Hannibal Lecter is the ultimate evil genius. Most psychopathic killers are just scruffy reprobates who were molested by their dads. Dr Lecter is more than that. From the moment we come across him, instead of prancing manically round his cell like a dervish, we find him calmly standing in the centre of the room, hands by his side looking demonically content. As Clarice proceeds with examining him, Dr Lecter has the upper hand and through his acute perception and combination of questions he comes across as nothing but powerful: pretty good for a man who's been trapped in a glass box for eight years. His placid nature and intellect make it clear that he is perfectly aware and accepting of his various evil tendencies which in a bizarre way I think kind of make one respect him. He is contrasted perfectly by Clarice Starling, a soon to be F.B.I agent who whilst slightly nervous is none the less both driven and fearless. When she is probed by Lecter she is on edge but boldly soldiers on whilst he continues his mind-games. What I feel really works is that she is a strong and attractive woman, without being a cliched sassy dame out of a film noir or Charlie's Angels. She is modest and polite all the way through and in short, gets on with her job.
Not really surprising then that the AFI chose Hannibal Lecter as the greatest villian of all time and Clarice Starling as the 6th greatest heroine!
Truly one of the few great horror films. This is so because it has things most horror films lack which is a good storyline, good cinematography, point behind it and some intellect....also the actors can actually act!
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