Jodie Foster production, and he later credited her for helping him define the character. Released in February 1991, "The Silence of the Lambs" became one of the biggest hits of the year, grossing close to $273 million, with a positive critical reception. Foster received largely positive reviews and won Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards for her portrayal of Starling; "Silence" won five Academy Awards overall, becoming one of the few films to win in all main categories. In contrast, some reviewers criticized the film as misogynist for its focus on brutal murders of women, and homophobic due to its portrayal of
Idioglossia (play) first covered by the New York Times when it was shown at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1987 the play was performed in Washington, D.C., at the New Playwrights Theatre. The play was produced in Los Angeles by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble in 1989. In 1994 the play was adapted into the film "Nell" starring Jodie Foster and Liam Neeson. Foster had heard of the play and purchased the rights as a vehicle for herself. Her friend and producer Renee Missel saw the Los Angeles production in 1989 and the two contacted Handley. The film