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Classic thriller Silence of the Lambs began filming on this day in 1989. Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the film famously follows FBI agent Clarice Starling as she attempts to track down a serial killer with the help of the cannibalistic psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter. The film won numerous Academy Awards, including a Best Actor statue for Anthony Hopkins. With only 16 minutes of screen time, it was the shortest performance to win the award for lead actor.

Filmstar Factoid: In order to add to Hannibal Lecter’s scare factor, Anthony Hopkins added a number of improvisational—and eerie—touches that would become Lecter’s signature, including never blinking his eyes while he spoke.

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