‘The Silence of the Lambs’: The Monster Classic’s 40th Anniversary

The gathering tear in Lecter’s eye after Clarice’s confession is the brilliant pinpoint of light that ultimately redeems the blackness of this dark fairy tale.
‘The Silence of the Lambs’: The Monster Classic’s 40th Anniversary
(L–R) Director Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster, and Sir Anthony Hopkins pose with the Oscars they received for "The Silence of the Lambs" at the 64th Academy Awards in 1992. Ron Galella/Getty Images
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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R | 1h 58m | Psychological horror | 1991

It’s the 40-year anniversary of “The Silence of the Lambs,” the groundbreaking psychological-monster movie instant classic, whose ripple-effect is still felt throughout the filmmaking world.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the senior film critic for The Epoch Times and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is featured in the book "How to Be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to films, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, rock-climbing, qigong, martial arts, and human rights activism.