 |
If you're a collector of Criterion films, this one is an early release so the special features are not as extensive as they are now, and the essay included is similarly short. Nevertheless this is an easily accessible horror/thriller with great performances, including a memorable one by Anthony Hopkins (who is not in the film for very long but makes a lasting impact). Jodie Foster is also notably strong as a woman who struggles to prove herself among the FBI, which is dominated by men. This adaptation of the novel by Thomas Harris stands on its own. It's gripping and frightening, with many iconic scenes and characters.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Five major Academy Awards went to Jonathan Demme's (PHILADELPHIA, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED) intelligent and skincrawling film adaptation of the Thomas Harris novel. Fifteen years after her brave performance in TAXI DRIVER, Jodie Foster ups herself physically and emotionally as FBI trainee Clarice Starling. Impressed with her academic streak, Jack Crawford (played by a laconic Scott Glenn) chooses Starling to find a serial killer named "Buffalo Bill" (played by a sadisticaly creepy Ted Demme) who murders women and does something with their skins. Anthony Hopkins takes over the role of Hannibal Lecter for Brian Cox, who previously appeared in MANHUNTER. While Cox's portrayal is subtle and elusive, Hopkins makes the character powerful and manipulative with a dash of cultural sophistication. As Starling and Hannibal confront each other in a series of mindgames, cinematographer Tak Fujimoto uses a series of extreme close-ups and shot-countershots. While this is going on, the audience can feel Starling's desperation to confront her past and catch "Buffalo Bill" in a matter of limited time. The disturbing part of the film involves Ted Levine trying on a barely-finished skinsuit while dancing to the song "Goodbye Horses." That scene alone will go down in history as one of the most shocking moments ever captured on cellioud. Although Michael Mann's MANHUNTER will remain one of my favorite serial killer movies of all time, LAMBS is an immortal modern classic of the genre period.Read full review
Inspired loosely by Ed Gein, a Wisconsin murderer, Buffalo Bill skins his victims and wears their 'hides'. The character gives us the famous lines 'It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again'. But Buffalo Bill is not the one to watch. Anthony Hopkins is Dr. Hannibal Lechter, a sociopathic genius, who agrees to help Agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) find Buffalo Bill. Hopkins is a chilling Hannibal, the way he moves his eyes around, his body language- wow! Jodie Foster is at her prime, her body is fantastic and her acting superb. Watch the look on her face when Hannibal whispers eerily 'Are the lambs still calling for you, Clarice?' Silence Of The Lambs is a dark, creepy psychological thriller- with enough gore thrown in to satisfy any horror fan. This is a must-see for horror fans. You will never look at a hand-truck the same way again. Or a ballpoint pen.Read full review
I brought this version along with the 2 Disc MGM release at the same time, mainly due to the commentary track on this edition, if you have to choose between the two editions than I'd say choose the 2 Disc MGM edition for the features(there is two documentaries in which the people talk about what is discussed on the commentary here), bu if you have some extra cash get both, like I did
There is nothing I can add to the praise of this film. However, there are several DVD versions on the market, new and used, which are decidedly unequal. This is a Criterion Collection remaster, with some extras, which gives you both the color and the sound palette you remember from that first viewing in the theater — the one that knocked your socks off.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
