#12: The Unscripted Hiss of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs
In a mere 25 minutes on screen, Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) ascended to legendary status, earning him an Oscar. His chilling performance captivated audiences worldwide, but a seemingly small, unscripted moment left an indelible mark on cinema history.
After casually mentioning his culinary preferences, Hopkins delivered a spine-tingling hiss, stunning everyone on set, including co-star Jodie Foster. This unexpected gesture added a layer of menace and unpredictability to Lecter’s character, rendering the scene unforgettable and solidifying Hopkins’ place as one of the greatest actors of his generation.