The Silence of the Lambs (list number 74)

Okay, so if you read the review of 'Gone with the Wind,' you'll know that constantly loud music playing in the background bugs me. A lot. And guess what? 'Silence' is another offender, though its music isn't quite as loud. Now I understand that the music was used to set the overall mood of the movie, and I must admit the creepy tones did compliment the story, it was overused. I mean, come on.

The rest of what I didn't like about this movie has to do with the way it is presented. Now, I’m gonna have a hard time describing this here, but what I mean will become much clearer when I do 'Apocalypse Now' (aka one of my least favorite movies ever). See, the entire film (aside from some of the interactions between Foster and Hopkins) feels like a bad dream. Not a nightmare, mind you; typically those are real enough that you jolt awake feeling like you're about to have a heart attack. No, this thing feels like a bad acid trip thanks to the sensations of uneasiness you get throughout the film. I mean, even when Foster is at the training academy in Quantico it feels as though something sinister could happen at any time. If that was what director Jonathan Demme was going for, then he sure succeeded.

Now for the positives...

First off, the story was good. There was some excitement, a couple of twists, etc. I just can't complain about the narrative itself.

Secondly, Anthony Hopkins. I really shouldn't have to say more, but I guess I will anyway. It seemed as though he was truly born to play the role of Hannibal Lector; his charming Britishness (which is a word now that I say it is) and overall sophistication contrasts well with the doctor's inner demons. Every line, every movement is delivered perfectly, and anyone who says otherwise is clearly as mad as Lector himself.

Third... I don't have one. The fact that it teaches people the proper pronunciation of 'Chianti,' I guess.

Here's the breakdown:

Story: 3/3

-An excellent tale.

Acting: 3/3

-due mainly to Hopkins, but Foster and company did well enough that I won't subtract points.

Music: .5/1

-While the music was well written, I feel as though it should have been turned down a bit at several points along the way.

Tone: .5/2

-I get it, serial killers are creepy, but I really don't need to be reminded of it throughout the entirety of the film.

Production value: 1/1

-Well made for its time period

After effect: .5/1

-It left a lingering feeling of anxiety that was appropriate for a thriller, but the constant bombardment of the creepiness made me somewhat bored with it.

Total: 8.5/11

When translated to a ten point scale, that's a 7.7. So it's a good movie overall, but does not belong on a list of the 100 Greatest Films.