A multi-Oscar-winning horror movie hailed as ‘one of the best films ever’ is set to air on TV tonight.
The spine-chilling thriller, The Silence of the Lambs, will be available for free viewing on ITV4 this Saturday (December 14). For those who can’t tune in at the 10.25pm start time or wish to watch it earlier, fear not – the film is also currently available for streaming on ITVX.
This 1991 classic has since become a beloved favourite and an iconic piece of cinema, largely due to the stellar performances of its lead actors Anthony Hopkins, who portrays Hannibal Lecter, and Jodie Foster, who plays Clarice Starling. The plot revolves around a notorious cannibal (Hopkins) who is sought out by an FBI trainee agent (Foster) to assist in capturing a serial killer.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, who wrote four books featuring the character Hannibal Lecter. Although Silence of the Lambs isn’t the first nor the last movie adaptation of his novels, it remains one of the most acclaimed.
The inaugural Lecter adaptation was Manhunter, directed by Michael Mann in 1986. Hopkins reprised his role in Hannibal, directed by Ridley Scott, and the prequel Red Dragon, reports the Mirror. Gaspard Ulliel took over the role for Hannibal Rising, which hit the screens in 2007.
With an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Silence of the Lambs is a firm favourite among both audiences and critics. A fan expressed their admiration on the site, stating: “Best horror movie of all time. Jodie Foster at her best and a thriller that checks all the boxes.”
Another enthusiast added: “The silence of the lambs is an absolute masterpiece of a film; not only one of the best horror movies of all time, but also one of the best films in general.”
Meanwhile, a third added praise for the film’s ability to evoke fear, saying: “I love horror movies that make you feel tension and fear not through overused jump scares, but through acting and screenplay. This is one of them. Put the lotion in the basket.”
The Silence of the Lambs has earned its place in cinematic history as one of only three films to win the ‘big five’ at the Oscars, securing Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Anthony Hopkins also received a BAFA for his performance, despite appearing on screen for just 20 minutes.
For those who haven’t yet experienced this iconic film, it comes highly recommended, as one viewer who recently watched it after thirty years remarked: “Decided to watch this after three decades and it did not disappoint. A great thriller with a fantastic cast. Well written and directed superbly. From minute one to the last a fabulous tale that builds and builds and your invested throughout. It’s a must watch.”
The Silence of the Lambs is on ITV4 at 10.25pm Saturday December 14 and streaming on ITVX