American thriller in which FBI Officer Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is investigating a bizarre and gruesome series of murders, carried out by Buffalo Bill. The investigation steps up a gear when the mayor's daughter is abducted urging Starling to turn to incarcerated psychopathic cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for help. Given special privileges in exchange for information, Lecter escapes, leaving two twisted killers on the loose. The film won Academy Awards for Best Film, Best Director (Jonathan Demme), Best Actor (Hopkins), Best Actress (Foster) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally).