- Sensibility: Clarice's freedom as a recruit and her jurisdiction is confusing and a bit unbelievable at moments.
- Cinematography: This film has stood the test of time due to it's incredible shot-making. The production design and lighting of Hannibal's imprisonment; and darkness and
visual disarray of Buffalo Bill's home; and the costuming, makeup, and production design work of the victims all leave stark, unforgettable imagery in the mind. Camera work during the scenes with
Hannibal and Buffalo Bill is brilliant. Only weakness visually is the choreography around some of the training sequences and some noticeably un-trained extras.
- Energy: The film, like the investigation, barely leaves a moment to breathe. The pressure of Hannibal's manipulation combined with the relentless hunt for Buffalo Bill makes it hard to look away, even when
the on-screen imagery is horrifying. Brilliant performances from the majority of the cast and namely Anthony Hopkins as well as a great musical score are the cherries on top.
- Narrative: It's rare that a film can have so many characters that are so visible with such clarity, even if they don't have a lot of screen time or dialogue. Every character is
idiosyncratic, particularly in dialogue choices, that is makes everyone involved feel more genuine and interesting. The writing of
the psychological manipulation from Hannibal towards Clarice is brilliant. It is so brilliant that it even manipulates the viewer to view certain character interactions in a different light, namely an
ending interaction between Clarice and Crawford. Even though the film struggles a bit with finding a focus in fighting two disparate enemies, the alternation of the narrative's focus
keeps the viewer on their toes and adds to the chaotic energy and realism of chasing a killer. The flashback sequences are good and well transitioned, but feel a bit awkward in terms of placement and importance. It's odd that there isn't any flashback sequence for the lambs, right?
- T-Points: The film received four bonus points: one for a close up of Clarice as she responds to a TV address from a senator, one for Anthony Hopkin's performance and particularly a scene where he asks Clarice to
explain why she ran away from the farm, one for the production design and lighting in Buffalo Bill's home, and one for the ending chase sequence through the house and night-vision.
This film is a classic because it does film-making right. Great writing foundation with brilliant visuals on top. Story first, art second, and this film has both in spades.
Number of Watches: 2
