8, 2021

All creative hands are at the top of their form in “The Silence of the Lambs,” a mesmerizing thriller that will grip audiences from first scene to last and generate solid B.O.

Skillful adaptation of Thomas Harris’ bestseller intelligentlyAll creative hands are at the top of their form in “The Silence of the Lambs,” a mesmerizing thriller that will grip audiences from first scene to last and generate solid B.O.

Skillful adaptation of Thomas Harris’ bestseller intelligently wallows in the fascination for aberrant psychology and perverse evil, delivering the goods in a way that should electrify critics and mainstream audiences.

There is not a false note nor an extraneous moment as he establishes a vise-like hold almost immediately and doesn’t let up even through the chilling final shot. In the second half of “Something Wild,” Demme demonstrated a marked talent for rough suspense, something he sustains for two hours here.

In a strong performance, Foster fully registers the inner strength her character must summon up to meet the challenges and occasional humiliations her tough assignment entails.

Cast against type as a reserved man in glasses and a suit, Scott Glenn is a very agreeable surprise as the FBI agent who takes a chance by putting his young charge on the case.

The juiciest part is Hopkins,’ and he makes the most of it. Helped by some highly dramatic lighting, actor makes the role the personification of brilliant, hypnotic evil, and the screen jolts with electricity whenever he is on. This is, without doubt, his most effective film appearance to date.

From the huge hall in which Lecter is eerily caged at one point to the dingy rooms of Buffalo Bill’s house, Kristi Zea’s production design is critical to the picture’s mood. Editor Craig McKay keeps doesn’t let a frame stay on too long, and Howard Shore’s rather traditional score outstandingly amplifies the tension and psychological mystery.… Expand

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ChrisFarnworthJul 17, 2012

I thought I would watch this movie throughout the day as the trailer made it looked like it would scare the hell out of me however this movie was much more creepy than scary. Obviously Anthony Hopkins stole the show as Hannibal, it wasI thought I would watch this movie throughout the day as the trailer made it looked like it would scare the hell out of me however this movie was much more creepy than scary. Obviously Anthony Hopkins stole the show as Hannibal, it was strange as the movie went on I wanted him to escape. For me I preferred the scenes with Hannibal in to "Buffalo Bill" but Jodie Foster played a good Clarice Starling with excellent chemistry with Lecter. Overall I would give the movie 7/10 but as it was realised in 1991 I can understand why it… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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LoRevisorJan 29, 2015

Um pouco SuperEstimado,claro a história é interessante Serial-Killer esse tema me fascina,mas como filme de Serial-Killer é muito fraco,contém excelentes cenas como a de Hannibal fugindo da cela e prisão devorando todos ao redor,mas tambémUm pouco SuperEstimado,claro a história é interessante Serial-Killer esse tema me fascina,mas como filme de Serial-Killer é muito fraco,contém excelentes cenas como a de Hannibal fugindo da cela e prisão devorando todos ao redor,mas também tem cenas no máximo bestas quase todas em que Bufallo Bill aparece.
Mas é cheio de atuações classe A,da gostosa branquinha Jodie Foster,Anthony Hopkins e Ted Levine.Mas continua sendo um filme ultra SuperEstimado.… Expand

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Meth-dudeJan 8, 2017

The acting was good, the movie was intriguing and interesting, the movie was entertaining and it was well made. The Silence of the Lambs definitely is a classic.

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AgentLviJul 7, 2023

Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great

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eTurkeyMar 26, 2012

As a film which has the arduous task of combing elements from both horror AND thriller genres 'Silence of the Lambs' works out relatively decent with the exception of a few minor hiccups The first is character development. It's mostAs a film which has the arduous task of combing elements from both horror AND thriller genres 'Silence of the Lambs' works out relatively decent with the exception of a few minor hiccups The first is character development. It's most definitely featured but is rather weak and lifeless. You simply don't care that much for these characters or their back-stories. Jodie Foster gives a stunning performance but I felt that Anthony Hopkins portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter was overblown. If suspense is more important than gore you should enjoy this flick.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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dpaudiophileJun 13, 2020

What an insanely overrated movie. The over the top performances, editing, epic score and cinematography pale in comparison to the Michael Mann classic from 1986 "Manhunter" go watch that movie and maybe you'll be able to see why I'm "meh" onWhat an insanely overrated movie. The over the top performances, editing, epic score and cinematography pale in comparison to the Michael Mann classic from 1986 "Manhunter" go watch that movie and maybe you'll be able to see why I'm "meh" on The Silence of the Lambs.… Expand

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BarneyOnMTJan 5, 2016

WHAT I LIKED: The main thing about this thriller is the outsanding acting - 'Silence of the lambs' is full of characterisation thanks to this excellent cast. Delving into the mind of lector and bill is exciting, plus there's no denying it's aWHAT I LIKED: The main thing about this thriller is the outsanding acting - 'Silence of the lambs' is full of characterisation thanks to this excellent cast. Delving into the mind of lector and bill is exciting, plus there's no denying it's a real thriller at the end where it ties up excllently.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It's just not subtle enough. Tension should be played out delicately, and in this film it's slapped in your face, which means there's no drop in the tone and thus it feels long and dragged out. As a result it's also not very pyscological, as every theme is presented blatantly and obviously (and the intrusive music does little to help this.)
VERDICT: A thriller that exceeds in terms of characterisation, but fails when it comes to building tension and excitement.… Expand

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AdrianOst07Dec 2, 2020

Most people see this movie as a classic. Me however, whilst I do see why it was good for its time and a classic for most, it wasn't memorable for me as much. I enjoyed the scenes with Hannibal Lecter more than the other scenes in the movieMost people see this movie as a classic. Me however, whilst I do see why it was good for its time and a classic for most, it wasn't memorable for me as much. I enjoyed the scenes with Hannibal Lecter more than the other scenes in the movie due to the amazing performance by Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins really makes the movie standout for me, and in my opinion, it's worth seeing the movie for Lecter despite not being the main villain.… Expand

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FranzHcriticDec 25, 2014

I cannot see where the Oscars come into play for this film: It's a well-paced, smart, inventive thriller with, but Anthony Hopkins is not on screen long enough for his to go down in history as one of the greatest. Jodie Foster is even moreI cannot see where the Oscars come into play for this film: It's a well-paced, smart, inventive thriller with, but Anthony Hopkins is not on screen long enough for his to go down in history as one of the greatest. Jodie Foster is even more banal. The underrated star here is Ted Levine. But as a whole, there were many films that year better than 'Silence of the Lambs'.… Expand

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grandpajoe6191Sep 29, 2011

"The Silence of the Lambs" is definitely a overrated movie. The character development is hurried and cannot focus on either characters. Anthony Hopkins is perfect for the sadistic killer, but his role was a foolish one. The story is linear"The Silence of the Lambs" is definitely a overrated movie. The character development is hurried and cannot focus on either characters. Anthony Hopkins is perfect for the sadistic killer, but his role was a foolish one. The story is linear and the movie ends with a surprisingly corny ending with **** optimism. It's just plain terrible.… Expand

5 of 17 users found this helpful512

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oopkpApr 1, 2023

Should have been called "Loudness of the Lambs" if you ask me. This movie isn't really entertaining and failed to hold my attention. I would rather see "Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix".

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allabMay 6, 2022

Jodi Foster's detective work that enabled her to find The Bad Guy is threadbare and not very exciting

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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TedK.Jun 20, 2008

Anthony Hopkins gives the most overrated performance of all time. He way overplayed it. Aside from that, the movie is really quite dull and unexceptional. I'm mystified by the positive reviews and never understood this movie's appeal.

1 of 18 users found this helpful

SydmwswyJun 23, 2022

Very artificial and full of enlargement
Toxic movies that I hate forever I really believe that films like this harm not only the cinema but also our world
The only strong point that seems to be in this movie is the few silences that JonathanVery artificial and full of enlargement
Toxic movies that I hate forever I really believe that films like this harm not only the cinema but also our world

The only strong point that seems to be in this movie is the few silences that Jonathan Demme has managed to capture, but it took too long and it didn't turn out well. Everything in the movie is based on a funny but very serious story.the film does not have script .And it is the only film for which the Academy has become emotional for specific reasons. The set design in the movie is awful. There is neither simplicity nor complexity in it. The story of the movie is full of bugs. The knots of the story are neither real nor fantasy, neither believable nor surreal. A film that is basically a deception. In my opinion, it could have been a more successful movie by switching the roles of Hopkins and Jodie Foster. The pleasure that the story of the movie wants to convey is very confusing and deceptive. Everything suffers from an artificial nostalgia. In the end, it seems that it was one of the few works that I have seen that tries its best to turn a cinematic work into an inhuman tool. Not only is it unsuccessful and it never deceives the professional cinema audience, but it is so ridiculous and funny that it is unbelievable at a certain time. A movie that not only the character but also the style is not seen in it.the tasteless and for example tasty inserts don't do anything and the film remains on its basic interesting idea.… Expand

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