In Clarice it's as though he has met, in a way, not his equal, but close, and he respects her enough that he allows her to match his wit and cleverness. He sees much more in her, far more than she sees in herself, and it is this that makes their relationship poetically intense.
Anthony Hopkins is and will always be Hannibal Lecter. The instant that I looked into those piercing blue eyes as he stood in the cell, patiently waiting for Clarice's arrival, I was captivated. The danger and strength conveyed in his eyes is enough to chill me there. Hopkins takes Lecter and gives him such a profound presence that, it's as though Lecter is no longer a fictional character. I half expect for an aria to begin as walks out of the screen and harvests my organs for a late night snack!
"I am greatly honored and tremendously moved, God Bless you all, Thank you."
Anthony Hopkins
"I'd like to thank the Academy for embracing such an incredibly strong and beautiful femeninst hero"
Jodi Foster