Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins reminisced about the iconic film "The Silence of the Lambs," which marked its 30th anniversary.
The two renowned actors, known for their roles as Detective Clarice Starling and the cannibalistic Hannibal Lecter, discussed their memories of the film that garnered five Oscars in 1992.
The virtual meeting, part of the "Actors on Actors" series by Variety magazine, delved into the acclaimed thriller and the other two films that Foster and Hopkins collaborated on, potentially earning new nominations at the Academy Awards.
Reflecting on the nearly 30 years since the making of "The Silence of the Lambs," Foster shared her fond memories of filming in Pittsburgh and acknowledged the late director Jonathan Demme, expressing mutual admiration for him.
Hopkins recounted how, in 1989, he received a script while in London rehearsing for a play. Initially skeptical, he soon realized the script for "The Silence of the Lambs" was a standout. After reading just ten pages, he called his agent, declaring it the "best script" he had ever read.
Recalling their first meeting, Foster revealed that before they read the entire script, their interactions were limited to casual greetings. However, upon playing Hannibal Lecter in the initial meeting, Foster described feeling a palpable chill in the room, creating an atmosphere where they were almost too scared to talk afterward.
Hopkins shared his approach to portraying Lecter, emphasizing the character's machine-like demeanor, akin to HAL from "2001: A Space Odyssey." He mentioned a costume test where he insisted on a tailored suit to match Lecter's sophisticated character.
The discussion also touched on the unforgettable first scene between Clarice Starling and Dr. Lecter. Foster highlighted the unsettling atmosphere director Demme created, while Hopkins, a Welshman playing an American serial killer, admitted to feeling naturally nervous and recalled Demme's reaction to his portrayal.
Foster praised Hopkins' memorable voice work, noting its metallic nuance, and acknowledged the influence of the Thomas Harris novel that inspired the film. The virtual reunion offered a heartfelt journey down memory lane, celebrating the enduring legacy of "The Silence of the Lambs" and the remarkable collaboration between Foster and Hopkins.
