There are certain movies, which one enjoys watching and then with time forgets. However, ’’The Silence of the Lambs’’, is one such movie that in addition to spellbinding the audience during viewing, it also leaves a definite impression on the person’s mind. To some extent, if I may say so, it literally disturbs one. I hasten to add that this is not something that I am criticising. In fact it is perhaps this ’’shockingly powerful’’ (as quoted by New York Magazine) quality of the narrative, which really leaves the audience enthralled.
Leaving movies like JFK and Cape Fear behind, ’’Silence of the lambs’’ not only clinched the Oscar for the best picture, but also bagged other top Oscars as well; best director, best actress, best actor and best adapted screenplay. This particular movie was so amazingly brilliant in its narrative, direction and acting that one has to see it to believe it.
The Plot
There is a criminal psychopath at large, who is kidnapping young women, and then brutally killing them after mutilating their bodies in a certain manner. FBI has in its cell one of the greatest psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins; got best actor Oscar for this role), who has a peculiar bent of mind. In addition to that he also has a peculiar taste; that of human flesh. A female FBI trainee, Clarice Sterling (played by Jodie Foster; got Oscar for this role), is asked to interact with Hannibal, with an idea that he might drop a hint or two about the kidnapper psychopath. Hannibal, the brilliant psychiatrist he is, senses something amiss in Clarice’s past. The movie then proceeds with the deep psychological combat between these two individuals. Hannibal exploring Clarice morbidly for her past, and Clarice repeatedly asking for the clues for the absconding criminal. Finally Clarice is able to face her own deep-rooted insecurities and also gets an idea about the murderer.
Acting of Anthony Hopkins
The acting of Robert DeNiro in Cape Fear (I was amazed that this movie is not listed by MS) has to be seen to believe. The amount of fear and repulsion that DeNiro generated by his performance in Cape Fear is really worth admiration. However, Anthony Hopkins in ’’Silence..’’ was also equally brilliant. His mere presence on screen, his posture, his deliberate pauses, his disdain to authority; all these fill the audience with certain awe and a chilling fear. The morbid excitement depicted by him when Clarice (Jodie) tells him her past, is really unparalleled. Infact he is as close to perfect EVIL as ever depicted in movies. That satanic attraction, that charm of evil, the supreme confidence, which simultaneously attracts and repels a person is brilliantly exuded by him
Acting of Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster not only sustains herself in front of an outstanding performance by Hopkins, but infact sets equally good standards. The determination, single-minded pursuit of a dedicated police cop has been beautifully balanced with the anxieties of a disturbing past. In particular, her acting in the climax scene is perhaps one of the very best that I have seen till date.
Script & Direction
This movie is unique in the sense that apart from a Hero(ine) and a villain, it has one morbid character, who is perhaps more scary than the main villain himself. The movie is extremely fast paced. There is not one dull moment. With every change in scene, the audience is almost on the edge of its seat with suspense. The anticipation of something terrible happening never really leaves. The psychological contest between the two protagonists is the soul of the movie. The audience is simply mesmerized by this game of psychological one- upmanship. The final analysis, by which the culprit is finally nabbed, is really worth appreciating and Hannibal’s hints give an idea on this extremely difficult field of psychoanalysis. The usual baggage of smirk and suggestive looks & gestures that a working lady has to cope up with; have also been shown very subtly.