Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies that has ever won all 'the Big Five' Oscar categories: best movie, best adapted screenplay, best director, best actor and best actress. And no film since that has achieved this feat.
Great reaction! Anthony Hopkins was so good in his role as Hannibal Lecter that Jodie Foster was scared of Hopkins and didn’t speak with him outside their dialogue together in the movie. It wasn’t until years later that Foster and Hopkins became good friends and remain so today. There’s a TH-cam video of Foster and Hopkins asking each other questions about their respective careers that’s a really good watch. Ted Levine, who plays Buffalo Bill, is actually out of character in this movie from the role he typically plays in other movies, which is usually grizzled law enforcement types. Scott Glenn, who plays Starling’s boss Jack Crawford, is another excellent actor in this film. He got his start in Apocalypse Now (there’s a quick cut of him playing a crazed Captain Colby at the end of the film) and went on to roles in great movies like The Right Stuff and The Hunt for Red October.
@MarkL1968 Exactly right and I was surprised that Foster and Hopkins never met or talked on set. How does that avoidance happen other than Foster being terrified of him. And yes, Levine had his big break I this movie and later went on to star in the TV series Monk playing the captain of police. Great acting by all.
The green light represented night vision glasses which can see in almost complete darkness. The room is some what lit up because some of Clarice's shots shatter the painted over windows.
9:56 - This is why Lecter talked Miggs into doing that to himself. To him, the rudeness towards Starling was unacceptable. He was simply 'making things right'.
Ms. Camilla, may I say your production setup is top tier. The setting, lighting, camera, framing, editing, sound, cat co-star.. Grade A. Also ma'am, your hair is magnificent.
The FBI would have gone through her apt looking for clues, so they would have removed her cat. But you’re on point that the cat would probably have preferred a different mommies home gift.
The shock and look on your face when Dr Lector pulled the dead guys face off in the ambulance was priceless. Such a real and very honest reaction. Yeah, this movie is still one of the best thrillers in the past 50 years.
Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies that has ever won all 'the Big Five' Oscar categories: best movie, best director, best adapted screenplay, best actor and best actress.
Anthony Hopkins reprises his role of Hannibal Lector in both the sequel "Hannibal (2001)" movie and again in the prequel "Red Dragon (2002)", which is a movie set before the Silence of the Lambs. Both movies are definitely worth watching, if not as good as this one.
Beautiful reaction to an outstanding film. I saw it in my lady friends house in the UK countryside in 1991. Had to walk down the dark lane to my car and drive home in the lanes afterwards. Creeped out was exactly the feeling. Gets you in the zone.
I was OK immediately after seeing it. But a couple of weeks later, I was petrified rigid in my dorm bed, convinced Hannibal the Cannibal was under the bed😆
When they go into the mortician's viewing room, they put Vicks vapor rub to cover the scent. Its a common trick in the mortician and law enforcement fields.
It's a great callout to the book. Thomas Harris spent a lot of time going over just how meticulous the senator was in building her ensemble before meeting with Dr. Lecter. And then he cuts her down in a heartbeat.
@ Can I have some of what you're smoking? You really shouldn't bogart it all. Even in the film, the line is, "Oh, and *senator*, just one more thing: love your suit!" (emphasis added)
@@Ernwaldo And apparently you haven't read the book, or you would know exactly what Thomas Harris and I are getting at. And it certainly isn't nudity or her skin. In the words of Dr. Lecter, "If you can't keep up with the conversation, better not try to join in at all."
If you stick with the universe and get to the prequel “Red Dragon”(2002) I suggest watching the film “Manhunter”(1986) instead. They are both based on the same book but IMO Manhunter is a much better piece of filmmaking.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Michael Mann is a genius. Brett Ratner has done three Rush Hour movies. Red Dragon is solid, with great acting and a closer adaptation of the book, but lacks a director's touch. A shame, because the cast is stacked.
"She's got something in her throat". Starling likely noticed that the victim's tongue hadn't receded into the back of the throat even though the body was on its back. Hence, something must be in the top of the throat preventing the base of the tongue from collapsing into it. As will become evident throughout the movie, Clarice is a very smart cookie.
Hannibal was originally from the movie "Manhunter" (1986) Which was later remade and called "The Red Dragon" Manhunter was the first anyone heard of Hannibal.
The character Hannibal Lecter was originally from the series of novels by Thomas Harris. The first novel (Red Dragon) was published in 1981, followed by The Silence of the Lambs in 1988 then Hannibal in 1999.
Philadelphia by Jonathan Demme is a Masterpiece as well, back to back with this one. and the subject matter is incredible and masterfully performed by Hanks and everyone else. Watch it asap :)
41:00 Everybody misses this, the first time. A stray bullet that either missed or went through Bill clips a board that was blocking a basement window, letting the outdoor light in.
This really put Anthony Hopkins on the map. He had been a very good actor for a long time but the sheer fame generated by his portrayal as Dr Lecter helped him get many other roles. Jodie Foster had already been famous of course but this movie boosted her own options as well.
14:50 I always did feel sorry for the cat. First, it sees its servant dragged away, after which it then spends several days starving, and when its servant returns, she does so with an (ugh) icky, yucky, stinky DOG!
It won every academy award possible including best actor for Anthony Hopkins and best actress for Jodie Foster. Best director... Best supporting actor and actress and of course best movie and more...
No, the film won five Academy Awards. But these were in the 5 main categories. In addition to the ones you mentioned, there is also “Best Screenplay”. Only two other films have achieved this so far.
It was not nominated for supporting actor or actress at the Oscars so obviously it could not win in those categories. But it did win in 'the Big Five' categories: best movie, best director, best adapted screenplay, best actor and best actress. Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies to achieve that feat.
the soundtrack is by hans zimmer , i listen to the entire album when i want to meditate and clear my mind and rethink the bigger picture when i have tiny problems
All of the men leer at Clarice, make passes at her, and act in a predatory or condescending way; while ironically Hannibal, the actual predator, respects her for her intellect for being the only one who can solve the hints he drops throughout the movie
The scientist who identifies the moth asks her out, but she doesn't seem to mind. "Are you hitting on me, doctor?" "Yes!" It might surprise you to know that a man can be attracted to a woman, and let her know it, and also respect her mind. And yet, the scientist did precisely the same thing that Chilton did, but Starling (and every reactor) considers Chilton to be a creep because of it, while Starling doesn't seem to consider the scientist to be one.
@@daerdevvyl4314 I read that scientist scene very differently. She "didn't mind" because she considered him harmless, but her response was pure, practiced deflection. She's been hit on enough to know that if she appears complimented and plays coy, (similar to how she complimented Chilton) she won't bruise his ego because sometimes when a guy is rejected and his ego is bruised, they might react with hostility. (which was how Chilton reacted, but the scientist did not)
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS was the third film to win in the five major categories at the Oscars - Best Picture, Best Actor (Sir Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hopkins and Foster's performances are outstanding. This psychological horror thriller is a cinematic sensation. It really doesn't get any better than this.
31:34 I dont know why but i always found the line "He would consider that rude." to be hilarious. But it does make sense. Lector respected Clarice, and she was respectful towards him in all there interactions.
When this first came out in 1991, I watched it over a dozen times, right up until spring. Nothing like that since, until _Speed_ but I only saw that a half-dozen or so times.
That part where he emulates eating the census takers liver with fava beans and a nice chianti, that sound he makes with his tongue or whatever was not part of the script and it supposedly freaked Jodie Foster the f*** out.
Its so cool to see someone who didn't know about the skin on the face watch the scene for the first time In the 80s, everyone knew that scene, even if they hadn't watched the movie. It was even spoofed in other comedy movies
Evidently, Hopkins and Foster became good friends, but were scared of each other in the making of this movie. Foster was scared of Hopkins for obvious reasons. But Hopkins admired Jodie Foster so much as an actress, he was intimidatetd to be acting with her.
From what I understand, Anthony Hopkins is so, so different from this role. He's supposedly very kind, thoughtful, musically talented (he's a composer), funny, and personable. A gentleman and a gentle man.
After playing a memorable and chilling Buffalo Bill, Ted Levine went on to play many roles wherein he played law enforcement officers, such as in Heat, Monk, The Fast And The Furious, and a few others.
The male gaze and the male relationship with women is a strong underlying narrative in this film - which is really a masterpiece. The irony of Lector being technically the most dangerous man of all, a genius, ruthless slaughterer - whilst he's also the LEAST threat to Starling. Starlings relationship with Crawford - a strong leader figure who respects Starling. They look each other in the eye. Starlings relationship with Chilton - an older man who comes onto her and gets angry when she rejects him. Starlings relationship with the FBI bug experts - who also try it on with Starling - but accept being rejected. Starlings experience with being surrounded by lots of men all the time in the 80s FBI, and her struggle to break through as an agent. Hannibals minset doesnt have the fear some men have of being embarrassed, rejected or belittled by women. He is already rejected as a prisoner. In his mind he is secure about being "superior" to Starling. He is smarter and stronger. But he also respects her because she is earnest and beautiful. He appreciates her rationality. You should check out the Sequels, Hannibal and Red Dragon. Both excellent films. Anthony Hopkins is a legendary actor. Sadly Jodie Foster drops out from the sequels but she is still represented.
The Male Gaze and Gender Power in The Silence of the Lambs Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs is not just a psychological thriller-it’s a masterful exploration of gender dynamics, power, and the male gaze. The film follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an ambitious young FBI trainee, as she navigates a world dominated by men while hunting down a serial killer with the help of an even more dangerous one. Through Starling’s experiences, the film examines how women are perceived, objectified, and underestimated in male-dominated spaces. Hannibal Lecter: The Ultimate Predator, Yet the Least Threat The most ironic aspect of the film is that Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a genius and ruthless killer, poses the least immediate threat to Starling-at least in terms of gendered power dynamics. While he is capable of horrifying violence, his interactions with Starling lack the overt sexual undertones present in her relationships with other male characters. He does not attempt to physically dominate or humiliate her. Instead, he respects her intelligence, beauty, and sincerity. Unlike other men in the film, Lecter does not seem to fear rejection, embarrassment, or loss of power in the same way they do. As a prisoner, he has already been stripped of societal status. His sense of superiority over Starling-intellectually and psychologically-is absolute, meaning he does not need to prove himself through sexual advances or condescension. He sees her as an intriguing equal in their game of psychological chess. However, Lecter’s respect for Starling is not entirely pure. He enjoys manipulating her, and his fascination with her is, in part, due to her beauty and vulnerability. But unlike other men in the film, he acknowledges her competence and does not reduce her solely to an object of desire. The Men Around Starling: Power, Objectification, and Undermining Throughout the film, Starling is constantly surrounded by men who either dismiss, underestimate, or sexualize her. The film carefully uses cinematography to highlight this imbalance-frequently positioning Starling as the only woman in a room full of men who loom over her, physically and symbolically asserting dominance. Jack Crawford: The Mentor Who Respects Her Crawford (Scott Glenn), Starling’s superior at the FBI, treats her with more respect than most men in the film. He recognizes her potential and intelligence, selecting her for the Lecter assignment when others might have overlooked her. However, even he is not above playing into gender dynamics. In an early scene, he uses Starling’s presence as a tool to subtly manipulate a room full of local officers, acknowledging afterward that his actions may have undermined her authority. Despite this, Crawford ultimately sees Starling’s worth and treats her as a professional. Their relationship is one of mentorship and mutual respect, but it still exists within the constraints of a patriarchal institution. Dr. Chilton: The Entitled Older Man Dr. Chilton (Anthony Heald), the arrogant and petty psychiatrist in charge of Lecter, is a clear example of male entitlement. He makes inappropriate advances toward Starling, and when she rejects him, he responds with hostility. This pattern-where men in power retaliate against women who refuse them-is a common theme in stories of workplace discrimination and harassment. Chilton’s condescension toward Starling is not just personal; it reflects a broader cultural attitude toward women in professional settings. The FBI Bug Experts: A Different but Familiar Dynamic Even among the seemingly friendlier FBI specialists, Starling is subjected to flirtation and advances. The difference is that these men accept rejection more gracefully than Chilton. Their behavior is less aggressive but still reinforces the idea that women in these spaces are seen as potential romantic or sexual interests before they are seen as colleagues. Starling’s Struggle in a Male-Dominated World The film is set in the 1980s FBI, a time when women were still breaking into high-ranking law enforcement positions. Starling’s journey is not just about solving a case-it’s about proving herself in an environment where she is constantly scrutinized. The way men look at her, speak to her, and behave around her reinforces the idea that she must work twice as hard to be taken seriously. One of the most striking elements of the film is the way it forces the audience to experience the male gaze through Starling’s perspective. The camera often positions us in her place, making us feel the discomfort of being stared at, evaluated, or dismissed. Her femininity is constantly at the forefront of her interactions, and she must navigate that reality while also proving her competence. The Final Power Shift By the end of the film, Starling’s persistence and intelligence allow her to succeed where others have failed. She tracks down Buffalo Bill and kills him, completing the mission on her own. This moment marks a shift in power-she is no longer the underestimated trainee but the accomplished agent who outperformed her male counterparts. Lecter’s final call to her is chilling but also revealing. He acknowledges her success but remains in a position of control, choosing to let her be. His respect for her remains, but so does his belief in his own superiority. The film does not offer easy resolutions to the gender power dynamics it explores. Instead, it leaves us with an unsettling but truthful portrayal of the way power, gender, and respect are negotiated in male-dominated spaces.
6:00 -- Is Hannibal Lecter only from Silence of the Lambs?; A: No. Thomas Harris has written several novels which involve Lecter directly or indirectly. And before "Silence of the Lambs" was made, another film called "Manhunter" actually introduced the character of Dr. Lecter although it doesn't have Anthony Hopkins in that role.
38:48 -- RE: She did a good job of knowing what he was doing...; A: Yes, and if you go back to when he opened the door, he gave himself away immediately by using another alias with the initials J.G.
A few days from now when you are thinking about Silence of the Lambs you will realize how much you like it. Here you are overwhelmed and who can blame you? Also, Clarice Starliing has an answer for all these men attempting to assert dominance and of course triumphs in the end. This sticks out more for me over time.
great movie ..total classic ,the second of a trilogy ..the first being Manhunter made in the eighties ..redone in the noughties with Edward Norton renamed Red Dragon ..the third in the trilogy being Hannibal ..Anthony Hopkins is a truly great actor..and made this role his own ....keep your videos coming Camilla ...
though Buffalo Bill is a literary invention the tricks, devices, and actions performed by this character were performed by actual serial killers. i.e. Ed Gein made a skin suit out of some of his victims.
26:15 She received the deepest, most effective analysis of her life so far, completely free of charge, from an excellent therapist. Who, by the way is a murderer but that's not important here.
Someone has probably already told you, but if you want more hannibal lecter, it's out there. There's 3 (I think) other movies with the character, some with other actors. And a tv series.
31:10 - the medic in the ambulance said his pulse was 84...and earlier Dr. Chilton did say his pulse never got above 85 "even when he ate her tongue"...
The insidious part is that Dr. Hannibal Lecter never lied to them. He always tells the truth. He would withhold a fact or two, but he always gave them enough for them to figure it out for themselves.
He did technically lie to “them” once when he claimed Buffalo Bill’s real name was “Louis Friend.” That being said, he never lied to Clarice, because he liked her.
@@Oliversarmy1085Correct; was going to say the same. And not even sure how telling the truth would be “insidious,” anyhow. What was brilliant, was Lecter telling each person the exact things at the precise time to get them to do what he wanted.
"Does he go after cat ladies?" LMAO BTW Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins never spoke on the set. The only interaction they had was shooting the scenes. Jodi said in an uneterview she was terrified of him and hid from him.
Ive seen almost all the available reactions on TH-cam to this film. Yours is one of if not THEE most intelligent and intuitive reactions of this fabulously disturbing movie. On your recap you hit on something that no one else has stated the relationship that Hannibal hopes he would have or could have with Clarice. You have to read Thomas Harris books . His obvious research into serial killers make his books that turned into this and other movies brilliant.Also Clarises possibly looking for the father figure she had lost cause of her father's death..Read the books and compare them to the films. Lambs is definitely the most true to them. Thanx for your highly entertaining reaction.
Jody Foster has done so many films that have pushed the envelope . . . some of her famous ones are _Taxi Driver, Contact,_ and _The Accused_ I saw her first in a spooky 1976 movie called _The Little Girl Who Lived Down the Lane_ about a teenage girl whose parents had died living alone in a house, stalked by a pedophile. That one may have psychologically scarred me for life.
Great movie. As others have said Manhunter is a real good one. If you like thrillers you might enjoy Breakdown with Kurt Russell. One thing that’s teal funny associated with this movie is, years ago I was watching a baseball game. When this one batter hit a monster home run. One of the announcers said Put The Lotion In The Basket. The other announcer was like Whet are you talking about. I’ll never forget that. And for those that know, will know, Gonna Snap My Fingers And Jump For Joy, Got A Clean Bill Of Health From Dr. McCoy. Lol.
Great reaction! BTW . . . that IS Jodie Foster on the poster. Also . . . Jodie Foster is an amazing actor who has been in front of and behind the camera for most of her life. She's amazing!
One side loves an America that no longer exists and they want back, the other side wants America not to exist because while they profess to love America their idea of America is a borderless refugee camp ruled by technocrats and unelected bureaucrats
Agree, especially about the books. I appreciated *Hannibal* much more in the novel version than the film. Same when it came to *Hannibal Rising* as well.
If you continue the Lecter series, please be sure to watch both Manhunter and Red Dragon. Most only see the latter. They're based on the same book, but take a different approach, and are worth seeing if only for a comparison of the directors' styles.
Here's a terrifyingly fun fact. Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill were based on real people. Also there are other Hannibal movies. First was Manhunter. This one was the second movie. Then there's Hannibal, Red Dragon, and Hannibal Rising.
Thanks for the entertainment. If you liked this one, you gonna love the next 2 movies in this franchise - Hannibal and Red Dragon. The last one, Hannibal rising, is "a bit" disturbing but interesting to see how Hannibal became the monster he is.
Another great Hopkins movie is the elephant man.based on a true story.very powerful & moving.Mel Brooks was asked to be an executive producer but declined any credits,as he didn't want the film associated with his comedy films
@inspectre27.didn't know much about him except twin peaks.I think I watched some of it but wasn't interested. So let's see what other famous "villians"she goes for.Gary oldmans a good start.the firm,nil by mouth,leon.
Lector is terrifying in the extreme. He just sort of crawls through the screen and into your skull, where he slowly licks the fear centers of your mind. Like the character, Sir Anthony is quiet, intelligent, and cultured. He's also nothing like Lector. The character most of the current generation might know him better for is Odin Allfather in the Thor movies. But Foster was famously terrified of him on set and would hide from him; she was not alone. He is one of the greatest actors of our day, coupled with excellent cinematography. But notice, Lector is the only male in this that takes Starling seriously. He is very, very human- he may be more human as a fictional character than many humans in the real world. Most rewatchable part, Lecter's escape. Only cringe, searching the storage unit without a warrant, a public defender could get everything derived from that excluded, and most PDs are trash lawyers. Best pun, 32:20 I believe they are still in business, but there was a company for sewing patterns called Simplicity. Need a pattern to make a suit. Plum Island is a real place, a couple miles off Montauk. It was officially a USDA veterinary research lab, specializing in hoof and mouth disease. There is every reason to believe other biological "research" occurred there, and the island is abandoned and quarantined. You can catch rather unpleasant things just by rolling around in the dirt for a while. It may be where Lyme Disease was engineered and got out, probably a tick riding someone's pants leg. It should saturated in incendiaries and sterilized until the soil melts. Bet Peanut likes Dr Lector.
One of the few films to take the 5 top honors at the Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Actor). Other films to sweep the top 5 awards are It Happened One Night (1934), and One Flew Over The Cuckooo's Nest (1975).
1:00 Complete ignorance is not a virtue. Watching the wrong version, for example, can ruin the whole thing. Everything is not a "spoiler." People used to go watch movies BECAUSE they knew what they were about, and they still enjoyed them, were surprised, etc.
Great reaction! This is a fantastic film, which is sad in a way because it led to a lot of inferior movies and TV shows featuring serial killers (and is it beneficial to our society to be 'entertained' by stories about serial killers?) . IIRC, in the novel Lecter had a cabin bought under an assumed name which he had stocked with everything he needed to assume a new identity, including a passport. All he needed to do was get there and he could easily leave the country. It was a simple matter to kill someone at the airport, steal their car, and then drive to his cabin. He was brilliant--insane, but brilliant. He knew that getting himself moved to another location would probably result in being guarded by people who were not experienced--unlike Barney and the other orderlies at the asylum. One cop should always have been outside of the cage, and two outside would have almost certainly prevented his escape. Of course, Lecter could have bided his time and developed another escape plan, but they made it easy for him because of their inexperience.
This movie must have one of the most satisfying ending line: "I'm having an old friend for dinner".
Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies that has ever won all 'the Big Five' Oscar categories: best movie, best adapted screenplay, best director, best actor and best actress. And no film since that has achieved this feat.
Emilia Perez will be the next one this year. lmfao.
@confucius12012 There is no possibility of that happening as that movie did not get a best actor nomination.
Great reaction! Anthony Hopkins was so good in his role as Hannibal Lecter that Jodie Foster was scared of Hopkins and didn’t speak with him outside their dialogue together in the movie. It wasn’t until years later that Foster and Hopkins became good friends and remain so today. There’s a TH-cam video of Foster and Hopkins asking each other questions about their respective careers that’s a really good watch. Ted Levine, who plays Buffalo Bill, is actually out of character in this movie from the role he typically plays in other movies, which is usually grizzled law enforcement types. Scott Glenn, who plays Starling’s boss Jack Crawford, is another excellent actor in this film. He got his start in Apocalypse Now (there’s a quick cut of him playing a crazed Captain Colby at the end of the film) and went on to roles in great movies like The Right Stuff and The Hunt for Red October.
I've only known Scott Glenn from the first Travolta film I ever saw, _Urban Cowboy_
@MarkL1968 Exactly right and I was surprised that Foster and Hopkins never met or talked on set. How does that avoidance happen other than Foster being terrified of him.
And yes, Levine had his big break I this movie and later went on to star in the TV series Monk playing the captain of police. Great acting by all.
The green light represented night vision glasses which can see in almost complete darkness. The room is some what lit up because some of Clarice's shots shatter the painted over windows.
9:56 - This is why Lecter talked Miggs into doing that to himself. To him, the rudeness towards Starling was unacceptable. He was simply 'making things right'.
Anthony Hopkins is only on screen for 18 minutes, yet completely dominates the movie
Ms. Camilla, may I say your production setup is top tier. The setting, lighting, camera, framing, editing, sound, cat co-star.. Grade A. Also ma'am, your hair is magnificent.
You know that girl's cat was pissed when she didn't feed it for days then she bought home a poodle.
The FBI would have gone through her apt looking for clues, so they would have removed her cat. But you’re on point that the cat would probably have preferred a different mommies home gift.
The shock and look on your face when Dr Lector pulled the dead guys face off in the ambulance was priceless.
Such a real and very honest reaction. Yeah, this movie is still one of the best thrillers in the past 50 years.
This film won a well-deserved Best Picture Oscar, as well as 2 others for Anthony Hopkins and Jody Foster.
Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies that has ever won all 'the Big Five' Oscar categories: best movie, best director, best adapted screenplay, best actor and best actress.
Anthony Hopkins reprises his role of Hannibal Lector in both the sequel "Hannibal (2001)" movie and again in the prequel "Red Dragon (2002)", which is a movie set before the Silence of the Lambs. Both movies are definitely worth watching, if not as good as this one.
"What even is that?"
That would be Mrs. Lippman.
Beautiful reaction to an outstanding film. I saw it in my lady friends house in the UK countryside in 1991. Had to walk down the dark lane to my car and drive home in the lanes afterwards. Creeped out was exactly the feeling. Gets you in the zone.
I was OK immediately after seeing it. But a couple of weeks later, I was petrified rigid in my dorm bed, convinced Hannibal the Cannibal was under the bed😆
When they go into the mortician's viewing room, they put Vicks vapor rub to cover the scent. Its a common trick in the mortician and law enforcement fields.
The SWAT team cop in the ball cap at 30:26 is singer/songwriter and musician Chris Isaak.
"Love your suit" has become my favorite subtle foreshadowing "clue" from Lector over the past 30 years of seeing this film at least once a year.
It's a great callout to the book. Thomas Harris spent a lot of time going over just how meticulous the senator was in building her ensemble before meeting with Dr. Lecter. And then he cuts her down in a heartbeat.
@@BouillaBasedExcept it wasn’t her clothing to which Lecter was referring.
@ Can I have some of what you're smoking? You really shouldn't bogart it all. Even in the film, the line is, "Oh, and *senator*, just one more thing: love your suit!" (emphasis added)
@@BouillaBased You have apparently never heard the term, “birthday suit.” He was referring to her skin.
@@Ernwaldo And apparently you haven't read the book, or you would know exactly what Thomas Harris and I are getting at. And it certainly isn't nudity or her skin.
In the words of Dr. Lecter, "If you can't keep up with the conversation, better not try to join in at all."
If you stick with the universe and get to the prequel “Red Dragon”(2002) I suggest watching the film “Manhunter”(1986) instead. They are both based on the same book but IMO Manhunter is a much better piece of filmmaking.
Perhaps better filmmaking and less "Hollywood", but the acting is much better in Red Dragon. William Peterson is so wooden.
Good call. I had no idea "Manhunter" even existed until last year.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Michael Mann is a genius. Brett Ratner has done three Rush Hour movies. Red Dragon is solid, with great acting and a closer adaptation of the book, but lacks a director's touch. A shame, because the cast is stacked.
Did you catch the symbolism of the opening scene? As a woman, Clarice has to navigate an obstacle course just to do her job.
"She's got something in her throat". Starling likely noticed that the victim's tongue hadn't receded into the back of the throat even though the body was on its back. Hence, something must be in the top of the throat preventing the base of the tongue from collapsing into it. As will become evident throughout the movie, Clarice is a very smart cookie.
Hannibal was originally from the movie "Manhunter" (1986) Which was later remade and called "The Red Dragon" Manhunter was the first anyone heard of Hannibal.
The character Hannibal Lecter was originally from the series of novels by Thomas Harris. The first novel (Red Dragon) was published in 1981, followed by The Silence of the Lambs in 1988 then Hannibal in 1999.
It's incredible to realize that Anthony Hopkins gave such a compelling performance here -- yet he had only 16 minutes of screen time.
Philadelphia by Jonathan Demme is a Masterpiece as well, back to back with this one. and the subject matter is incredible and masterfully performed by Hanks and everyone else. Watch it asap :)
You had one of the greatest physical reactions to this movie that I've seen. It's like when people first saw it in the theater.
41:00 Everybody misses this, the first time. A stray bullet that either missed or went through Bill clips a board that was blocking a basement window, letting the outdoor light in.
This really put Anthony Hopkins on the map. He had been a very good actor for a long time but the sheer fame generated by his portrayal as Dr Lecter helped him get many other roles. Jodie Foster had already been famous of course but this movie boosted her own options as well.
14:50 I always did feel sorry for the cat. First, it sees its servant dragged away, after which it then spends several days starving, and when its servant returns, she does so with an (ugh) icky, yucky, stinky DOG!
"Its servant". Like me, you must be a fellow cat owner.
As a servant to 3 rescued masters, I too am always far more worried about the feline overlord's well-being than that of the hoomon slaves
🤣 exactly!
@@timboxall8936 I most certainly am. And my mistress most certainly objects to my being referred to as her "owner."
@@timboxall8936 I am a cat servant, and my mistress objects strenuously to your referring to yourself as the owner of one of her kind 🤣
It won every academy award possible including best actor for Anthony Hopkins and best actress for Jodie Foster. Best director... Best supporting actor and actress and of course best movie and more...
No, the film won five Academy Awards. But these were in the 5 main categories. In addition to the ones you mentioned, there is also “Best Screenplay”. Only two other films have achieved this so far.
It was not nominated for supporting actor or actress at the Oscars so obviously it could not win in those categories. But it did win in 'the Big Five' categories: best movie, best director, best adapted screenplay, best actor and best actress. Silence of the Lambs is one of only three movies to achieve that feat.
the soundtrack is by hans zimmer , i listen to the entire album when i want to meditate and clear my mind and rethink the bigger picture when i have tiny problems
All of the men leer at Clarice, make passes at her, and act in a predatory or condescending way; while ironically Hannibal, the actual predator, respects her for her intellect for being the only one who can solve the hints he drops throughout the movie
“All of the men,” do not.
Barney the attendant at the asylum was always polite.
The scientist who identifies the moth asks her out, but she doesn't seem to mind.
"Are you hitting on me, doctor?"
"Yes!"
It might surprise you to know that a man can be attracted to a woman, and let her know it, and also respect her mind.
And yet, the scientist did precisely the same thing that Chilton did, but Starling (and every reactor) considers Chilton to be a creep because of it, while Starling doesn't seem to consider the scientist to be one.
Demme’s direction is masterful in achieving that effect, even in the incidental scenes like Clarice at the airport.
@@daerdevvyl4314 I read that scientist scene very differently. She "didn't mind" because she considered him harmless, but her response was pure, practiced deflection. She's been hit on enough to know that if she appears complimented and plays coy, (similar to how she complimented Chilton) she won't bruise his ego because sometimes when a guy is rejected and his ego is bruised, they might react with hostility. (which was how Chilton reacted, but the scientist did not)
As Trump would say, "The late great Hannibal Lector. He would love to have you for dinner."
Beat me to it! “He’ll have you for dinner, Dr. Hannibal Lecter he’ll have YOU, YOU FOR DINNER” 🤣🤣🤣
Thomas Harris understands serial killers better than any Hollywood writer. THAT was Mrs. Lippmann, in the bathtub.
How did the lights come on? Starling's first shot blew out the window and let in the light.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS was the third film to win in the five major categories at the Oscars - Best Picture, Best Actor (Sir Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Hopkins and Foster's performances are outstanding.
This psychological horror thriller is a cinematic sensation.
It really doesn't get any better than this.
Foster said she fought for this role because she was taken by the notion of the white night who rescues the maiden being a woman herself.
31:34 I dont know why but i always found the line "He would consider that rude." to be hilarious. But it does make sense. Lector respected Clarice, and she was respectful towards him in all there interactions.
When this first came out in 1991, I watched it over a dozen times, right up until spring. Nothing like that since, until _Speed_ but I only saw that a half-dozen or so times.
That part where he emulates eating the census takers liver with fava beans and a nice chianti, that sound he makes with his tongue or whatever was not part of the script and it supposedly freaked Jodie Foster the f*** out.
Not, “censor,” for Pete’s sake! It was “census taker.” Good lord!
@@Ernwaldo whoopsie
@ 😉👍🏻
I forgot how gorgeous Jodie Foster was. She knocked it wayyy out of the park as Agent Starling.
& in the words of Ricky gervais.no man has seen her beaver
Jodie is really my first actress crush. Growing up in the 70s and 80s. Her and Kate Bush my popstar crush lol.
Its so cool to see someone who didn't know about the skin on the face watch the scene for the first time
In the 80s, everyone knew that scene, even if they hadn't watched the movie. It was even spoofed in other comedy movies
Evidently, Hopkins and Foster became good friends, but were scared of each other in the making of this movie. Foster was scared of Hopkins for obvious reasons. But Hopkins admired Jodie Foster so much as an actress, he was intimidatetd to be acting with her.
Hopkins is only in the film for like 20 minutes but his presence feels likecso much more
"I have an old friend for dinner." So literal. XD
I'm having
From what I understand, Anthony Hopkins is so, so different from this role. He's supposedly very kind, thoughtful, musically talented (he's a composer), funny, and personable. A gentleman and a gentle man.
After playing a memorable and chilling Buffalo Bill, Ted Levine went on to play many roles wherein he played law enforcement officers, such as in Heat, Monk, The Fast And The Furious, and a few others.
It might not be a pure horror movie, but it certainly informed and inspired horror movies that came after it.
As Trump says at his rallies “The late, great Hannibal Lecter, he’ll have you for dinner, he’ll have YOU for dinner”
The late great Hannibal Lector is eating all the people.
He’s eating the dogs, he’s eating the cats. 🤣🤣🤣
The male gaze and the male relationship with women is a strong underlying narrative in this film - which is really a masterpiece.
The irony of Lector being technically the most dangerous man of all, a genius, ruthless slaughterer - whilst he's also the LEAST threat to Starling.
Starlings relationship with Crawford - a strong leader figure who respects Starling. They look each other in the eye.
Starlings relationship with Chilton - an older man who comes onto her and gets angry when she rejects him.
Starlings relationship with the FBI bug experts - who also try it on with Starling - but accept being rejected.
Starlings experience with being surrounded by lots of men all the time in the 80s FBI, and her struggle to break through as an agent.
Hannibals minset doesnt have the fear some men have of being embarrassed, rejected or belittled by women. He is already rejected as a prisoner. In his mind he is secure about being "superior" to Starling. He is smarter and stronger. But he also respects her because she is earnest and beautiful. He appreciates her rationality.
You should check out the Sequels, Hannibal and Red Dragon. Both excellent films. Anthony Hopkins is a legendary actor. Sadly Jodie Foster drops out from the sequels but she is still represented.
The Male Gaze and Gender Power in The Silence of the Lambs
Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs is not just a psychological thriller-it’s a masterful exploration of gender dynamics, power, and the male gaze. The film follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an ambitious young FBI trainee, as she navigates a world dominated by men while hunting down a serial killer with the help of an even more dangerous one. Through Starling’s experiences, the film examines how women are perceived, objectified, and underestimated in male-dominated spaces.
Hannibal Lecter: The Ultimate Predator, Yet the Least Threat
The most ironic aspect of the film is that Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a genius and ruthless killer, poses the least immediate threat to Starling-at least in terms of gendered power dynamics. While he is capable of horrifying violence, his interactions with Starling lack the overt sexual undertones present in her relationships with other male characters. He does not attempt to physically dominate or humiliate her. Instead, he respects her intelligence, beauty, and sincerity.
Unlike other men in the film, Lecter does not seem to fear rejection, embarrassment, or loss of power in the same way they do. As a prisoner, he has already been stripped of societal status. His sense of superiority over Starling-intellectually and psychologically-is absolute, meaning he does not need to prove himself through sexual advances or condescension. He sees her as an intriguing equal in their game of psychological chess.
However, Lecter’s respect for Starling is not entirely pure. He enjoys manipulating her, and his fascination with her is, in part, due to her beauty and vulnerability. But unlike other men in the film, he acknowledges her competence and does not reduce her solely to an object of desire.
The Men Around Starling: Power, Objectification, and Undermining
Throughout the film, Starling is constantly surrounded by men who either dismiss, underestimate, or sexualize her. The film carefully uses cinematography to highlight this imbalance-frequently positioning Starling as the only woman in a room full of men who loom over her, physically and symbolically asserting dominance.
Jack Crawford: The Mentor Who Respects Her
Crawford (Scott Glenn), Starling’s superior at the FBI, treats her with more respect than most men in the film. He recognizes her potential and intelligence, selecting her for the Lecter assignment when others might have overlooked her. However, even he is not above playing into gender dynamics. In an early scene, he uses Starling’s presence as a tool to subtly manipulate a room full of local officers, acknowledging afterward that his actions may have undermined her authority.
Despite this, Crawford ultimately sees Starling’s worth and treats her as a professional. Their relationship is one of mentorship and mutual respect, but it still exists within the constraints of a patriarchal institution.
Dr. Chilton: The Entitled Older Man
Dr. Chilton (Anthony Heald), the arrogant and petty psychiatrist in charge of Lecter, is a clear example of male entitlement. He makes inappropriate advances toward Starling, and when she rejects him, he responds with hostility. This pattern-where men in power retaliate against women who refuse them-is a common theme in stories of workplace discrimination and harassment. Chilton’s condescension toward Starling is not just personal; it reflects a broader cultural attitude toward women in professional settings.
The FBI Bug Experts: A Different but Familiar Dynamic
Even among the seemingly friendlier FBI specialists, Starling is subjected to flirtation and advances. The difference is that these men accept rejection more gracefully than Chilton. Their behavior is less aggressive but still reinforces the idea that women in these spaces are seen as potential romantic or sexual interests before they are seen as colleagues.
Starling’s Struggle in a Male-Dominated World
The film is set in the 1980s FBI, a time when women were still breaking into high-ranking law enforcement positions. Starling’s journey is not just about solving a case-it’s about proving herself in an environment where she is constantly scrutinized. The way men look at her, speak to her, and behave around her reinforces the idea that she must work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
One of the most striking elements of the film is the way it forces the audience to experience the male gaze through Starling’s perspective. The camera often positions us in her place, making us feel the discomfort of being stared at, evaluated, or dismissed. Her femininity is constantly at the forefront of her interactions, and she must navigate that reality while also proving her competence.
The Final Power Shift
By the end of the film, Starling’s persistence and intelligence allow her to succeed where others have failed. She tracks down Buffalo Bill and kills him, completing the mission on her own. This moment marks a shift in power-she is no longer the underestimated trainee but the accomplished agent who outperformed her male counterparts.
Lecter’s final call to her is chilling but also revealing. He acknowledges her success but remains in a position of control, choosing to let her be. His respect for her remains, but so does his belief in his own superiority. The film does not offer easy resolutions to the gender power dynamics it explores. Instead, it leaves us with an unsettling but truthful portrayal of the way power, gender, and respect are negotiated in male-dominated spaces.
6:00 -- Is Hannibal Lecter only from Silence of the Lambs?; A: No. Thomas Harris has written several novels which involve Lecter directly or indirectly. And before "Silence of the Lambs" was made, another film called "Manhunter" actually introduced the character of Dr. Lecter although it doesn't have Anthony Hopkins in that role.
38:48 -- RE: She did a good job of knowing what he was doing...; A: Yes, and if you go back to when he opened the door, he gave himself away immediately by using another alias with the initials J.G.
A few days from now when you are thinking about Silence of the Lambs you will realize how much you like it. Here you are overwhelmed and who can blame you? Also, Clarice Starliing has an answer for all these men attempting to assert dominance and of course triumphs in the end. This sticks out more for me over time.
The head in storage was the patient of Lecter. Bill killed the patient, who was his boyfriend. Bill was not Lecter's patient.
One thing I found interesting is they never actually say the title of the film, The Silence of The Lambs is just what Clarice needs to find peace.
great movie ..total classic ,the second of a trilogy ..the first being Manhunter made in the eighties ..redone in the noughties with Edward Norton renamed Red Dragon ..the third in the trilogy being Hannibal ..Anthony Hopkins is a truly great actor..and made this role his own ....keep your videos coming Camilla ...
You got it. The rest of the characters are not significant. Clarice and Hannibal are everything. They have the high capability.
though Buffalo Bill is a literary invention the tricks, devices, and actions performed by this character were performed by actual serial killers. i.e. Ed Gein made a skin suit out of some of his victims.
Ted Bundy would wear a cast on his arm and ask for help from lone women with carrying things to his car.
There's a few more movies, including one when Hannibal was a teenager that explains how he became the way that he is. There's also a TV show.
An excellent movie. Anthony Hopkins' performance was phenomenal.
That maneuver Miggs pulled is called the Spider-Man. I never knew anyone to have that level of accuracy, though.
26:15 She received the deepest, most effective analysis of her life so far, completely free of charge, from an excellent therapist. Who, by the way is a murderer but that's not important here.
Someone has probably already told you, but if you want more hannibal lecter, it's out there. There's 3 (I think) other movies with the character, some with other actors. And a tv series.
This one, Hannibal and Red Dragon all have Hopkins as Hannibal. Manhunter, Hannibal Rising and the TV series have different actors in the role.
props to your very long and extensive thoughts + commentary!
31:10 - the medic in the ambulance said his pulse was 84...and earlier Dr. Chilton did say his pulse never got above 85 "even when he ate her tongue"...
Another reaction with your combo side eye/eye roll. It just is so expressive when you do it, it's like your signature. Great reaction!
The insidious part is that Dr. Hannibal Lecter never lied to them. He always tells the truth. He would withhold a fact or two, but he always gave them enough for them to figure it out for themselves.
He did technically lie to “them” once when he claimed Buffalo Bill’s real name was “Louis Friend.” That being said, he never lied to Clarice, because he liked her.
Who’s them? The cops? He definitely lied to them
@@Oliversarmy1085Correct; was going to say the same. And not even sure how telling the truth would be “insidious,” anyhow. What was brilliant, was Lecter telling each person the exact things at the precise time to get them to do what he wanted.
"Does he go after cat ladies?" LMAO BTW Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins never spoke on the set. The only interaction they had was shooting the scenes. Jodi said in an uneterview she was terrified of him and hid from him.
I like how a girl gets knocked out and abducted and your first concern is "Who's gonna feed the kitty?"
😂
Red dragon is a must ! It's the precuel and it's excellent
Ms. Camilla, may I say your production setup is top tier. Hope you see Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) next.
Ive seen almost all the available reactions on TH-cam to this film. Yours is one of if not THEE most intelligent and intuitive reactions of this fabulously disturbing movie. On your recap you hit on something that no one else has stated the relationship that Hannibal hopes he would have or could have with Clarice. You have to read Thomas Harris books . His obvious research into serial killers make his books that turned into this and other movies brilliant.Also Clarises possibly looking for the father figure she had lost cause of her father's death..Read the books and compare them to the films. Lambs is definitely the most true to them. Thanx for your highly entertaining reaction.
Jody Foster has done so many films that have pushed the envelope . . . some of her famous ones are _Taxi Driver, Contact,_ and _The Accused_ I saw her first in a spooky 1976 movie called _The Little Girl Who Lived Down the Lane_ about a teenage girl whose parents had died living alone in a house, stalked by a pedophile. That one may have psychologically scarred me for life.
When you saw him moving on the stretch her in the ambulance your eyebrows were working overtime!
She has a strong eyebrow game.
Great movie. As others have said Manhunter is a real good one. If you like thrillers you might enjoy Breakdown with Kurt Russell. One thing that’s teal funny associated with this movie is, years ago I was watching a baseball game. When this one batter hit a monster home run. One of the announcers said Put The Lotion In The Basket. The other announcer was like Whet are you talking about. I’ll never forget that. And for those that know, will know, Gonna Snap My Fingers And Jump For Joy, Got A Clean Bill Of Health From Dr. McCoy. Lol.
For another great Jonathan Demme movie, I’d recommend Philadelphia (1993). Great performances from Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington.
Camillas attitude is verry inntriguing so I've decided on giving this opportunity as a thumbs up nothing more, nothing less
Great reaction!👍👍
In the Marine Corps there is a saying. "Pain is weakness leaving the body"
The “well” the kidnap victim was in is not a well. It’s an old fashioned cistern for storing water which was common a hundred years ago.
Great reaction! BTW . . . that IS Jodie Foster on the poster. Also . . . Jodie Foster is an amazing actor who has been in front of and behind the camera for most of her life. She's amazing!
The American flags aren't anything of significance, back then both sides loved America and that's not the situation nowadays.
One side loves an America that no longer exists and they want back, the other side wants America not to exist because while they profess to love America their idea of America is a borderless refugee camp ruled by technocrats and unelected bureaucrats
Cracking reaction! The sequel Hannibal is also great - a different tone and tempo.
And the books are fantastic.
Agree, especially about the books. I appreciated *Hannibal* much more in the novel version than the film. Same when it came to *Hannibal Rising* as well.
Silence of the Lambs is a sequel to Manhunter (1986) by Michael Mann.
If you continue the Lecter series, please be sure to watch both Manhunter and Red Dragon. Most only see the latter. They're based on the same book, but take a different approach, and are worth seeing if only for a comparison of the directors' styles.
Jodie Foster was apparently terrified of Anthony Hopkins during the whole of the filming of this
Here's a terrifyingly fun fact. Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill were based on real people. Also there are other Hannibal movies. First was Manhunter. This one was the second movie. Then there's Hannibal, Red Dragon, and Hannibal Rising.
“Here’s a terrifyingly fun fact.” Quite the weird oxymoron. And completely unnecessary. Just make the damn statement.
In the nicest possible way, I absolutely loved how much this film freaked you out, it made for a fantastic reaction.
I like your analysis of the movie, and your appreciation of Jodie and Anthony. Some unforgettable performances.
Demme: SOMETHING WILD, MARRIED TO THE MOB, PHILADELPHIA, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, MELVIN AND HOWARD ( maybe my favorite ).
Red dragon! Hannibal is ok but almost seemingly tries to be disturbing where as red dragon is just naturally disturbing.
I love lambs, they are soooo cute.
GREAT reaction to an amazingly good horror/crime movie! It affected everyone like it did you! Thank you for your reaction!
A good follow-up....suggest the movie "Psycho". You might want to look up the history of real person Ed Gein.
Thanks for the entertainment. If you liked this one, you gonna love the next 2 movies in this franchise - Hannibal and Red Dragon. The last one, Hannibal rising, is "a bit" disturbing but interesting to see how Hannibal became the monster he is.
Another great Hopkins movie is the elephant man.based on a true story.very powerful & moving.Mel Brooks was asked to be an executive producer but declined any credits,as he didn't want the film associated with his comedy films
Also a David Lynch masterpiece (he had a few, he also had a goodly number of weird duds).
@inspectre27.didn't know much about him except twin peaks.I think I watched some of it but wasn't interested.
So let's see what other famous "villians"she goes for.Gary oldmans a good start.the firm,nil by mouth,leon.
Lector is terrifying in the extreme. He just sort of crawls through the screen and into your skull, where he slowly licks the fear centers of your mind. Like the character, Sir Anthony is quiet, intelligent, and cultured. He's also nothing like Lector. The character most of the current generation might know him better for is Odin Allfather in the Thor movies. But Foster was famously terrified of him on set and would hide from him; she was not alone. He is one of the greatest actors of our day, coupled with excellent cinematography. But notice, Lector is the only male in this that takes Starling seriously. He is very, very human- he may be more human as a fictional character than many humans in the real world.
Most rewatchable part, Lecter's escape. Only cringe, searching the storage unit without a warrant, a public defender could get everything derived from that excluded, and most PDs are trash lawyers. Best pun, 32:20 I believe they are still in business, but there was a company for sewing patterns called Simplicity. Need a pattern to make a suit.
Plum Island is a real place, a couple miles off Montauk. It was officially a USDA veterinary research lab, specializing in hoof and mouth disease. There is every reason to believe other biological "research" occurred there, and the island is abandoned and quarantined. You can catch rather unpleasant things just by rolling around in the dirt for a while. It may be where Lyme Disease was engineered and got out, probably a tick riding someone's pants leg. It should saturated in incendiaries and sterilized until the soil melts.
Bet Peanut likes Dr Lector.
One of the few films to take the 5 top honors at the Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Actor). Other films to sweep the top 5 awards are It Happened One Night (1934), and One Flew Over The Cuckooo's Nest (1975).
1:00 Complete ignorance is not a virtue. Watching the wrong version, for example, can ruin the whole thing. Everything is not a "spoiler." People used to go watch movies BECAUSE they knew what they were about, and they still enjoyed them, were surprised, etc.
a very rare perfect movie
Cool that you appreciate the poster. I suggest you take a *really* close look at the skull symbol on the moth.
Great reaction! This is a fantastic film, which is sad in a way because it led to a lot of inferior movies and TV shows featuring serial killers (and is it beneficial to our society to be 'entertained' by stories about serial killers?) . IIRC, in the novel Lecter had a cabin bought under an assumed name which he had stocked with everything he needed to assume a new identity, including a passport. All he needed to do was get there and he could easily leave the country. It was a simple matter to kill someone at the airport, steal their car, and then drive to his cabin. He was brilliant--insane, but brilliant. He knew that getting himself moved to another location would probably result in being guarded by people who were not experienced--unlike Barney and the other orderlies at the asylum. One cop should always have been outside of the cage, and two outside would have almost certainly prevented his escape. Of course, Lecter could have bided his time and developed another escape plan, but they made it easy for him because of their inexperience.