The Silence of the Lambs

Jodie Foster was attracted to the role of FBI trainee Clarice Starling from the moment she read Thomas Harris’s novel The Silence of the Lambs. The role spoke to her because Starling is a woman using her wits and trusting her intuition rather than a macho action figure. When a serial killer kidnaps a senator’s daughter, she enlists the aid of imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to get into the killer’s mind. Their verbal sparring matches are some of the most intense acting duets ever put on screen. Released on Valentine’s Day weekend, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS was a surprise hit that went on to win all five top Oscars, including a second Best Actress award for Foster. It remains the only horror film named Best Picture.  

d. Jonathan Demme, 119m, DCP