Only two films had also accomplished this: It Happened One Night (1934) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. How can anyone say anything bad about such a critical and commercial success that has even launched a sequel (Hannibal) and a prequel (Red Dragon).

Well, first of all, a film's quality lies within itself, and not what others say about it. (Of course, that caveat includes this review as well.) A movie can be made with skill, and yet not truly deliver. That is how I feel about this 'landmark' thriller.

The biggest problem are the characters and their actions. Hannibal Lecter is an extremely intelligent, educated, and polite person who just happens to enjoy biting people. Sure. And his warden is the world's biggest jerk, a man so conceited and obnoxious that we actually hope that Hannibal succeeds in 'having him for dinner'.

But what about the finale? Isn't it exciting when Jodie Foster stumbles about in the dark (although it looks well lit to me) when the killer has all the advantages? Who would suspect it would end by his taking...his...time to shoot? And why does Foster chase him through the house in the dark, when it is more likely she'll fall down a flight of stairs than nab the villain. She should 'secure the perimeter' and 'call for backup', even if she is a rookie.

Her actions jeopardize the life of the randomly kidnapped victim, who just happens to be the daughter of a U.S. Senator. What are the odds of that?

If you wish to believe that The Silence of the Lambs is the most intense crime/mystery/horror/drama/thriller you've ever seen, don't let me change your mind. But keep in mind that a film can win a pile of Oscars, and impress a lot of people, and still not hold up. Remember Titanic?