20 Most Intense Movie Performances Of All Time

15. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) - The Silence Of The Lambs

While the Lecter sequel and prequels somewhat detracted from the impact of the character, that first appearance (by Anthony Hopkins at least) was a stunning moment in the history of thriller cinema.

His intensity is of an entirely different breed to what we see from the likes of Al Pacino or Robert DeNiro: he's a still, clear pond (or at least presents himself as one), with an immaculate facade. Well-mannered, polite and genial, even, the real power of Hopkins' Lecter comes in how disarmingly likeable he is, right up to the moment when he flicks his switch.

He's a monster behind a veil, but when that drops, he lives up to his fearsome reputation, as terrifying and explosive as he first appeared ice-cold and alien. It's still a remarkable experience to watch him now.