It isn't common for a horror flick to sweep the Oscars, but Silence of the Lambs is more than just a horror flick. It's a crime drama, a thriller, and mystery suspense. Most of all it's an unflinching descent into the darkness of human depravity, played with amazing conviction by leads Sir Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter) and Jodie Foster (Clarice Sterling).

In fact, Hopkins' portrayal of one of the most frightening characters in cinema history is one of the most disturbing parts of the movie. Even though you know how demented and dangerous he is, there's something almost seductive about him. This I credit to the brilliance of the actor. You never know from one moment to the next if he wants to kiss you, or kill you. Or possibly both.

It is the ultimate cat and mouse game, and the almost sexual chemistry that he shares with deer-in-the-headlights Clarice is pretty much like waltzing with the devil.

It is that relationship that trumps the subplot of the serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill" - a sadist who targets overweight women to make a suit from their skin. Enough to make your skin crawl, certainly, but it's that Clarice must depend on the word of Hannibal Lecter to capture this lunatic that makes their relationship so chilling.

It's "the lesser of two evils" to the nth degree; although you're quite aware as you're watching that Hannibal may, in fact, be more evil than Buffalo Bill could ever hope to be.

Having the benefit of reading the Academy Award winning script, I can attest Ted Tally's adaption of the source material was a good foundation on which to build. It reads almost as creepy and as bone chilling as what you see on the screen; even without the benefits of the incredible acting and memorable cinematography.

What director Jonathan Demme does with the blueprint given, if you'll pardon the pun, "fleshes" out and gives great depth to each character - even Jame "Buffalo Bill" Gumb, played with horrifying accuracy by Ted Levine.

Somehow we, as the audience, understand that on some level Hannibal respects Clarice as a near equal. While he toys with her, he also gives her just enough information to help her solve her case. The parallel stories told come to a complex and breath-taking climax as Hannibal Lecter manages to best his captors in alarming juxtaposition of Clarice's hard-won triumph.

It is a movie that will frighten you, compel you, seduce you and horrify you.

It is, quite simply, unforgettable.

And, in this reviewer's humble opinion, earns with no argument its five Oscars.

But fair warning; watch during the day, and never alone.

A+

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