It sounds like a good title for a movie, right? Well I think it sounds more appropriate as the day I did one of the best, most enjoyable, and disturbing double features ever. When I chose to do it, I was like “Irvin, are you f***ing crazy? You will end up taking some antidepressants after this”. The fact of the matter is that when a good script meets a perfect cast and a director in total control of its craft, no matter how intense, troubling, or psychologically terrifying this double feature can be, you can’t take your eyes off the incredible achievement that was accomplished here.
In this review, I will share some thoughts on these two incredible classics, that gradually became acclaimed and earned the love of so many movie fans, just like me. The double-feature is with two of my favorite movies of all time, Jonathan Demme’s Academy Award-winning The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and David Fincher’s Se7en (1995). I will share my experience in watching both films back-to-back. If you decide on the “heavy” double feature, you won’t regret it but please, try to watch some cartoons or any light-hearted film afterward, because you will need it. No joke.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
If you have never seen this classic, I won’t judge you. But I will say to just set aside two hours of your life because you are up for some disturbing, psychological, high-tension, slow-burn terrifying horror-thriller at its best. What Jonathan Demme puts on camera is a slowly thrilling ride boasted by the unmatched chemistry from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. It's incredibly twisted and the well-scripted main characters make this adaption of the Thomas Harris novel a must-see, with an ending for the ages. The fact that Hopkins's Dr. Hannibal Lecter's screen time is less than 20 minutes (16 to be exact) shows how big an impact that his performance has had over the years. It's evidence that no matter how small or big the role is, if the delivery and commitment to the character honor the source material, you can create a memorable role.
When I first saw this thriller, I was 18 years old, and it was introduced to me by the whole hype I‘d been hearing at that time, hearing so many great reviews and recommendations from friends. However, even in my adolescent years, I knew I was witnessing something unique that would stay with me for a while. And it surely did. Hopkins's haunting performance and the introduction of Foster walking to Lecter's cell, the incredible museum escape scene, and the dark scene at Buffalo Bill’s house, made this immediately one of my favorite movies EVER. What makes Lambs a true horror classic is that it resonated with the thought that we should only be scared or afraid of all the horrific things a human can do. In this case, it's how far a twisted and perverse mind can go. Unfortunately, time has proven that argument right. And in the movies, even more so; specifically with a movie in 1995 based on the seven deadly sins, you know that one, right?
SE7EN
After watching The Silence of the Lambs, why should we expose ourselves to more disturbance and psychologic thrill? Well... that’s because the next film in the double feature is my favorite David Fincher film (I know, I know, his filmography is insanely great!). For those who haven’t seen it, PLEASE STOP READING, this isn’t a drill, I will include spoilers here, also it is offensive that you haven’t seen this true masterpiece (it's all my opinion) *smiles*.
I remember to this day all the buzz surrounding Se7en, its murders, plot twists, and the CLIMATIC ENDING. My neighbor was one of many that, once he saw it, he couldn’t stop talking about it, and I remember hearing all these things involving the ending. Because of my age it wasn’t easy for me to say “I am going to skip class and go to the movies” without getting into big trouble. I waited patiently for over six months before I was able to rent this and watch it at home in all of its glory. I was very obsessed with it that, before I saw the movie, I read the Andrew Kevin Walker novel, preparing myself for the experience. Se7en will always be on my top 10 of all time, even with its flaws, but because of its methodically slow-burn tone and every new discovery leading to more clues and more clues until its controversial thought-provoking ending, it will always stay in my top ten. At the age of 13, few movies made me care so much about filmmaking and screenwriting like this one.
Saying it's a smart thriller is an understatement. This is truly taking the very best part of a film noir, blending it perfectly in a suspense thriller, and the result is an instant classic.
One of the greatest accolades of this film is the stars: Morgan Freeman in top form and a rising star by the name of Brad Pit,t confirming his status as a soon to be top Hollywood A-lister. The pair’s perfectly blending chemistry, displayed by Freeman’s paused-experience veteran and Pitt's short-tempered, impulsive “rookie” is the backbone of this movie. From the first scenes to the last-minute they don the screen, you can perceive the characters' developments as the unique, genuine but polar opposites. One complements the other.
Of all the accolades I can continue raving here about, I will focus on one thing that has been a constant in all of his movies: David Fincher in full control of his craft. This is one of the things that reminds me of Demme’s Silence of the Lambs; how these two filmmakers are in total control of what they want to tell, and how they want to tell it. How slowly you ride along with the main character’s journey, discovering clues, trying to put all the pieces together, great character development makes this an incredible unparalleled experience. They take the time to know the characters, accelerating when it's needed, pulling the brakes when needed but mostly surprising the audience with the twist and turns, which will always be my cup of tea. These are characteristics that make a great story a pleasant experience, no matter how dark the story can be. All these traits have been emulated by many, but just a few are in full control of their craft (Denis Villeneuve, to name one).
The experience of this double feature provokes discussion about its plot, characters' decisions, and themes all related to psychological trauma and mental health awareness. Therefore from the human and psychological perspective can be draining, and somewhat “heavy watch”. But if you are up for it, you will not be disappointed with two films that has its stars at the top of their game and two directors cementing themselves as unique filmmakers in control of their work. Both films are complex; both are compelling, dark, violent, grim, and meticulously crafted. Truly worthy of your time. If you have seen it, watch it again with someone, talk about it, and enjoy the ride. This is my double feature recommendation. But don’t forget; watch a cartoon after.
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