[Classic Film] Number Two - Silence Of The Lambs

Trailer:

Information:

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★ - A Masterpiece Of film [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]

Release Date: 31st May 1991

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Director: Jonathan Demme

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Writer: Thomas Harris (Novel) Ted Tally (Screenplay) 

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Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn & Ted Levine

Famous Quotes:

1) 'A sensuous taker once tried to test me....I ate his liver with some fava beans, and a nice chianti'

2) 'Believe me, you don't want Hannibal Lecture In your head'

3) 'It rubs the lotion on it's skin, else' it gets the hose again'

4) 'Would you fuck me?...i'd fuck me'

5) 'Put the fucking lotion in the basket' 

6) 'Fly now little starling, fly fly, fly fly fly' 

Explanation:

'Silence Of The Lambs' is one of the most successful and acclaimed thrillers of all time. Its unique storyline, based on a best selling novel, provided the foundation that created, arguably, two of the greatest performances in film history; Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecture and Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling. 

'Silence Of The Lambs' in terms of genre is a crime/thriller, but many consider it to be a horror - simply because Hopkins's performance was so chilling. The film follows the story of Clarice Starling, an FBI agent that seeks help from incarcerated cannibal Dr Hannibal Lecter, as FBI believed he would be able to help in the capture serial killer 'Buffalo Bill', a transexual murderer who skins his female victims to make a human body suite. 

While the film was highly acclaimed in terms of writing, direction and performance, it was also slated. Jonathan Demme was accused of homophobia due to the portrayal of the homosexual character 'Buffalo Bill', so much so that Jonathan Demme released the acclaimed film 'Philadelphia' in 1994 - a film that tackles the negative representation of homosexual people.  

'Silence Of The Lambs' and the character Hannibal Lecter became so memorable that it triggered a movie franchise: 'Hannibal', 2001, 'Red Dragon', 2002 and 'Hannibal Rising', 2007 where the films in its wake, and while it was the first one of the series released, 'Silence Of The Lambs' in narrative order is the third: 'Hannibal Rising', 'Red Dragon' 'Silence Of The Lambs' and 'Hannibal Lecter' being the correct order to watch the series for the narrative to flow.      

Awards:

Oscar Wins:

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins)

Best Actress In A Leading Role (Jodie Foster)

Best Director

Best Picture

Best Writing, Screenplay based on another medium

Oscar Nominations:

Best Editing

Best Sound

BAFTA Wins:

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins)

Best Actress In A Leading Role (Jodie Foster)

BAFTA Nominations:

Best Picture

Best Director

Best Sound

Best Editing 

Best Film Score

Best Cinematography

Best Writing, Screenplay based on another medium

Golden Globe Wins:

Best Actress In A Leading Role (Jodie Foster)

Golden Globe Nominations:

Best Director

Best Picture

Best Writing, Screenplay based on another medium

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins)

*The Videos Used In This Post Are Not Mine*

Back From Holiday - Trip To Hollywood

Not the type of post that I usually do, but as I have just come back from a holiday in Los Angeles, and went to the film capital of the world; Hollywood - I thought I would share some of the pictures I took:

The Famous Sign - It used to read 'Hollywood Land' in the hope that the celebrities would inhabit the area around it, however it did not plan out that way as 'Beverly Hills' proved a more popular area 

The hotel that scenes from 'Pretty Woman' was film in

The coffee diner that the opening and ending scenes from 'Pulp Fiction' were film in

One of the larger Buildings in Hollywood, not so sure if anything to famous happens here

One of the entrances to Paramount studios

The famous 'Capital Records' music recording building, in which 'The Beatles' recorded

their first album

Shots of the famous Hollywood street painting, located on one of the roads of Hollywood Boulevard  

One of the smaller film studios, Located on one of the roads of Sunset Boulevard

The famous Hollywood Stars (A collection of them, its impossible to get pictures of all of them in one day, they stretch up both pavements of hollywood Boulevard)

Two paintings to the left and right of one of the lesser famous theatres in Hollywood

The famous 'El Capitan' theatre located on Hollywood Boulevard, this theatre was the 'big thing' to be invited to when Hollywood first boomed in the 1920's

The sign to the 'Kodak Theatre', the famous theatre where the annual Academy Awards are held

Another one of the famous Hollywood film premiere cinemas 

On Holiday

Hey guys, you will notice that I wont be active over the next week or so, I'm going on Holiday to LA - I shall be back and posting for you on the 25th Of April.

All The Best,
Adam

[Debate] Style Vs Substance

During the development of film history, a previously limited debate has become more important in the cinematic field – is the audience now more concerned with the style of film, rather than its substance? 

There is a tendency to view the film industry purely as an entertainment commodity, and at its core, that is what it is: there to entertain. We like to sit in our front rooms, or in the cinema and be blown away by the gripping story, powerful sound, impressive effects and stunning performances - film is an escape from our own lives, no matter what age, sex or cultural background we have, - films relate to us all at some level. This escapism enables us to live in a world of pure fantasy, action, horror, adventure, or romance, for a brief period, purely because it is the film that mirrors our greatest desires, hopes and dreams - and for that short time, we become the people that we admire.

Herein lies the problem - why are films becoming more focused on style rather than what they should be portraying? Are we forgetting the purpose of a solid, believable narrative? The narrative drives the film, - if this is flawed, then the film will be - a simple point that up until recent years, with a few exceptions, was followed religiously. Films are now swaying more towards having very impressive special effects, actions sequences, visual effects and sound than a firm narrative foundation - 'Clash Of The Titans', 'Spider-Man 3', 'SkyLine', '2012', 'Battle: Los Angeles' and of course 'Avatar' are examples of this.

The style over substance debate started as technology rapidly advanced. Films can now realistically depict a battle scene, a car chase, or an explosion, in a way that previously couldn't be achieved. This element of realism can, of course be good for film, it makes it more believable on a different level, and therefore aids us in our entertainment and escapism - but it should never become the primary purpose for the films creation.

Now we also see the rapid growth of 3D, a technological improvement that is not actually new, - first making its appearance roughly eighty years ago. Since then it has systematically tried to take a permanent stance in the film industry, but thus far has failed. It remains to be seen whether 3D will catch on this time around, but it appears to have a much larger appeal than it ever has done. The re-introduction of 3D only heightens my worries, 3D makes a film visually beautiful, but most of the 3D films released so far have been narratively weak. The number one example being 'Avatar'. 

I, myself, do not claim to be exempt from the influential powers of these new technologies, if we take 'Avatar' as an example, I left the cinema feeling incredibly entertained, awe struck even, but after some consideration of its content I felt cheated. I knew that the narrative was not particularly thought provoking or unusual, but the sheer power of the effects combined with the 3D technology used almost affected by better judgment. Some would argue that this is not a bad thing, - that film narrative need not be treated with such importance, and simply be made to entertain in a manner that will make the biggest box office. With this, I strongly disagree. 

As mentioned earlier, people of all ages, different sex's and cultural backgrounds all relate to films on some level. Those who do not consider themselves to be big 'movie fans' could, and would probably, discuss with peers at length about how a particular film moved, repulsed, or scared them. Films have influencing effects on our lives. Examples of this can be listed in their hundreds; 'The Exorcist' released in 1973, had such a prolific effect on people that suicide cases where linked with it. 'Star Wars' generated such a following that some people are campaigning for the acceptance of 'The Jedi' as a real religion and 'Birth Of A Nation' became a propaganda film used in racist movements. Even recently when 'Paranormal Activity' was released, people all over the world viewed this film and subsequently researched the truth behind it. As a species we can be easily persuaded - dangerously so at times, and as a race we are gullible - therefore film can have a powerful effects on us - both positive and negative. Ask yourself if at any one time you have ever watched a film and felt motivated to do something the minute the credits hit the screen. Consequently I feel the Film Industry would be doing its audience a grave disservice to abuse the importance of this power. 

Thus the style over substance debate is ongoing. It is clear that films are becoming increasingly stylistic, and in my opinion, more ‘dumbed down’. Focusing on impressive effects rather than a strong message,  narrative and performance leads to a chance that there could be greater negative effect upon the audience. If we become used to consuming films that just mind-numbingly entertain us, we loose one of the key sources for helping us define societies morals - for the better. 

However, it is vital that the balance is found. I am arguing that films are becoming far too focused on visually amazing us, than impressing us with a strong story. I think that the improvement in technology is an excellent thing, there is no doubt it makes films more entertaining and powerful, but why can a film not have both? The answer is, it can, and it should. Recently I watched Christopher Nolan's 'Inception', a film that proved to me it can be done. Inception had incredible visual effects and yet maintained a very strong, some would say complicated narrative, that is thought provoking but also incredibly entertaining, and not just a collection of beautiful visuals.

Some critics said that 'Avatar' was the future of film, I argue that 'Inception' is - - I don't just argue, I hope that it is! I hope many more films like 'Inception' are made and keep us as consumers both entertained, as well as emotionally engaged and questioning.  

Katy Embling's Response: Just Your Average Cinephile