Guide Note

Based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Released in 1991, the film won five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Writing. Anthony Hopkins' appearance in only sixteen minutes of the film makes it the shortest performance ever to win a lead acting Oscar.

Fast Facts

1. Released February 14, 1991
2. Directed by Jonathan Demme
3. Run time: 118 minutes
4. Budget: $19,000,000
5. U.S. box office gross: $130,650,794

The film follows ambitious FBI recruit Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) in her search for notorious serial killer "Buffalo Bill." She enlists the help of imprisoned former psychiatrist turned psychotic cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to provide her with insight into the criminally insane mind.

1. "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti."—Hannibal Lecter
2. "It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again."—"Buffalo Bill"
3. "Oh, he's a monster. Pure psychopath. So rare to capture one alive. From a research point of view, Lecter is our most prized asset."—Dr. Frederick Chilton