"The Silence of the Lambs" is a 1991 psychological horror-thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the 1988 novel by Thomas Harris. The film stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who is tasked with tracking down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill" (Ted Levine). To do so, she seeks the help of the infamous cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who is being held in a maximum security prison. "The Silence of the Lambs" is known for its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and its exploration of themes such as cannibalism, psychology, and law enforcement. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $272 million worldwide and becoming the first (and only) horror film to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay). To this day, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made.