The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

I watched a documentary on the movie last night that was really well done.  I learned a lot that I didn't know including the fact that Gene Hackman was really the catalyst in making the book into a movie and even wanted to play the part of Hannibal Lecter but backed out when he thought it might be a bit too violent and hurt his star power.  Also that Jody Foster was far down the list of actresses that they wanted for the part of Clarice Starling, she only got it because she was the only one that really wanted the part.  If you get a chance to see the documentary, I recommend it, really goes into a lot of detail about the casting, their preparation for the roles, the choice for director, etc.

And if you haven't seen the movie, see it.  Doesn't have the impact today that it had in 1991 only because this type of violence is commonplace in today's movies.  In 1991, it was considered shocking.  Hard to understand Gene Hackman turning down the role when he originally wanted the movie made just so he could play the role until you realize just how much things have changed since 1991.  Anthony Hopkins was taking a risk playing the part, but he was fairly anonymous before Silence of the Lambs.  Needless to say it changed his life, let alone his acting career.

If you haven't read the books "Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris, you are really missing out.   

Silence of the Lambs is one of my all time favorites and think that it's just as good as it ever was.  I also think that Red Dragon (the prequel) was very good, too.