Silence of the Lambs: What a Tasty Meal!
Contains spoilers!
Released in 1991 and based on the Thomas Harris of the same name, Silence of the Lambs is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it’s not hard to see why. It is in large part to the character of Hannibal Lecter (Anthny Hopkins, for which he won his first Oscar), but Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling is one that shouldn’t be overlooked either; she, too, won that Oscar for a reason. The film, directed by Jonathan Demme, depicts Starling, an FBI trainee, and her efforts in a race against time as she works to rescue Catherine Martin (Brooke Smith) from serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). Desperate for answers, Starling seeks the guidance of the psychopathic cannibal Lecter, who offers cryptic clues to guide her way.
I think part of the reason the character resonates with people is a subversion of expectations. While watching the film, it’s true that one does find themselves scared of Buffalo Bill. He’s clearly evil and malicious. Lecter, on the other hand, stays cool, calm, and collected, his smooth voice putting one at ease. You’d be hard-pressed to discover that Lecter is a cold-blooded killer and cannibal, until it’s too late and you’re on the dinner plate. It’s eerie to notice that Lecter seldom blinks, subtlety letting us know there’s something off about him.
Starling is a perfect foil for Lecter. Her expressions about her father present her as vulnerable, and we hang onto her every word as she perfectly describes the feeling of desperation, combined with near helplessness, as she struggles to save the screaming lamb. The film also does a marvelous job of highlighting the difficulties Starling faces, as a woman in her career path. Starling is a character we grow attached to quickly, and we’re as desperate as she is to rescue the kidnapped Catherine.
Levine’s Buffalo Bill (real name Jame Gumb) is fantastically wicked, and it’s clear he views Catherine and his previous victims as little more than a means to an end. From his request of “Put the fucking lotion in the basket!” to stalking Starling in the dark basement, Levine’s performance is one that’s often overlooked in favorite of Hopkins. The stalking scene is one of the most important scenes, seeing Clarice not only showdown with the maniac she’s hunting but a chance at redemption to save the screaming lamb.
Silence of the Lambs is a phenomenal film that brings out the A-game of all its actors, screenwriters, and Demme’s directing abilities. After your initial helping, I have no doubt you’ll be back in line for another serving. On a side note, if you haven’t, check out the musical parody Silence! The Musical by Jon and Al Kaplan. It’s every bit as hilarious as one would expect.
Cast
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling
Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Ted Levine as Jame Gumb/Buffalo Bill
Brooke Smith as Catherine Martin
Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford
