The Silence of the Lambs
Clarice Starling is a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, 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.
Critics + Audience Sentiment
Hannibal Lecter murders guards and escapes from Memphis custody
Clarice Starling recruited by Crawford at FBI Academy
The film jumps from solid opening establishment to the electrifying first meeting between Clarice and Lecter, gaining nearly a full point as Hopkins' magnetic presence takes center stage.
The Silence of the Lambs maintains consistently high audience appreciation throughout, with particular peaks during the Hopkins-Foster psychological exchanges and Lecter's iconic escape sequence. The film builds steadily from its strong opening through multiple acclaimed moments, culminating in a masterfully executed climax that critics universally praised. Even the lowest-rated moments score well above average, reflecting the film's status as a universally acclaimed masterpiece.
Full cast
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Jodie Foster
Clarice Starling
Anthony Hopkins
Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Scott Glenn
Jack Crawford
Ted Levine
Jame Gumb
Anthony Heald
Dr. Frederick Chilton
Brooke Smith
Catherine Martin
Diane Baker
Senator Ruth Martin
Kasi Lemmons
Ardelia Mapp
Frankie Faison
Barney
Tracey Walter
Lamar
Charles Napier
Lt. Boyle
Danny Darst
Sgt. Tate
Alex Coleman
Sgt. Pembry
Dan Butler
Roden
Paul Lazar
Pilcher
Ron Vawter
Paul Krendler
Roger Corman
FBI Director Hayden Burke
Lawrence A. Bonney
FBI Instructor
Lawrence T. Wrentz
Agent Burroughs
Don Brockett
Friendly Psychopath
Crew
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