Silence of the Lambs: Still Gives Me the Chills (But Like, In a Good Way?)

Okay, so I just rewatched "The Silence of the Lambs" and I'm still buzzing. I always forget how incredibly tight the direction is. I'm not even sure who directed it... Jonathan Demme! Duh, brain fart. Anyway, the whole movie feels so claustrophobic, even in the outdoor scenes. The way he uses close-ups, especially on Clarice (Jodie Foster, obviously iconic), really puts you in her headspace. You feel her vulnerability but also her determination, which is, like, totally chefs kiss in terms of character building just through visuals. And Lecter, ugh. Anthony Hopkins deserved every award ever. It's not just the dialogue, which is brilliant, but the way he looks at Clarice. That direct address to the camera? Chilling! My skin crawls every time, especially when he's dissecting her background and motivations. It's like he's stripping her bare with his eyes. I think the scene where Buffalo Bill is dancing in front of the mirror is also terrifying yet very creepy! I think what really cements it for me is how the cinematography really underscores the power dynamics in the film. The use of low-angle shots on Lecter makes him seem even taller and more imposing, while the high-angle shots of Clarice sometimes make her seem so small and alone, trapped in this nightmare with all these crazy dudes. It's subtle but so effective. I've always thought the movie was a bit long but i think it is what it is. Overall, it's not just a scary movie, it's a masterclass in suspense and character development. Demme really did something special there - still holds up now. Any other thoughts? What scenes stuck with you most?