The first thing I thought after seeing The Silence of the Lambs was how the ending left a perfect opening for a sequel. That sequel is Hannibal, which opens today.

My next thought was thank goodness I never saw it on the big screen — I was scared enough just seeing it on a TV screen.

The Silence of the Lambs is one of those contemporary classics that everyone should see. It swept the Oscars in 1991, winning awards for best picture, best director for Jonathan Demme, best actor for Sir Anthony Hopkins and best actress for Jodie Foster.

I fully believe that the number of awards it has won should never determine a film's worth, but in this case, Silence was most deserving.

Silence tells the story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling, played by Foster, who is sent to enlist the help of demented prisoner/psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Hopkins.

Lecter is the only person who may be able to help the FBI catch a psychopath, known as Buffalo Bill, who is kidnapping and murdering young women.

While being forced to spend time with Lecter, Starling is also forced to face her own inner demons when Lecter turns the table during their interviews.

Hopkins is absolutely amazing as Lecter, so chilling in fact that when I saw the two-minute trailer for Hannibal all of the fear and suspense I felt when watching Silence came rushing back with the mere sight of his spooky gaze. (Hopkins reportedly never blinked when Lecter spoke.)

Foster's performance is also very strong, quite a huge feat considering her company in the film. She nails the lonely, work-driven Starling who manages to have fear and strength simultaneously.

The actors complement an intense, terrifying and intelligent script, adapted by Ted Tally from a novel by Thomas Harris.

And director Demme does a truly breathtaking job, especially when he filmed the scenes in Buffalo Bill's lair.

Silence is a drama, psychological thriller and crime mystery all rolled into one.

Put simply, it's a very well-made film. Every aspect of The Silence of the Lambs — whether it's lighting, editing, cinematography, sound or acting — is well executed.