one of the only scary movies to win an oscar, and it won five

#SilenceOfTheLambs #VideoEssay #thesilenceofthelambs
Is The Silence of the Lambs overrated? Not from a filmmaking perspective. Is it worth watching? Absolutely. The Silence of the Lambs is scary good. From Anthony Hopkins' performance of Hannibal Lecter to Jonathan Demme's direction, The Silence of the Lambs is a masterpiece. In this analysis essay, I'll be delving deep into why.
Also, whether you consider The Silence of the Lambs a horror movie or not, it was the first film of its kind to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. That's a pretty big deal.
For more video essays and film analyses like this one, be sure to stop by the channel!
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The Silence of the Lambs is Scary Good
Written & Edited by Danny Boyd
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[@CinemaStix]

AFI named Hannibal Lecter the #1 film baddie of all time. Who’s your favorite movie villain?

[@Sean-uh6te]

Annie Wilkes

[@richardrose2606]

Michael Corleone.

[@picketytwin]

Anton Chigurh

[@theChilest]

Amy from Gone Girl.

[@onyioyigah7627]

Alonzo Harris (Training Day)

[@cifer8070]

Horror genre deserves more respect considering how hard it is to actually capture the terrors without relying on creepy imagery and jumpscares

[@1998Cebola]

SOTL definetly has creepy imagery. Do you really think people are kept in prisons that look like medieval dungeons? If they wanted to keep it "real" he would be in a VERY well lite white cell, like the Hannibal in Manhunter.

[@chloewoolford2804]

Bruhhh. The fingernail is what got me in that movie more than anything else.

[@28Pluto]

@@1998Cebola I think you're missing the point of the comment.

[@Btouhy1]

This is not horror its supsense thriller.

[@dvdbox360]

silent hill is what you looking for, silent hill is psychological horror

[@mikaelmyers6135]

I feel like how Silence of the Lambs presents Clarice’s experiences and relationships with men as a woman is very understated. It seems as though every man she’s involved with has some kind of power and authority over her, be it a paternal authority that’s built on respect and love or a predatory power that’s built on oppression and violence. At first, it seems like Hannibal is no different. He’s above everyone so of course he’s above her but Hannibal isn’t telling Clarice that she is beneath him and should stay in her place, he’s guiding her to embrace her own power because he sees her potential as an individual, not just as a woman. He’s inviting her to rise to his level entirely of her own personal strength and willpower.

[@MollyHJohns]

Your explanation between the two characters' relationship dynamics reminds me of two characters in the manga Psychometrer Eiji, where the mastermind villain used to be a very close colleague (from police academy) and love interest with the detective heroine. Idk if the two characters were inspired by these two characters/real people in general or not, but the similarities are apparent.

[@risto4216]

Great take.

[@shrutiwayne7440]

Amazing!

[@GaeiusGutierrez]

In the Hannibal, 3rd book, Clarice runs away with Hannibal. 😅

[@mattmccaslin3355]

This is a huge theme in the novel.

[@PeterSmith-jk9du]

the movie was a complete masterpiece. There's nothing like it - it's a horror movie, psychological thriller, character study and crime drama...all at the very top of their game. Both of their performances...complete masterpieces as well. A horrifying realistic triumph.

[@CinemaStix]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

People tend to overlook Howard Shore's contribution. Maybe because it's sort of low key? I don't know. But it's nothing short of stellar. The horror vibe wouldn't work as well without it.

[@stevenwilson5556]

@@SCharlesDennicon the last score when Lecter is tracking Dr. Chilton at the end of the movie was absolutely masterful.

[@officialmetalwill]

It is NOT a horror movie.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

@@officialmetalwill Why?

[@yorktown99]

When I was a kid, I asked my mom about "The Silence Of The Lambs". She explained that, yes, it was a horror film, but the brilliance is that you don't actually see most of the horror directly. Even the blood is an understated signal to the audience, a marker of the significant violence that (mostly) occurred off-camera.

[@CinemaStix]

Well-described. Did she let you watch it?

[@stevenwilson5556]

Good point. There's actual gore that is non-trivial but even the part where certain people are butchered horribly the lighting is dim so you don't even get a very good view of it.

[@omg9261]

Loved your mom's interpretation. Basically, those direction choices are the direct opposite of what exploitation movies do. Exploitation movies and most of "normal" horror movies show violence and give the viewer the opportunity to enjoy it (secretely or not so sectretely). And Silence of the Lambs makes a movie about violence, comments on its nature, but totally deprives the viewer of the opportunity to enjoy it. To me it shows what great integrity the creators of the movie have.

[@whatever96]

I've watched this movie once a long time ago and I'm shocked to learn that Anthony Hopkins was only on screen for 16 minutes. In my head it feels like the entire movie was Hannibal Lecter.

[@zane4218]

I saw it for the first time a few years ago and loved it, but was surprised to find out how Hannibal Lecter was not actually the focus. He was (kind of) a side character.

[@rkivelover]

Same! He's so creepy...

[@TheCousinEddie]

Some years ago I read an interview with Jodie Foster and she was describing how she had read the script for SOTL and really wanted to play Clarice. She was not familiar with Johnathan Demme so she asked around and did not like what she was hearing. Supposedly, he was a jokester on set and liked to keep things light and in her opinion this was the wrong attitude for this very serious script. She'd even made some calls to see if he could be replaced but the studio was standing by Mr. Demme. Ms. Foster was feeling very stressed as the the first day of shooting approached. She was always well prepared for her roles and was not looking forward to a "fratboy" environment. As it turned out everything she had heard about Mr. Demme was wrong. She understood the first day of shooting he knew exactly what he was doing, his vision, the character development, the immense talent of the cast, how he solved problems, etc. She said she felt tremendous relief and was then able to focus on her role. However, she had no idea how well the movie had been made until she saw the premiere. No one else could have made that movie. Here we are 30 years later and we're still blown away by this legendary piece of cinema. We still talk about it, analyze it, repeat it's lines over and over. "A census taker once tried to test me..." Everyone knows the rest of that line.

[@thomasharris7881]

Demme also made a brilliant black and white documentary about the late Chet Baker before his death in the late eighties. The film is called Let’s Get Lost. Highly recommend if your a fan of jazz or just musician as folk heroes, myth makers as Baker certainly lived an eventful life. Hope you like the suggestion anyway! Peace!

[@LLlap]

So a starlet tried to get a man fired from his job based on her feelings about him? Did she at least apologize?

[@drogus]

@@LLlap She was hardly a "starlet", unless you'd call any actress with 20 years of experience and an Academy Award + nominations a starlet. Then sure, a starlet tried to get a man fired based on her feeling about him. Just like that same man tried to prevent her from getting a job and turned her down from the role several times because of his feelings about her. It's almost like that's completely normal in the business, despite both of them being wrong in their judgements. Anyway, not sure why you phrased it like that when she'd been acting longer than he'd been directing movies, and had an Oscar to his zero, but sure, she should have really apologized.

[@LLlap]

@@drogus yes, you are right, she was a full blown star. I think her miniature stature and the character's name somehow merged into a "starlet" in my mind :)

[@thesparks00]

@@drogus ppl named tony talk too well ✊

[@kylieminou7775]

I always loved how Clarice is presented as a regular woman, not a "martial arts expert", or a vixen in high heels and big boobs. She's a normal person, smart, intelligent and hard working, and she ends up defeating the murderer by smarts and skill (she's an accomplished shooter with great reflexes that come from exercising on the shooting range -at least that's what it says in the book), a rarity at the time this movie was made. Thank you! "the more you explain him, the less he is", Hannibal is a monster, you don't explain monsters, that's why those follow up movies of the franchise are so bad, Jodie Foster was smart in not participating, she will always be the original "Clarice" and the best for that

[@ckotcher1]

She’s such a great actor. In this movie and “The accused”…

[@abbywalker4753]

Lack of mystery destroys romance! Disintegrates interest…

[@omg9261]

A great take. Loved it.

[@cattysplat]

I believe they did pick a shorter than average woman and most of the men on screen are above average tall to really have an implied vision of her being surrounded by potential danger.

[@nicoles7800]

@@cattysplatI agree

[@StimParavane]

One of the key aspects to this film is that it was the first using a serial killer in a real and grounded way - not as a cartoonish hack and slash villain. Watching it today you won't realise how genuinely disturbing it was to see it in the cinema when it was released for the first time.

[@doktormabuse4794]

Compared to "Henry - portrait of a serial killer" it was cartoonish.

[@ckotcher1]

@@doktormabuse4794 yeah but that movie wasn’t bad the acting was good especially the guy based off Henry Lee Lucas. That same actor also played Ed Gein.

[@ckotcher1]

They have BOTH in this movie which is why it’s so good. They have the on the loose unhinged serial killer and the already caught eerily calm serial killer like Jeffery Dahmer or Ed Kemper. I always thought it was eerie how calm those two are. Clarice talking to Hannibal reminds me of the show Mindhunter

[@plurabelle5]

Thomas Harris knew about autogynephilia before it had a name. He said in a rare, recent interview that nothing in the book is made up. Jame Gumb is based on multiple cross-dressing serial killers. At one point in the film, Clarice says, "A transsexual? But they are very peaceful, non-violent people." And Hannibal tells her, "No, he only thinks he's a transsexual." But you see, transsexual used to mean homosexual transsexual, effeminate young men who were transitioned because homophobic society considered their effeminacy wrong. They are peaceful and non-violent as a whole. But today's transgender movement defined "trans" as anyone who identifies as such, and so men like Jame Gumb, who are real (autogynephiles, heterosexual men with a deeply misogynistic fetish - they see women as subhuman sex objects and want to become that). It's causing a lot of problems, like cross-dressing rapists and murderers being transferred to women's prisons, and women being labelled "transphobic" for not wanting to share toilets and rape crisis centres with these men. Clarice would have been smeared by the media and fired for being an evil "TERF", while Jame Gumb would have been celebrated as a brave and stunning woman - and if his crimes ever came to light, ignored (and anyone who talks about his crimes called "transphobic"). Watch this if you don't believe me: youtube dot com/watch?v=XAFcYTwn33A&t=348s You can find several examples of autogynephilic trans-identified men talking about how much they relate to Jame Gumb, and how they see him as a transwoman who did the only thing "she" could after being denied access to transition, and how they also fantasised about harming women.

[@ckotcher1]

@@plurabelle5 See that’s why I never got all the gay hate after this movie 🤷🏼‍♀️ And by that I mean trans and gays hating on the movie for it’s “violent depiction of transsexuals”… First of all Jamie isn’t even Trans as Hannibal points out. And trans are “very passive” as Clarice points out. Like did they miss that part where they spell it out in the actual movie?!

[@CJonesApple]

I watched for the first time in years last last year. I'm now older than Foster was, I didn't realise just how young she was. Her character is still just as strong and smart as the first time, but now I see the vulnerability and recklessness as someone her age had and it made me see the movie a little differently. Not for better or worse, just more richly.

[@CinemaStix]

Yeah! I had a similar experience at one point, actually. In my memory, it being basically her first gig, was never a detail that rose to the surface. But it contextualizes a lot of things. Or at least enhances that context to varying degrees.

[@iamvuqar]

The first meeting scene with Lecter completely destroyed the imagination I had about him from people talking. That was what made me love the movie. I expected very good character to be appear and he was even better.

[@CinemaStix]

Same. To build up expectations like that, and then surpass them.. insane.

[@jessiejanson1528]

@@CinemaStix funny, i dont recall knowing anything about the movie before actually seeing it, or having had any expectations. it was just a good movie. honestly i prefer knowing as little about a movie as possible so everything is a surprise. sometimes misleading reviews that give the 'feel' of a movie without telling you about its events themselves can be far better because your expectations will be wrong, but the feeling it gave you will be the same.

[@ps5056]

@@jessiejanson1528 i think he meant people talking in the movie.

[@Logan_Irrelevant]

Yeah pop culture made me think he would just be a creepy murderous bastard, but he’s so much more layered than that and he’s just fucking film perfection.

[@74360CUDA]

I used to clear movies through United States customs. One movie, I don't remember what, came with some of the stars through US customs in the basement of an airport. Apparently they all needed to do some voice dubbing and other work in a local soundstage. (phoenix AZ) After a long British Airways nonstop flight from London to Phoenix Sir Anthony came through U S customs like it was a cast party. He was so jovial and nice to everyone and made sure that he said hi and shook hands with everyone there. He even made sure to ask me how I was doing and how my family was. Absolutely the nicest movie star I ever met and truly a great man.

[@CinemaStix]

Dang. Very jealous of you there. A man I’d love to meet. But if I never do, it makes me very happy to hear that.

[@infallibleblue]

Super cool

[@miah2400]

Learning that Anthony Hopkins was only on screen for 16 minutes is so shocking to me. It feels like so much LONGER because his presence is so strong but I agree that the movie would be completely unbalanced had they given him anymore screen time. It somehow builds on his character more the less you know and the less you see of him.

[@hoopyy782]

Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter is great and all but his performance is exactly what Hollywood writers think serial killers are like. Ted Levine as Buffalo Bill is way closer to what serial killers are actually like. One of the most underrated performances ever.

[@KatieBeanz4eva]

100% agree!!

[@cattysplat]

The film itself shows the large dichotomy of that. Bill is childish, impulsive, selfish, ruthless and overconfident.

[@sito7186]

Ted Levine wasn‘t even nominated. Criminal underrated

[@defvent]

Very well done. I've seen Silence of the Lambs one time years ago. Now I see it through a whole new lense. I gotta watch it again.

[@CinemaStix]

Definitely should! It’s got a lotta layers, and it’s worth a repeat viewing. Let me know what you think if you do. And thanks as always for commenting. Helps me out a ton.

[@mitchliam974]

Same

[@pawacoteng]

Another amazing and overlooked aspect to Foster and Hopkins acting is they rarely acted in front of each other. Instead they were acting and reacting to the camera pointed right at them, likely with a stand in behind it or even no one.

[@llanznaveraa7191]

I watched this film with my mum when I was a kid. This film haunted me until I was a teenager but I never remembered the name. Just the way it made me feel. Now in my twenties, I love it as a cinematic masterpiece

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Jody Foster has not appeared in many movies, but she has never starred in a flop. Her skills as a actor shine, no matter what role she plays. Anthony Hopkins is a wonderful villain, and he is a master of this craft.

[@johndemoss1813]

Not many lol she was a child actor lol

[@badinfluence3814]

She's been in plenty of films and starred in a few great ones but she's made her fair share of forgettable or poor ones like almost all actors.

[@Tula_Darkwater]

Jodie Foster so far has acted in 81 projects. That's a lot, plus she's also a Director & Producer. It's mind boggling that you have people giving you a thumbs up when your comment is incorrect.

[@johndemoss1813]

@@Tula_Darkwater exactly!!

[@mikewazowski350]

1) Jody Foster has appeared in 82 movies (one in post production). 2) Flops in which she starred consist of at least 32 movies. I think what you meant to say was "movies which she has had a lead role", which still has a considerable list of flop movies.

[@sourdrop]

One of the few movie adaptations that is on the same level of quality as the original book. Seriously, if you haven't read the Silence of the Lambs book series yet, do it! Thomas Harris is truly one of the greatest wordsmiths of our time. I've re-read the SotL series multiple times, because it is one of the few pieces of writing that I can actually get lost in. I don't think my words can accurately describe how incredible the books are, so I once again implore you to read them and experience their greatness for yourself.

[@point-fr]

I remember one my profs telling us that the director or writer or producer (idk which) but that they fought hard to keep the name Silence of the Lambs and the iconic imagery of the butterfly over the mouth. Unsurprisingly, marketing or whoever thought that it would confuse the audience because nothing about lambs or butterflies would've been mentioned in the summary of the movie. But ofc, once you've watched it, you realise why they were so important. And now it's hard to imagine not knowing it by those things. Anyways my prof was making a point that book adaptations will sometimes change the name for the movie to make it more appealing. (Simon vs the Homosapien Agenda and Love, Simon for example)

Okay, I realize this is an older comment, but why on earth do you keep referring to the series as the SotL series? Red Dragon was written first. If anything, it's the "Hannibal" series, though I don't think the series has an official name like A Song of Ice & Fire does.

[@ravimalik283]

When I looked at the view count of this video I was sure I’d see something like 809K not 809! It’s that good! Criminally underwatched vid… so good deserves a Mil view at least

[@CinemaStix]

I deeply appreciate that. And.. I wish. The success of each video is just luck of the draw. But your view and comment are worth enough to me. That said, if you wanted to help it out though, sharing it somewhere or with someone is one of the best things you can do to help KZbin notice it. But in any case, thanks again :) -Danny

[@darrenthewaren5151]

Just stay consistent in dishing vids out and your older vids will reach viewership goals etc

[@CinemaStix]

Totally. And I’m a firm believer in evergreen content.

[@georgeofhamilton]

599K now. 809K is coming.

[@CinemaStix]

Crazy seeing this comment thread again, after so much has changed across the channel, and particularly in this video. Wow.

[@artconsciousness]

Oh shit man I saw this on the premiere night in my home town. Of course what scares people is different for everyone, but for me; we see the kidnapped girl trapped in the well and as he hauls up the bucket you see broken fingernails trapped in the bricks; my whole body went cold; scared the hell out of me. I never would have guessed it would have been that part but it did. Absolute masterpiece. Hopkins was born for that part.

[@newwavepop]

i liked Lecter as much as anyone does, he is well done and charismatic but i never really found him frightening. Ted Levine is WAY underappreciated as Jame Gumb "Buffalo Bill", to me he was absolutely terrifying. possibly the scariest film villain ever, because that guy is REAL he is out there somewhere. you have brushed against him at the store or politely smiled at him as he held a door for you.

[@vulpesviridi5499]

I really liked the cat and mouse game that played out between Hannibal and Clarice. Hannibal is a really capable psychopath who understands his victims enough that he can groom them by appealing to their ego, in this case, a female FBI agent who is trying to climb the ladder in a male-dominant occupation. At the same time, Clarice picks up on Hannibal's attraction to him and uses this to her advantage. She uses her femininity to aid with the case, which gives her leverage over her colleagues for the first time. Hannibal is conflicted because he can't decide if he's attracted to her because he wants to kill/eat her or be with her and Clarice is flirting with danger by getting closer to him but is she only doing her job (and fascinated by this monster that she is studying) or is she also developing feelings for him.?

[@mikewebsdale4777]

The only piece of analysis I think is important to add about what Clarice is, the thing that defines her and saves her life in the dark when being hunted is what she has striven to become. The training she sought, and worked so hard at and we have seen so much of, guides her instant reaction to turn and fire, she has learned that lesson from earlier in the movie so she has become what she needs to survive and thrive in her world.

[@Nope2479]

This video could’ve been 3 hours and I’d sit through the whole thing

[@CinemaStix]

Dang, thank you. I doubt I’d ever have three hours of anything to say on any particular movie. But if any film deserves the attention, well, this is at least one of them. -Danny

[@shanecadden7914]

I'm a big fan of Katharine Hepburn (she was in a film with a much younger Anthony Hopkins called The Lion in Winter, it's terrific I recommend it) and I had no idea that Hopkins used her as inspiration, but once it's pointed out I can't stop hearing it

[@CinemaStix]

Isn’t that so strange! I wish I had brought in a clip of her as well into that part. And also, thanks for the recommendation! -Danny

[@wiseauserious8750]

Yeah, you can definitely hear his performance informed by the Transatlantic accent

[@johndododoe1411]

Great movie . I remember it fondly . If Hopkins was young at the time, I wonder if he played a supporting character rather than the titular lion .

[@AlextheHistorian]

Fantastic analysis! Even more reasons for me to love this movie. A couple weeks ago I tried to convince my friend to watch the movie, I almost didn't succeed. He was afraid that everyone was simply over-hyping the movie. But when he watched it, he was blown away. He asked about the sequel and prequel and I admitted, they just cannot compare to this one.

[@CinemaStix]

Firstly, thank you! But also, I’ve had that experience so many times! Insisting that friends who really aren’t into this type of thing just watch it, and just barely convincing them. But then once we start, it’s like wow. Just a gratifying feeling. Though, yes. That doesn’t extend to the rest of the “franchise”.

[@TheOthersparktank]

I was just rewatching the movie recently and love how tight and close a lot of the shots are in the show. It makes it so intimate with the characters and show exactly what they're thinking. There are shots between Clarice and Hannibal where Clarice is vulnerable and exposed, the look is much softer and she's nearly blurred out of focus; meanwhile, Hannibal is crystal clear and entirely focused in the same conversation. The shots and clarity give so much power to the conversation and the speaker. It was great to watch the movie again. Especially in the remaster age where you can see such focus changes are clearer and more deliberate than thinking it was an encoding error.

[@natescobedo]

This was a beautifully written video essay that somehow made me love my favorite movie even more!!! Loved how you weaved the concept of preconceptions and reality throughout the entire thing, from smaller details to even the films context in cinema history. Dissertation material!!!

[@CinemaStix]

Hah, thank you! That was a happy accident as I was writing it. So glad you enjoyed it, and so glad you love the movie as much as I do! -Danny

[@kg_canuck]

I find it very silly that horror movies never get nominations for any awards outside of awards aimed specifically at horror. Herediatry should have gotten way more recognition, for example.

[@KJ-ej6vi]

then again where does horror fit in. Cuz silence of the lambs sure the fuck aint horror. Maybe...im not sure what is horror even tag-teamed with suspence. I count texas chainsaw massacre as a horror movie. But really most of it was suspence...

[@witchingbrew3]

​@@KJ-ej6vi I know it easy to ask where does horror fit in but it was the start for Universal Studios. Could be said it's the foundation for cinema completely.

[@chrism1503]

While many of them are entertaining, how many of them are worthy of awards? Hereditary was OK, but what would you like it nominated for? Maybe best actress? Anything else?

[@hieronymusludo71]

Contains one of my favorite cuts, the jump from Crawford's office to the prison: A whole montage of packing and taxi's and airports in one, simple cut.

[@thesparks00]

Another year, another channel dissecting Silence of the Lambs. I'm here for it. 👐

[@CinemaStix]

Hehe. Yeah… I almost called the video “yet another video essay on the silence of the lambs”. But. This seems to be working out okay.

[@kikwabyebye]

Oh is that another KZbin video essayist with an original style giving me a renewed appreciation for something I've maybe seen once? Oh it is? Sensational.

[@CinemaStix]

:) -Danny

[@CalTheHogNosedBat]

And then Jonathon Demme used the power of eyes in filming just a couple years later in the criminally underrated and little-discussed Philadelphia. Especially in the courtroom scene where Denzel is talking to the jury but makes it feel like you the viewer are making the judgement.

[@CinemaStix]

Absolutely! I’ve got a video on coming out in a little bit on camera perspective that will definitely at least make reference to Philadelphia.

[@yasminmalik3749]

One of the few movies that seems to bring each page of the book it's based on to life. Having read the book many times over, the movie so accurately visualised each chapter. Brilliant casting! Brilliant direction by Jonathan Demme! Jodie Foster perfectly fit the role. And Sir Anthony was incredible as Dr Hannibal Lecter.

[@annabourbon]

First time I saw this movie I was a kid and it was swapping, so basically by mistake and without knowing what the story was about I ended up believing Hannibal was blind for a while because it was so intense and hypnotic as you say, but then he started killing and escaping, and I realized there was no way he could be blind. Still I was fully impressed by it. Somehow and despite my age, I managed to finish it up. Almost didn't because it was terrifying. But I'm glad I did cause even now it's one of my favorite movies.

[@bencarlson4300]

I’ve never found Silence of the Lambs scary. It’s somewhat disturbing, but it’s much more fascinating as a terrific character study/psychological crime thriller than a horror film. It’s more like a precursor to movies like Se7en.

[@gojewla]

Agreed.

[@1myfriendjohn]

Danny, this video is amazing. The editing is really slick as wll.

[@thomasharris7881]

Love this video mate, Silence of the Lambs is one of my favourite movies of all time, so iconic, and so creative. I think Kathy Bates won best actress the year before for her depiction of Anne Wilkes in Misery. Early nineties was a good time for the Horror/Thriller genre. Not to forget Bram Stokers Dracula too!

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you! Yeah, it’s a classic for a dang good reason. And agreed. 90s films that are well shot have a look to them that simply love. The end of an all film era, but more modern than anything 80s or prior. Dracula is a movie I’d like to cover in some form in the future.

[@sashaqueenie]

I watched this as a teenager in the beginning of the year in 1991. No Oscar buzz yet, too early in the year but what an unforgettable movie. I was traumatised by the plot and events and greatly appreciated this horror movie. Recently, in early 2024, I rewatched it again and I found myself tensed with anticipation in the many scenes of this film. Specifically when Clarice first met Hannibal, when Clarice when to the storage facility, when Clarice next visited Hannibal in Tennessee courthouse and the subsequent confrontation with Buffalo Bill. What a masterpiece.

[@LuveenWadhwani]

This analysis deserves so many more views

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@DisposableSupervillainHenchman]

I recently watched “Red Dragon” because I hadn’t really seen it other than on TV some years ago. None of the other movies are anywhere close to being as great as “The Silence of the Lambs”. Really a fantastic movie.

[@CinemaStix]

For real. It was just a perfect convergence of a lot of amazing people.

[@wiseauserious8750]

Check out the Hannibal show, it sounds awful but man it's top notch

[@ColinDavidChen]

Probably won't surprise you that Ted Tally wrote Red Dragon but not Hannibal (the movie)

[@Nikkibov81]

The Hannibal TV show is my favorite show of all time. Mads Mikkelsen plays a younger Lecter, still practicing psychology. Never ever thought the show would do the story justice but Mikkelsens performance is perfection

[@aaoa666]

God that scene when he smells through the cell is just... Absolutely amazing. I love this movie, but that particular scene just does something to his character and his person, it's an animalistic way but done with restraint - to me one of my favorite scenes of all time.

[@JamesJoy-yc8vs]

Restraint indeed. That's what floors me about his performance, his uncanny restraint. Watching his introductory scene, he has *no* body language! None of the little tics and tells we're used to seeing, no tilt of his head or incidental arm motions, no shifting of weight or shrug of his shoulders; nothing! It gives him this inhuman, reptilian aspect that is - like a proverbial snake - hypnotic.

[@emilianaandjose4531]

One of my favorite films. Jodie Foster was great. Anthony Hopkins' acting wss superb. Still sending chills in my spine.

[@kpdelaney6460]

Just watched this for the first time last night. Such a great movie. The pacing was perfect, and the night vision climax scene was so nerve racking. I was uncertain of whether they’d kill her or not. Really well made film

[@tourdegadetheskankslayer1065]

Really well put together video I'm impressed, especially that ending! 💎💎

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you so much! Haha, I don’t really remember what the ending was. But I’m glad you enjoyed it! -Danny

[@ponorj]

Very well done and informative commentary. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I never knew this movie won so many awards. It's one of my favourite movies of all time. And I've seen a lot a lot a lot of movies 🙂

[@vangogh4045]

not just 5, it won THE big 5 oscars

[@sickboi.]

Fantastic videos that are really well edited. Keep up the good work! Also, best movie villain is Hans Landa, without a doubt

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you! I’ve got like a year’s worth of stuff made, so you can count on it :) And oh yeah. You’ll definitely be seeing a video on him on here at some point.

[@1myfriendjohn]

100% Hans Landa! That first scene gave me goosebumps.

[@ItsAsparageese]

Oh my goodness yes. The character is incredible & the portrayal is somehow even more amazing. That actor is extraordinary, & that's BEFORE he uses ... four? I think? different languages with obvious skill!!! The range he displays, from the very first glass of milk to the final "bingo!", is just UNREAL. Never seen anything like that elsewhere in film & I wouldn't be surprised (nor upset) if I never do again. That dude is a treasure & so is his performance in that film. I can't imagine how Tarantino must have felt when the casting was coming together haha. I'm getting palpably excited just thinking about it 😆

[@obbo]

first video. cherry on top was hannibal's "yeah!" at the end--nice touch! now subscribed!

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@FlymanMS]

The intro scene in this movie is beautiful, combined with the haunting soundtrack you know nothing is chasing Clarice and she's just running the course but it sets the captivating unsettling atmosphere perfectly.

[@Fairchild14]

one of my favorite videos to come back to. killer job ;)

[@shubhanshujain752]

The presentation is beautiful.

[@ariconsul]

brilliantly presented. thank you!

[@JediBunny]

Absolutely excellent video essay. Wow. Beautifully done!

[@CinemaStix]

:D

[@kyranina]

this video is so good. genuinely. i truly hope it gets more views and that you get more subs bc DAMN this is good.

[@CinemaStix]

I’m REALLY happy to hear people are enjoying it. It’s already done better than I could’ve asked for, and I’m thankful for that. But I hope so, too :) Thanks for the encouragement. -Danny

[@wellesradio]

No Country for Old Men also won all the big categories, and I would argue that Anton Chigurh was far scarier than Hannibal Lecter. Every time Chigurh was on camera I was terrified in a way I hadn’t been since watching Jaws as a kid and hearing those cello strains.

[@CinemaStix]

It’s a fair point. He’s a very, very frightening villain. I wouldn’t personally extend that factor across the rest of the movie where he isn’t a part, but I definitely get you. That said, to my memory, No Country For Old Men only won four Oscars, and none were for Best Actor or Best Actress, which are both part of the big five. Not to take anything away from it. What the Academy hands out doesn’t mean a whole lot as far as quality is concerned anyway.

[@ByOwlLight]

No Country for Old Men only won Best Picture and Best Director from the big five, and was not nominated for the other big three. The other two Oscars it won were Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay; adapted screenplay is a different category from original screenplay.

[@dineshvyas]

Exactly.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

Great essay mate. I'm glad to hear someone talk about the use of subjective shots. I usually hate it, and Demme is one of the rare directors who make it work in my eyes (see Philadelphia). I'm not completely sure why.

[@CinemaStix]

Somehow he just manages to make it almost invisible. It’s like something out of the corner of your eye. You notice it, but don’t quite register that you’re noticing it. I dunno, maybe that’s just me. But I know what you mean. In any case, thank you!

[@CinemaStix]

Love your profile image by the way :)

[@Jared_Wignall]

A true masterpiece. Probably the best Psychological Horror film ever made. Defiantly deserving of the 5 Academy Awards it received and honestly probably should have won more. Great video man!

[@taytorcatcatcat]

Great video, You’ve made me want to rewatch it.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@annonymeandfish]

The depiction of sexism in this movie is done way better than in modern movies I think

[@picketytwin]

Anthony Hopkins portrayal in this and westworld (ses-1) is absolutely stunning...

[@CinemaStix]

YES. He’s one of those actors I’m awestruck watching in just about anything. His voice, his demeanor, in everything, is just so captivating.

[@theChilest]

I personally think that Westworld as a series dies with Robert Ford.

[@EmDe69]

With this video essay, you've completely changed/challenged my way of seeing this film...all films? Thank you.

[@DJdext]

Thank you for this breakdown. I rewatched this movie 2 times the other day, and it still is thrilling to watch. These days, we talk about women and their roles in movies, but here, like you said, we do have a movie that examines the way women are viewed in the world. We also see a woman thay is at times terrified and scared, and yet she still goes head first further into the danger. Writers today need to study this film and learn how to write strong women into their films. It doesn't need to be done at the expense of men.

[@anorakniencelest4770]

what are the names of the movies in this video?

[@DJdext]

@@anorakniencelest4770 I'm pretty sure there is only one The Silence of the Lambs.

[@MerchantIvoryfilms]

Not only did it win 5, its the ONLY film to ever win "Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director & Best Picture"

[@ClassicalMusic2002]

This is untrue. As stated at the beginning of this video, just ten seconds in, two other films have won "Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay." The films being 1934's 'It Happened One Night' and 1975's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.'

[@Zombina638]

Um no it’s not kid

[@joeschmoe6516]

Wrong

[@bigmantings8131]

Just watched the pulp fiction video before this and i have to admit that your editing is some of my favourite on KZbin in general

[@CinemaStix]

It’s my favorite part of the process, so that’s really amazing by to hear, thank you! I’m just so grateful to have people watching. :) -Danny

[@bigmantings8131]

@@CinemaStix you give me the impression that you really put in the effort. I'm looking forward to more of your videos!

[@CinemaStix]

Got something new out tomorrow morning! Maybe my most effortful yet. Doesn’t mean it’ll be the best. But at least the hardest to edit :)

[@frankH117]

Excellent analysis dude.

[@CinemaStix]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the comment. It really helps. I’ve got something new every Friday, and am always open to recommendations. -Danny

[@spacehamsterZH]

Thank you for this thoughtful tribute to one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@CinemaStix]

That’s what I’m here for :) -Danny

[@ri.n8807]

Amazing video. Brilliantly explained the mood of the film.

[@CinemaStix]

Hey, I appreciate it! So, do you have a favorite movie villain of all time?

[@ri.n8807]

@@CinemaStix it's got to be the joker. Personally Heath Ledgers performance in the Dark Knight cant be beaten. He captures the insanity but also the complexity of the character so well with the motivation of simply wanting to watch the world burn.

[@CinemaStix]

Hard to argue with that.

[@JessMessSupply]

great work as always❤

[@MrKurtank]

A profound yet modest investigation. Thank you. Subb'd

[@Lovely-Fishes]

Worth every minute spent watching. Deep Analysis & Excellent attention to detail...🔥❤️

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@christineribone9351]

Best analysis of a movie I've ever seen. Thx

[@dave9131975]

I have seen this film no joke about 60 times... can recite it verbatim and it's going to be the first film in my "Perfect Movies" series in 2023. I did a whole video on it, that's about 40 or so minutes (with a guest) and we talked about 5 points touching on some of the points you made clear in this video. That was the absolute BEST and most thorough breakdown and dissection of this film I have ever seen. You should be EXTREMELY proud of your work. I would LOVE to get you on the show Danny. If you're interested, please reach out to me. Happy Holidays!

[@PrincessPink433]

I was curious as to what the movie was and as soon as I saw Anthony Hopkins reading that book, I knew haha. In my opinion Silence of the Lambs technically falls more into the categories of crime, mystery, drama and thriller rather than horror but it’s got all those elements too and is still a cinematic classic.

[@jaypence332]

I watched it expecting horror and was disappointed and felt it was more akeen to the profiler and criminal minds.

[@paulhumphrey3982]

Very observant and well thought out.

[@thetruthinwonderland]

Beautiful video, dude!

[@CinemaStix]

Thanks for checking it out! Let me know if there are particular movies or genres you’d like to see covered in the future. -Danny

[@Graspapa]

great video! keep on keepin on

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@shantitakemoto1058]

This is one of my top 7 best movies of all time-it’s so fresh yet so balanced, so edgy yet so full, the acting, the casting, the story, the cinematography, everything is either great or pushing beyond great..all in one movie

[@Mooseman327]

Excellent job, Danny Boyd. And this is a terrific film.

[@naly202]

Although I'm not a fan of horror, or thriller, "Silence of the lambs" is one movie that I'd watch over and over, for the sheer beauty of the dialogue between Hannibal and Clarice.

[@reginaldgooden3495]

It is a phenomenal piece of work!

[@raystaar]

Good work, Danny Boyd.

[@CopperLontra]

I really liked your perspective on this. I knew it was excellent but I couldn't put my finger on why.

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you so much! I mean, I dunno either. But I’m glad you enjoyed it :) -Danny

[@ItsAsparageese]

What is this masterful analysis? How did I end up here? How many of your videos have snuck into my eyes these few days since I vaguely remember becoming vaguely aware it was happening? And how am I not subbed yet? Okay fixed that last part lol. Great work mate, love this! If you haven't done the video about Hans Landa that you mentioned being a future-thing in another comment here (I'll go search your channel after this), then know that I'm bouncing with perpetual eager anticipation of it until you do so 😆

[@CinemaStix]

:) Thank you sincerely for this comment. It’s heart warming to say the least. Indeed, I don’t have one on him yet. The challenge there is saying anything that hasn’t already been said before. But I’m thinking through it. I did actually just finish a script today for a video that at least Leah’s on his opening scene in IB to support my point. So there’ll be that. But no doubt I want to do something putting him front and center.

[@ItsAsparageese]

@@CinemaStix Awww of course! I love giving praise where it's due 😊 Thanks for your response & for your hard work. I'm excited to see any work you do featuring that character, whether exclusively or not! Glad your channel seems to be gaining steam, it's well deserved :)

[@HamiltonIsLife]

I hate how his eyes don’t focus. Like he’s not looking he’s looking through it seems. Maybe I’m reading into it

[@wxliee]

Super intriguing video.

[@tempbauer2131]

Oh WoW! Jody looks so young. I forgot how old this movie is. It’s about 30yrs old. I think it came out in 1992. It really was a GREAT movie! The script, the acting, the directing, the cinematography, the everything! It’s currently Dec 2022

[@Salieri21]

It opened in January fgs! What other movie opened that early and won that much Oscars?! Hoping for Everything Everywhere All At Once will do the same. Best Picture, Directors, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, and more.

[@armawillo]

first of all, your essays are always fucking fantastic. i love every single one i've seen. second of all, and unrelated, that one tiny clip of hopkins leaning over to read something off somebody's clipboard while in costume was absolutely surreal. seeing him exhibit natural, unrehearsed body language is. very strange.

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you! Oh man, right? So weird. I thought the same thing when input that clip in.

[@bhante1345]

Right, I was a child when this came out, and I must have seen brief clips on the movie around the time when the Oscars of said year were all the rage, and beyond the memes of yesteryear and today, I have zero recollection of this movie, and so, I shall watch it right now and then return for your youtube thing you did here and appreciate it to the fullest.

[@user-hf7wo9bu7g]

what a beautiful video essay......just like art.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@hugojj101]

Most of tonight, I’ve spent getting triggered by analysis videos or comments. Thank you, because your analysis is actually deep and interesting, like you can’t get a read on him cus he’s reading you. And how the mystery behind him almost represents his character. It’s like he actually is chaos. Because what’s the need to control all your movements, but he does it anyway knowing how unsettling it is and knowing by control everything, there’s nothing to distinguish or telling to be able to pick up his intentions. I know he’s just a character but considering how well designed Clarice is, I assume maybe these things were considered when designing Hannibal, even though we can’t learn anything about his actual character. Maybe in his eye’s, you’re already just a part of him. 😶.. 😁

[@eviloverlordcaboose]

I’ve never considered Silence of the Lambs a horror movie, but a psychological thriller. It, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, are my favorite movies. It surprises me when someone hasn’t seen Silence of the Lambs. It’s objectively one of the best films, and it can be seen in its award and receptions. I really appreciate your video essay on it because you pointed out perspectives I hadn’t picked up on I my 100+ viewings of the film.

[@jacobshorter7204]

“ … or maybe is let through.” Ty for a most succinct lesson in semantics. Feel better now?! 🤗

[@suzy8109]

This is such a perfect film that most people forget it is a horror movie.

[@hawyee9090]

i'm not a huge movie person (attention span issues - idk why the general length of time that movies are is too much for my brain 😂) but this one arrested me right away when i watched it for a class last year. it's definitely one of my favorite pieces of any media

[@chicofoxo]

Not sure if it was the first but certainly the most memorable use of the "door-bell misdirection". The audience believes it is armed guards at the door of Buffalo Bill, and the audience feels secure & justice is imminent - only to have that entirely collapse when the door opens and it reveals Clarice all by herself. Superb editing/direction.

[@BrokenStitches]

I watched SOTL about a year or so ago, and I (a woman) remember the only time I didnt ever feel afraid for Clarice (when she was in a setting of all men) was when she was talking to the bug guys. They just had this air of sweetness, like they were weird guys, but not bad. Idk. Not trying to be poignant, just wanted to point it out lol

[@samuelzins5089]

Funnily enough, before I knew about the big 5 thing, I watched one flew over the cukoos nest and silence of the lambs back to back in 2 days. Both ended among my favorites

[@CinemaStix]

Dang, that’s a crazy coincidence. Though I did always feel this sort of spiritual connection between them for some reason. So it kinda makes sense.