The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Synopsis of The Silence of the Lambs

In this multiple Oscar-winning thriller, Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy whose shrewd analyses of serial killers lands her a special assignment: the FBI is investigating a vicious murderer nicknamed Buffalo Bill, who kills young women and then removes the skin from their bodies. 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 this case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out. Lecter does indeed know something of Buffalo Bill, but his information comes with a price: in exchange for telling what he knows, he wants to be housed in a more comfortable facility. More important, he wants to speak with Clarice about her past. He skillfully digs into her psyche, forcing her to reveal her innermost traumas and putting her in a position of vulnerability when she can least afford to be weak. The film mingles the horrors of criminal acts with the psychological horrors of Lecter's slow-motion interrogation of Clarice and of her memories that emerge from it. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

118 mins

Director(s):

Jonathan Demme

Writer(s):

Ted Tally

Producer(s):

Edward Saxon, Ron Bozman, Kenneth Utt

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Brief Nudity, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Not For Children, Sexual Situations)

Categories:

Mystery & Suspense

• 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
• 1991 - Berlin International Film Festival - Silver Bear for Best Director
• 1991 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
• 1991 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
• 1991 - Directors Guild of America - Best Director
• 1991 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1991 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1991 - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actor
• 1991 - National Board of Review - Best Director
• 1991 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Director
• 1991 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
• 1991 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
• 1991 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
• 1991 - People's Choice Awards - Best Picture - Drama

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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