Adapted from the 1988 novel of the same title by Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs was released on the big screen in 1991. The film follows a clever FBI trainee, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she uncovers a serial killer case with the help of the deranged cannibalistic psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).
Time- 8
Many people regard this film as a classic, especially in terms of psychological horror movies. That seems to mainly be due to the film utilizing one killer as the film’s “villain,” while a second killer plays a heroic role. The film stands at just about two hours long, with pretty decent pacing throughout, just a few moments that feel a bit slow.
Rewatchability- 4
I don’t particularly enjoy watching this movie very often, although I do consider it one of my favorites. The main issue for me is already knowing the plot and how it unfolds. It also feels like a common entry point for diving into psychological horror, so because I enjoy that subgenre a lot, I feel as though there are so many others to try.
Cinematography/Editing- 8
The atmosphere definitely feels eerie, especially in the latter half of the film with the use of night vision. There are also very many shots that amplify the horror that Hannibal Lecter is and many that show him to be “normal.”
Plot- 9
The storyline of The Silence of the Lambs is one of its strongest points. I find it really compelling that Clarice has to work with a convicted cannibal to catch a different murderer, Buffalo Bill. His character is also quite interesting to think about because his characteristics give him a believable motive. I also love that there are many side stories that coexist in this storyline like Clarice’s past and Lecter’s shenanigans when Clarice isn’t around.
Acting- 10
Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster and Ted Levine (Buffalo Bill) all bring such depth to their characters. This is especially noticeable in the way they carry themselves and convey the emotions that serial killers and a young FBI agent would have.
Costume Design/Special Effects- 6
The costumes are pretty standard for what’s expected of an FBI agent and an imprisoned cannibal, but a lot of effort went into the wardrobe and special effects during Buffalo Bill’s scenes. The killer wears very feminine clothing, giving a hint of gender dysphoria. This stands as his motive for taking young women, as his previous victims’ skins are later shown sewn together, thus creating a new body for himself.
Gruesome Factor- 7
Between Hannibal’s reoccurring cannibalistic tendencies and what is shown of Buffalo Bill’s victims, this film can definitely be considered a bit gross. However, I often feel like more is implied than actually shown.
Shock Value- 8
A lot of the character development and some of the insane things they do are pretty unexpected. Even if you already know all about Hannibal Lecter, Buffalo Bill’s portion serves as just as shocking.
Believability- 8
All of the elements that make up The Silence of the Lambs make it creepily believable. In addition to a great storyline and cast, there are also elements that are based on true stories. For example, Buffalo Bill’s character is created by combining the atrocities committed by three real-life serial killers- “Ed Gein, who skinned his victims, Ted Bundy, who tricked his victims with a cast on his arm, and Gary Heidnick, who kept his victims in a pit.” However, I find it, not impossible, but highly unlikely for a very intelligent man who studies the human mind to also have the desire to eat it.
Ending- 9
The ending of this film is quite memorable. While talking to Clarice over the phone, Lecter’s sly hint that he’ll literally be having a friend for dinner sends chills down my spine. Neither the sequel nor the prequel were too bad and both were semi-successful.
Points Total: 77% out of 100%
The Silence of the Lambs is a really great psychological horror with really gripping characters. I also love the song that plays during Buffalo Bill’s beauty scene, “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus.