To celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Silence of the Lambs”, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins have reunited in a virtual chat for Variety to talk about their recent projects, and also remember the backstage of the classic. Originally released on 14 February 1991, the motion picture follows newcomer detective Clarice Starling (Foster) who, in order to find a serial killer, needs the cooperation of cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins). “The Silence of the Lambs” won five statuettes at the Oscars, including “Best Actor”, “Best Actress” and also “Best Film”.
Before that success, Anthony Hopkins judged the script by its cover, thinking it was a children’s film because of its title. “I remember I was playing in a theatre in London in 1989 and my agent sent me the script and asked me to read “The Silence of the Lambs”. I said ‘Is this a story for children?’. It was a hot summer afternoon, and I started reading as soon as the script arrived, ”Hopkins remembered. “After 10 pages, I called my agent and said ‘Is this proposal real? I want to know because this is the best paper I’ve ever read ’”.
The actor also praised working with director Jonathan Demme and Foster. The actress, in turn, stated that the two did not talk much on the set, and much of this was due to Hopkins’ commitment to the character: “When you stepped into the shoes of Hannibal Lecter, I felt the room being filled with chills. In a way, it was like we were too scared to talk after that, ”said Foster.
The duo also recalled good times on the set, and the pressure to make some of the scenes that have become iconic in cinema. In addition to “The Silence of the Lambs”, the actors – who are still good friends today – discussed their recent projects, and Foster’s experience as a director.
The full interview can be found in English at Variety.
