*SO DISTURBING* the silence of the lambs (1991) | First Time Watching | (reaction/commentary/review)

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This film was just so disturbing. So many scenes made me feel uncomfortable but absolutely brilliant performances from the cast and an incredible script. Enjoy :)
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SO DISTURBING the silence of the lambs (1991) | First Time Watching | (reaction/commentary/review)
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@KurtAnderson812]

The stunning thing about Anthony Hopkins performance is he only has 16 minutes of screen time in the entire film and yet his performance was iconic. He well deserved the Oscar that he won for this film

[@thecocoacouch]

It was incredible!!

[@d.-_-.b]

The 16 minute figure is a myth, he's actually on screen for 24 minutes, 52 seconds. That's still at least half the time of every other nominee he beat for the Oscar. EDIT: As sparksdrinker5650 points out, the ten scenes he's in counting from when he's first seen/heard till he's last seen/heard in each actually add up to 34 minutes, 54 seconds, not counting the end credits sequence. What makes this myth believable, other than having reputable sites blindly repeat it without checking, is that Hannibal is gone for extended periods of the movie twice, once for almost 20 minutes and another for over 25 minutes.

[@milannesic5718]

Why is that a stunning thing? It is actually easier to perform less time than long time. If you perform for the long time, your performance may actually drop. You need to stay in a character much longer. Unless you meant something else

[@forpspeakingclass4444]

@@milannesic5718 i get your logic but usually it never happens when someones acting is on a decline. usually what you start with is what you end with no matter the time span. this is was seperates an actor with a regular person trying to act

[@sparksdrinker5650]

@@d.-_-.b yes and a lot more if you count when he's in the scene but not on camera at that moment.

[@aquapuppy9838]

"I'm having an old friend for dinner," is such a great line.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

One of the best lines ... especially when they show the psychiatrist boss closer haha

[@forpspeakingclass4444]

@@adrianhempfing2042 this movie has produced many of the best lines in general lol

[@bwilliams463]

My favorite is 'Yeeeah. That was goood."

[@veggiesarefruits]

An overlooked shot that I've noticed in this movie, which I think is absolutely BRILLIANT, is when Clarice begins to tell Dr. Lecter about her trauma, you can see the bars between her face. As she goes deeper into the story, the camera zooms in with her until finally, the bars around her disappear and she's free. The bars are not shown at all every time it cuts back to Hannibal, because he's actually the one helping her free herself from the trauma. That was an honest therapy session from Hannibal, to Clarice. I've never heard anyone bring that up, but I think it might be the most powerful part of the film. What an incredibly brilliant choice from the director. Just masterful!

[@Akins560]

I'd be terrified talking to a serial killer with psychiatric knowledge 😮

[@naysay02]

holy shit what a take. i’ve been a solid fan of this movie since i first saw it and have analyzed it every which way but missed this obvious one. why did he want to do that, though? because she stood up to him and he admired her for that?

[@veggiesarefruits]

@naysay02 I think it's a matter of mutual respect. Everyone besides Clarice (and Barney) shows disrespect, contempt, dishonesty, and distance (both physical and emotional) from Lecter during his imprisonment. Clarice always addresses him, sincerely, as "Doctor Lecter" or "Doctor". She's brave without being arrogant or attempting to use false bravado around him, she's vulnerable, she's real. Clarice isn't afraid to not only roll with his punches, but to give a few back. She's able to decipher his anagrams and vague remarks, which gives him the pleasure of stretching his intellectual muscles. He praises her for being frank, clever, and brave. Hannibal has been imprisoned for eight years by this point, and hasn't had the opportunity to engage in his chosen profession until he meets Clarice. She makes the wise decision to disregard her superior's orders to never let Lecter know who she truly is. But the way he sees things is that unless you give him something (in this case, personal information) he won't give you anything. So, she accepts his quid-pro-quo proposal, and this works for them both. He gets an unguarded, frank, honest mind to occupy his own mind with, and she gets information about Bill. Hannibal doesn't tell her Buffalo Bill's real name because he trusts that she will figure it out. Again, he doesn't ever want to spoon-feed her information. He drops hints, she puts his clues together, he's intellectually stimulated by this, she shows him who she truly is, he respects it and it gives him not only something REAL to think about, but it gives him the opportunity to solve her trauma. This is almost entirely for his own benefit, but because he respects her for respecting HIM enough with personal information (and for being an all-around courteous person), Lecter gives her some help in return. Give and take for someone like Lecter is prized very highly.

[@crystalpritchard5065]

Initially the studio didn’t want to hire Anthony Hopkins to play Hannibal, they didn’t think he had enough star power. He’d come out to Hollywood but it wasn’t going well and he’d basically given up on being a mainstream actor and gone back to the UK when he was cast as Hannibal. Crazy to think that Anthony Hopkins might not be the household name he is today if not for this movie.

[@the_petty_crocker]

I saw this in the theater and the entire audience gasped when Bill opened the door and Clarice was there. There were some people who even screamed "No!," they were so worried for her. Foster and Hopkins unquestionably deserved every accolade for their performances. Terrific reaction and great analysis!

[@MotoNomad350]

I think Lecter’s initial curiosity about Clarice’s background was looking for vulnerabilities he could exploit but later I believe he took an interest and actually wanted to help her. He is an excellent psychiatrist and it gave him an opportunity to practice which was no doubt a diversion from the endless boredom of an isolation cell but also to feel the satisfaction of using his professional skill.

[@thecocoacouch]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense.

[@mundanepants]

The later books made it clear his interest in Clarice was romantic and sexual. But you know, I prefer to think the books don't exist 😅

[@MotoNomad350]

@@mundanepants Having not read the books, my untutored takes are not burdened by the knowledge of the author’s actual intent. 😂

[@IChooseJesus9091]

The books reveal some of Lectors own psychology. Which some people don't like, because they think in order for a "villain" to be properly feared, the mystery around them has to be maintained. But having been a true crime enthusiast for years, I can say for myself & many others like me, that's simply not true. Part of my intrigue in true crime, was understanding the psychology of the dangerous criminal, especially serial killers. He probably was looking for something to exploit initially, but as soon as he meets Clarice, he likes her for her attractiveness, her courteousness, & her sharp intelligence. And he admires her uncompromising goodness. She is not seeking a career in law enforcement with power as her first goal, but to keep ordinary citizens safe. She isn't corrupt. As soon as he hears her story, he recognizes a significant commonality that he has with her, & is affected by her even more. Also - The reason he talks to the Senator that way, is BECAUSE she is a political figure in a position of power. Lector comes from wealth. Though there's no mention or evidence in the books or movies, that his own parents were corrupt, still Hannibal knows a lot about the corruption of politicians & the wealthy. The Senator doesn't come to greet him, looking like a devastated grief stricken Mother, who's lost sleep over her missing daughter. She is dressed to the hilt, with makeup & well kempt hair. And she presents a professional demeanor of authority, rather than someone who is distraught or inconsolable, & pleading for help. Just some observation. As a psychiatrist he would have seen people who were distraught & inconsolable, & would also be able to identify someone faking those things from someone genuine. Anyway, I think he lost respect for her as soon as he saw her. "So hey! What a messed up movie! Chuckle chuckle." Lol! That was funny. Yeah it is about a couple of dangerous "messed up" criminals, who do some heinous gruesome, "messed up" things. But it's very well acted & cleverly written. And that old house is about as creepy as they come....

[@アキコ2003]

@@mundanepants and what's what's horrible about that take? Tf

[@wendylagrego3394]

I think you're right about the murderer coveting Clarice at the end. I read the book years ago, and after she shoots him, his dying words to her are something like, "What is it like to be so beautiful?" Great reaction--as always!

[@ruth2141]

Buffalo Bill's character in the book was based on real-life serial killer / grave robber Ed Gein from Wisconsin in the 1940's / 50's. He was very attached to his mother, and after her death he started digging up women's corpses, cutting them up and tanning various parts, some of which he would wear or make furnishings out of. He was caught when he killed a local woman, and it is believed he had killed others over the years. Other fictional serial killers are based on the same case, including Norman Bates from "Psycho" and Leatherface from "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre".

[@lennyvalentin6485]

Bill is a bit of a collage, the fake cast he uses to lure his final victim is similar to real-life Ted Bundy, who also used a fake cast to appear less threatening.

[@amandaasbury7524]

One correction: he didn't keep the first girl longer, she was the first one taken and the third one found because he weighted her down before putting her in the water. So it took longer for her body to surface. He did that to make sure she wasn't found too quickly because it would have been easier to find him, since she was the only victim that sort of knew him personally. Every victim after that was further away from his home base so that no one would easily make that connection.

[@Otokichi786]

I had read the book before seeing the movie, so I thought that I was ready. Clarice Starling walks up to Hannibal Lechter's cell and I am stunned. Just standing there, he projects menace, looks upon other people as potential prey, and doesn't blink his "dead shark eyes." The camera views the world from Clarice Starling's level, as men see her as an object. 12:47 Sometime after the turn of the century, I was informed that a college classmate had died a few days before. Later that day, I went there to collect things I'd lent him the week before. I remembered the Vicks VapoRub from this movie, and used it "just in case" the apartment had become a "body farm." 26:33 Actor Ted Levine should have gotten AMPAS attention for this "Buffalo Bill" role and the "Goodbye Horses" dance. 29:19 Mrs. Lippman, I presume? 30:45 Have YOU ever "had an old friend for dinner?"

[@DonMachado]

I read the book too and was definitely at the theater on opening day. The one thing about the movie that frustrated me is how they changed the meaning of the title. Clarice's most profound trauma was when the screaming lambs suddenly became quiet, as if they were resigned to their fate. The idea that you know you cannot save your self and accept your fate as inevitable was what caused her the most trauma. That was the crux of the entire book, and they left it out of the movie.

[@staceytuhey9372]

Yes, Vicks rub covers the smell. Also, this film won 9 Oscars! edited to add: I really like your reactions. You are so quick to pick up subtle cues and elements in these films. Subscribed!

[@lanzknecht8599]

One of the best known forensic pathologists of Germany Prof. Michael Tsokos said, that they do not use ointment or fragances to cover up the smell of a corpse, for several reasons: 1. Use on regular base would cause irritations on the skin and lip of the pathologist 2. More important it would mask a smell that is on the body, which could already give a hint for the cause of death (f.e. alcohol) The smell of a corpse is described as quite unpleasant, but bearable.

[@staceytuhey9372]

Ah ok. I remember reading in the book that it was Vick’s, to cover the smell; maybe that was something the writer added?

[@lanzknecht8599]

@@staceytuhey9372 I believe it´s okay, since Jack Crawford and his team aren´t pathologists.

[@aspenrivers9462]

It could also have smelling salts, as that also tricks the brain into not passing out.

[@believer773]

I bet as an actor this would have been an amazing experience to be in. What a movie, what a script, and these performances deserved all the awards it got. Fun reaction

[@theloneraiderart4960]

When you said "oh it looks like an angel" and realised what it actually was was priceless! 🤣 Loving your reactions! 🥰

[@clarissa182]

Silence of the Lambs is fantastic. The only problem with it is because I spent my entire like with people calling me "Clarice" just because the name was similar. That and "Clarissa Explains It All". Sigh...

[@lucianaromulus1408]

Haha i forgot about the Clarissa show. My middle name is Pamela...cant tell you how many times people instanty said PAMELA ANDERSON?????!

[@erinpowell941]

Scott Glenn (Clarice's boss) is based on a real man, John E. Douglas. He was the head of the FBI serial killer's division. I took a psychology course in college where they talked about him and how the character in this movie was based on him. If you want to watch a prequel to this movie (although it was filmed afterwards), I recommend you watch Red Dragon; Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes, et al. Great cast, takes place before Hannibal Lector is caught. If you like this one, you will like Red Dragon. Watch Red Dragon and I think much of Hannibal's motivations are explained. He likes to play games, but he admires smart people, which is what intrigues him about Clarice, but also with Will Graham in Red Dragon.

[@erinesque1889]

His tc books are also very fascinating; he’s a very good author as well now.

[@brianmatthews1736]

This film is fascinating. Lecter is in the same instant both frightening, and impressive in his intellect. Lecter said it himself, he respected Clarice and said it would be interesting to him to get to know her outside of prison, and at the end of the film tells her he doesn't plan on going after her cause the world is more interesting with her in it. He was a psychiatrist by profession, and education/training, but was likely to help him locate victims for his cannibalistic desires. He did fulfill his promise to Clarice as well, she did become a full agent after he helped her find out who and were Buffalo Bill was so she could save the Senators daughter. VERY intelligent, and suspenseful film...

[@ferrisulf]

"Imagine not feeling safe outside the bars the psychopaths are in." A regular feeling for us women. That is what they were going for in this movie. How many times she is given different "male stares" either sexual, looking down on her, etc. I've seen a lot of male reactors talk about how uncomfortable those direct stares from the male actors to the audience/Clarice make them feel. This was intentional and very well executed.

[@thecocoacouch]

Yeah shoulda said what I was implying hey. That women got it harder when it comes to safety. 😕

[@ferrisulf]

Oh, I didn't meant to make it sound like I was dissing what you said. More I was agreeing and commending how well it was portrayed in the movie.@@thecocoacouch

[@iceprincess2134]

It was definitely well-produced, though tbh I was a bit disappointed because the themes of the novel were more complex than that.

[@ferrisulf]

I haven't read the novel. It sounds like it's worth the read?@@iceprincess2134

[@ferrisulf]

This wasn't about men not feeling safe around men. I'm talking about the portrayals in the movie. As we see, plenty of men get killed in this movie, so you are correct in that. I was pointing out the camera angles because that was what was brought up by the reactor. @@Helgrimr

[@whoiswren]

This is in my opinion, one of the top three movies of ALL TIME. It won the big five at the oscars, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Screenplay. Phenomenal work of art with amazingly complex characters and Jodie's portrayal of Clarice is something we will never see again - Clarice Starling is a very complex and relatable character who isn't overpowered, impossibly strong for her size- but rather an intelligent individual who is relentlessly embracing her femininity. Through her pure intentions and authenticity, Jodie's character became a symbol of divine power motivated by pure desires to save weaker individuals in her world. Despite the fact she will never be as physically strong as the men who tower over her, she preservers because she sees saving other innocent lives as a parallel to saving the lambs. The whole point Jodie was trying to make was that in the past, since women didn't have the strength or "heroism" that could compare to men, Hollywood often resorts to crafting lazy, unrealistic female heroines (i.e marvel women) who possess unfathomable qualities and don't come across as relatable at all. Besides this, often the only redeeming quality of women's characters in film is their attractiveness, or their relevance is limited to being as the love intrest to their male costars. The Silence of the Lambs changed that when Clarice Starling appeared on screen. The producers took the time to flesh out Jodie's character, Clarice, thereby allowing this talented actress to portray an authentic female role who embodies the characteristics of someone motivated by a well-developed moral compass rather than such trivial, superficial objectives. a relief for audiences). She is then juxtaposed against her male colleagues, almost all of whom are motivated purely by advancement rather than the cause itself.

[@whoiswren]

“The scenes between Lecter and Starling are basically seduction scenes. They play as if they were lovers.” -Ted Tally, screenwriter for Silence

[@betweenlakes]

Ted Levine is the actor who played Buffalo Bill. Ted Tally wrote the script.

[@whoiswren]

@@betweenlakes LOL no more writing comments at 3am thanks 😭😭😭

[@Arsolon618]

No coincidence this movie was released on Valentine's Day 💘

[@micheletrainor1601]

The terrifying truth of these killers is they were all inspired by real serial killers for instance like Ted Bundy ( he used to pretend to be injured to get his victim to help him to get them in the car ) , Ed Gein who made furniture etc from human tissue like skin to cover a chair, a lampshade, human skulls as bowls, one killer whose name I cannot remember who kept women in wells in his basement ( he was making a baby factory and girls that died he fed to the other women in other wells he dug ) . That's what is truly terrifying that these types of people are real and there are alot worse out there. I read alot of true crime the ones i told u about are most definitelynot the worst i have read about and these are the ones we know about too.

[@IChooseJesus9091]

@micheletrainor1601 + Gary Micheal Heidnik is the one whose name you couldn't remember. He was born on November 22, 1943. I'd never heard of him till reading your comment just now. So I looked it up. Not interesting what the man did per sé, but interesting that he is another component to the "Silence Of The Lambs" creation & success. I used to be a real True Crime Enthusiast, & read a lot of True Crime Books, & watched True Crime Shows & Documentaries often. So I knew about Ed Gein being part of the inspiration behind Psycho, & The Chainsaw Massacre. Also of course Ted Bundy. Who hasn't heard of him right? But I was surprised that I had never heard of Heidnik. Especially in relation to inspiration for the movie. What's terrifying concerning him in real life, is that he actually incorporated a Church in 1971 called the "United Church Of The Ministers of God". He successfully amassed approximately $550,000 through his brokerage account with Merrill Lynch, & this was used to prove that he was an astute investor, and therefore not insane. He was executed by lethal injection on July 6, 1999.

[@micheletrainor1601]

​@IChooseJesus9091 thank you for looking him up as couldn't remember his name. Not a lot of people know about him for some reason considering what he was and what he did as its truly disturbing.

[@kellifranklin4432]

What I find interesting about the character of Hannibal Lecter is that while we know he's a monster there are certain instances where we find ourselves sort of cheering him on. I think that's the genius of the character and Hopkins' performance is stunning. I enjoyed your reaction and commentary as always!

[@Mr.Ekshin]

They set him up as almost a protagonist in a strange way. Hannibal is a predator... but he knows and accepts that. He sees himself as a necessary force... strengthening the herd by hunting the weak and depraved. He hunts tedious, petty, annoying, shallow, and dishonest people. He hates rudeness and 'fake' people. When he meets Clarice, every single thing he says or does in their interactions is actually a series of psychological tests. He's testing her honesty, testing her patience, trying to anger her to see what she'll do or say. And step-by-step, she passes those tests. Clarice (and the orderly 'Barney') are basically on Hannibal's friend list. He wouldn't want to harm them. He tested Clarice's honesty and candidness with his initial question about Miggs' comment. When he insulted her with his first impression analysis of her clothing, accent, etc, he watched and waited for the anger response. But instead he saw that she was a bit hurt by his words. She acted with some acceptance of the truth in his comments, and simply became a bit more resolute. Initially, he regarded Clarice's ambitiousness as a possible character flaw, and he set about probing that angle. When given the chance, Hannibal went into her past to see where that ambition came from. What is she after... what pushes her to do what she does... what does she 'covet'? And when he figured out the driving force behind her actions ... her father's death, and ultimately hopes of putting an end to her childhood nightmares (ie: the silence of the lambs)... he decided she was a truly good person. Not only would Hannibal NOT harm her... he'd probably harm others to protect her. Sure, this film was an interesting crime drama... but on a much deeper level, it was really all about Hannibal's psychoanalysis of an interesting subject, and her ultimately learning about who she really is, and what makes her tick.

[@simonmckinlay1784]

A Brilliant analysis of the movie-thankyou.@@Mr.Ekshin

[@betweenlakes]

You're definitely right about Bill "coveting" Clarice at the end. I think the film visualisees this theme of "coveting" (or just "looking/being looked at") in really interesting ways, like all those down-the-barrel close ups you noticed.

[@shewolfsiren]

In the prequel Hannibal Rising, it’s learned Hannibal himself went through a horrifying childhood trauma, and he considers himself a gentleman. So when he discerns that Agent Starling had also experienced childhood trauma--not to mention witnesses that little stunt Miggs pulled right in front of him--he decides to do something about it. Because she has actually treated him like a person, with decency and respect. This is the perfect example of how one should behave around sharks (of any species): don’t give them a reason to hurt you, and they won’t!

[@subitman12]

The man who played the serial killer also starred in a tv show: Monk. He played the role of a detective captain who occasionally hired a private detective name Monk. Monk used to be in the police himself but after his wife's murder, he couldn't handle it. He has memory loss but he could examine a crime scene. He could piece together what happened eventually. It's both a funny and serious show.

[@torontomame]

He was SO likeable on Monk that when I found out, only a few months ago, that he was the same actor who'd played Buffalo Bill I was floored. Same thing with the actor who played Ramsey Bolton on Game of Thrones. Before I watched that show I only knew him from the Britcom "Vicious", where he played the sweet and lovable neighbour.

[@cynthiawalker2275]

Yes! It was an amazing show and this actor is fantastic !!!

[@ranniwolves]

i love monk, i wish more people knew about it/would react to it! my father showed me it when i was very young and i have grown up watching it. it deserves more love!

[@youyeedyourlasthaw]

One of the only horror movies recognized by the academy, such an amazing movie with even better acting. excited to see your thoughts on it!

[@ifeelpretty5790]

The straight-on closeups of an actor’s face was kind of a trademark from director Jonathan Demme, he did a lot of them in Philadelphia as well, another fantastic film with an Oscar-winning performance from Tom Hanks and another great performance from Denzel Washington. Highly-recommended!

[@nickstark8640]

This film is the ultimate psychological thriller. It really gets into your head. Two Oscar (no pun intended) worthy performances by Anthony and Jody helped make this movie a masterpiece of suspense. It was very enjoyable to watch your responses throughout the film. You have really good insights.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Oscar (cocoa) winning an Oscar would be fun to see lol

[@dansiegel333]

Your observation about the sequence with the night vision goggles being a final act of coveting was very insightful. You may be interested in another Jodie Foster movie, “Contact “- not traumatizing like this one ! It’s about contacting aliens.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Contact is a good film. Not sure Foster does bad films really

[@GarytongueBetz-vl1fu]

No! It is about Contacting her father!

[@jaspyr88]

The dialogue between Hannibal and Clarice about the lamb and when she ran away with it always hits me hard. I find myself in tears during that scene. It’s such a powerful exchange between the characters and both Hopkins and Foster absolutely nailed it.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

The way the final scene keeps going is just amazing, you don't see that in other movies. The credits roll, and the incredibly haunting musical score plays, and people keep walking to and fro, getting about their business as the stiff breeze waves the palm trees about. Incredible photography. You can see Lecter way into the distance, if you care to follow him with your eyes. There's so much atmosphere in this movie; it is so sick, a number of the characters in it are so damaged, but the way everything's been written, it weaves into a fantastic modern horror story. It works amazingly well even today despite being more than thirty years old at this point in time. Much better than the average 32ish-year-old movie did back in 1991 I'd say - you'd be back in the tail end of the 1950s; name even one movie of that era which is in common rotation today... :P Kind of shows how much our society - along with cinematography - has matured at this point. One of the things that dates the movie is - of course - that Clarice doesn't have a cell phone to call for help when she inadvertently locates Bill. Those wouldn't become common until several years later - interestingly, around the time when The X-Files premiered (which as people may remember, often relied on the two main characters calling each other on the go.) Hella entertaining reactions btw. lol As an Old, it truly feels super weird to watch young people watching a movie I've seen myself many many times before, but you did it well. :D Cheers and thanks.

[@chelseabellamy6993]

There's a sequel from 2001 called Hannibal. Some fans are divided about it, but personally I thought it was just as good. Both based on books by Thomas Harris (Which I have every single one) Hannibal had a different but fitting ending. Another movie is Hannibal Rising, which explains his childhood trauma and how he became what he is. Just if you're interested in checking out the saga.

[@harmonicpies]

You’re spot on about Bill coveting her when he reached out toward her in the basement. He was admiring her pretty hair and thinking how nice it would look on his woman suit. If I remember right from the book.

[@staciepoole8161]

This was the very first movie that truly disturbed me as an adult. I was so spooked I checked under my bed and in all the closets and stuff. Freddy and Jason don’t exist. Serial killers do. Awesome reaction!

[@GarytongueBetz-vl1fu]

False! Freddy and Jason very much DO exist. All fictitious characters exist in a certain form. Everything that can be thought up does in fact exist.

[@leeann3920]

Did you know that Anthony Hopkins composed a waltz? (Andre Rieu conducts a performance on KZbin.) Sir Anthony is a great pianist--when I see him play, I always imagine that Dr. Lector is playing (they are so intertwined). Singer Chris Isaak ("Wicked Game") was one of the SWAT guys. And Ted Levine (Buffalo Bill) was a co-star in the TV show 'MONK' and was one of the baddies in the last Jurassic World movies. Wonderful cast. As for the movie, I just think that there are people that Lector liked [and let live] and those he did not like [and killed/had for dinner]. Love this movie and you've had a GREAT reaction! Looking forward to the next one!

[@AlessaParker]

the shriek when Clarice arrives at Buffalo Bill's place 😂 I remember I let out the biggest OH.. NO.. when I first saw that scene

[@binkytube]

I basically come back for your nervous giggle. Love it!

[@pieceofgosa]

Absolutely without question this film is in my personal top 5. I first saw this when I was maybe 11 or 12 & I was instantly hooked. I watched the VHS I had so many times I literally wore the tape out. At 14 I could recite virtually every line in this film flawlessly (I can still bust out the "all the way to the FBI" monologue). I should clarify btw, I've never been a person that gets scared by movies/things that aren't real. At 4yrs old I lost my shit in pre-school because we had a puppet show & all the other kids were screaming about a crocodile puppet. I got so mad I stormed up to the front & yanked the puppet off the guy's hand & yelled "IT'S JUST A STUPID PUPPET !!" So it certainly wasn't a morbid fascination that drew me back to this movie time & again. It was a fascination with the craft of the actors, the director, the composer. It was a fascination with how Demme managed to create such a palpable atmosphere of menace & tension. It was, in short, the start of my fascination with the craft of filmmaking and for that, this film will always have a special place in my heart.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

I saw this film on video as a child/ preteen , completely no idea to the Multiple Miggs part. I thought it was blood like he said. Only rewatching as an adult it made sense lol

[@pieceofgosa]

@@adrianhempfing2042 yeah I also did not get that he threw jizz at her, I thought it was spit. It's the line "that's nothing Miggs could manage again even though he is crazy" that eventually allowed the penny to drop :D

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Haha. As an adult, when I heard dr lecter say that it made more sense. As a child I didn't even hear that

[@shewolfsiren]

My one pet peeve about this movie is the knowledge that THIS beat out Disney’s Beauty & The Beast for Best Picture for that year’s Academy Awards! It wouldn’t be so bad if Beauty & The Beast had lost to some other picture--but to lose Best Picture to THIS?!?!? Disgusting, shocking, alarming, and disturbing is all I can say in response

[@georgedominguez255]

I highly recommend The Black Phone for a great movie! The young actors give stellar performances! It stars Ethan Hawke.

[@SkidmoreTx]

the " would you F me" scene is so iconic, shows, cartoons and movies have parody it.

[@Tiisiphone]

Stellar performance by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. Probably the best horror/thriller movie I ever watched. Thanks for your reaction!

[@garnet0101]

Anthony Hopkins said he purposely did not blink.

[@Panik637]

“Imagine not feeling safe outside the bars the psychopaths are in” that’s it! That’s the plot of the books!

[@midnightcryptworx]

Whats so creepy I think about Lector is that he barely blinks when he talks.

[@jamesodonnell3636]

TREMENDOUS reaction! Many good observations along the way, and when you pronounced Demme's film a "masterpiece," I said to myself, Cocoa Couch knows The Shit when he sees it.

[@WedrownyGrajek]

You were quite insightful with this one, I'm impressed.

[@h.haydon8044]

This is a great movie and has great performances. Brian Cox's; who played Hannibal originally, performance is quite different but not in a bad way. It's more realistic, in my opinion. He comes across as an arrogant teenager, but Hopkins is so much fun to watch. If you want to see a movie that is a little similar to this but based on a true story, I suggest watching the movie, "No Man of God". Elijah Wood plays real-life FBI Agent Bill Hagmaier and Luke Kirby plays Ted Bundy. Now I know what you are thinking, "Another Ted Bundy movie". This film focuses on the relationship between Hagmaier and Bundy. The movie is almost entirely between those two characters. Luke Kirby as Bundy was amazing to say the least, because of how human he played Bundy. I know people never want to put the word "human" with the name "Bundy", but he was a human being. Only human beings do the terrible things Bundy and others like him do. Also, another thing interesting about the film, it's directed by a woman named Amber Sealey. She makes two really good choices: 1.) There is literally only one woman that actually has a small role, so Sealey has the other women in the background do something interesting. 2.) There is no violence shown, but there is the most powerful, horrific scene done by Luke Kirby that makes it the best scene of the movie.

[@pendorran]

Luke Kirby is a ridiculously underrated actor.

[@buzzardbeatniks]

There are 2 more movies starring Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter - Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2003) which is a prequel to Silence of the Lambs. Opinions are divided but I'm actually a big fan of those 2 movies too.

[@browniewin4121]

This is about the best creepy, scary, intense, whodunit movie, great cast, and plot, sound track and everything.

[@krissjw1982]

Absolutely amazing movie - so very glad that you have decided to watch (and respond to) this movie. I've only jut started watching your reaction but if, ultimately, you like it I do hope to see you react to 'Hannibal' (movie, not the TV show), 'Red Dragon' and 'Hannibal Rising' to complete the Lecter story arc. 😃

[@looneygardener]

The actor who plays Buffalo Bill, played a police captain on American tv show Monk. Freaked me out....the voice....

[@Kenyon712]

Bill took his time with Clarice because he saw her as an easy kill. Most in the film underestimated her.

[@sakuram69]

I can quite literally talk about this movie for hours. Absolutely one of my favorites of all time. I love how Hannibal says "Love your suit" to the senator. It was deceptively brilliant and clever and almost nobody picks up on it. This is one of the super rare times a movie is far, far better than the book. If you want to be bored out of your mind, read the book. I seriously couldn't even finish it. I think I stopped around halfway. I'd like to give it another chance just because I hate leaving books unfinished, but damn. This movie is absolutely brilliant all around. A true masterpiece

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

Yikes! When I saw this title, I knew we wouldn't be hearing Cocoa's distinctive patented chortle today.

[@myfriendisaac]

24:33 This escape is just 1 reason why Hannibal is in a league of his own 🎭🤣🫣

[@rogu3rooster]

Sir Anthony was basically a side character and yet he just owns every scene he's in. Him and Jodie Foster were so good playing off eachother.

[@cynthiademoss7204]

I enjoy how you analyze each movie and your laugh is contagious 😊 I saw this in the theater when I had just graduated high school and it was terrifying. One of my favorite movies to this day.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

This is still one of my favourites

[@Bill_pierre]

I loved this reaction! Such a fantastic film, isn't it? I highly recommend Hannibal (the movie) and Red Dragon!

[@DW.Strangeman]

Red Dragon is a pile of shit compared to Manhunter but Hannibal is good and so is the series, but opinions differ😁 (apart from Red Dragon which is still shit)

[@Akins560]

I think Hannibal Rising should be watched also. This introduced me to Lecter's character and the got into the books and movies. Is there a reason why it's disliked by Hannibal fans?

[@drownedhorses]

I liked red dragon 🐉

[@DW.Strangeman]

@@drownedhorses so you should, it's a very good story which I love( not so much the film). I'm just being pretentious, I just didn't like it.

[@BrandoBaggins23]

Gaaaa!!! I am SO EXCITED that you’re watching this extraordinary film!!!

[@s1lm4r1l6]

Hopkins wasn't really sexually attracted to Clarice, he was simply doing what he said he would do. He wanted to help her catch Buffalo Bill. He gave her enough to help, but then tricked her and Crawford knowing that Crawford would try to sideline/protect her. That's how Clarice ended up confronting Bill herself, on her own. Buffalo Bill was 'her' victory not Crawford's. "I'm having an old friend for dinner" has got to be the coolest way to end a movie ever.

[@MotoNomad350]

Love your suit.

[@aagold76]

Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars the night 'Silence' swept... he made his entrance wheeled in on a dolly as Dr. Lector in the face mask.

[@pieceofgosa]

I almost feel bad pointing this out, given how well you picked up the themes & motifs, but Buffalo Bill didn't keep the first girl (Frederica) alive for longer than the others. She was the only body he bothered to weigh down which meant that, despite being the first victim, she was the third body discovered. This means that he was concerned about her body being found because he had a personal relationship with her & that could lead the cops to him. The significance of coveting (in this context) is simply that a covetous person naturally covets what they see everyday, which leads Lecter to conclude that he knew the first victim personally.

[@stevenjump8234]

Both Hopkins and Foster won Best Actor awards from The Oscars. There is one sequel and 2 prequels. The sequel is Hannibal , Hopkins returns but Foster did not. The 1st prequel is Red Dragon. It tells how Hannibal was 1st captured and his helping the FBI. The second is Hannibal Rising and tells how Hannibal became the killer he becomes. All are good and Hopkins returns for all but Rising.

[@georgedominguez255]

Also other than the novels, movie going audiences were introduced to Hannibal in Michael Man’s amazing film Manhunter with William Petersen and Brian Cox from 1986.

[@jwoodard29]

Oscars were awarded to Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The Hannibal TV series is well worth a look -- the actor playing Hannibal may be even better than Hopkins.

[@themourningstar338]

I really enjoy Anthony Hopkins... but Mads Mikkelsen is hands down my favorite Hannibal.

[@katrinacash6393]

Another great film with Anthony Hopkins is "The Edge". It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! It came out in 1997, about 6 years after "The Silence of the Lambs".

[@Randerson2409]

Fun fact, when Lector is making fun of Starling's accent, that wasn't in the script. Anthony was ad-libbing it, and the response from Starling was very genuine

[@chasingbirds3073]

Really excellent reaction from you. Smart, intelligent reaction. Masterful editing as well. Nice job.

[@JTs-No-Bs-Reviews]

On a second watch you'll notice that Hannibal only blinks maybe 2-3 times the whole time he's on screen, Hopkins trained himself not to blink to elevate the role. Respect from South Australia 😎

[@P.G.G.]

I saw this in the theater with my parents when I was 13. I tried to act cool and say it didn't scare me, but I didn't sleep well for about a week after.🙂

[@alexkuball2593]

This is my favorite reaction I’ve seen you do! Fun time watching with you, brother

[@thecocoacouch]

Cheers my guy!!

[@altaclipper]

I think it would be more accurate to say that a psychopath has a taste for murder from the start. Repetition merely hones his technique. However, it's never as enjoyable as the first kill, so he spends the rest of his life chasing that initial excitement, exactly like a drug addict does. What do they teach in school in Australia? Oh, I enjoy your reactions very much.

[@brabbit736]

Fun fact! The pfpfpfpf sound after the "fava beans and a nice chianti" part was pure improv on Hopkins' part!

[@hawkmaster381]

It’s hard to think that Buffalo Bill is Captain Stottlemeyer in Monk!

[@rroman6405]

Hannibal and Clarice share a slightly similar history in that they were both orphaned at a young age and both ended up in an orphanage. The movie Hannibal Rising covers his history and how he became a cannibal.

[@zedwpd]

It's not a huge responsibly Crawford gave to Starling. He said, I don't expect him to talk to you. So the expectations were zero.

[@zedwpd]

Although you perceive Clarice to have a disadvantage in a room full of male officers, they are state police and are a lower level than federal, which is what Starling is.

[@eleegs]

Dead on your take regarding the theme of “covet” - happens to Clarice from her boss, Chilton, Lecter himself and the men around her in forensics and the FBI. Hence this film’s screenplay won the Oscar. The director and his use of the closeups and reflections during the Lecter/ Starling exchanges also won. Best Picture and Male and Female lead Oscar’s makes this one of the few films to sweep the Top 5 Oscar awards

[@mariacavanaugh1010]

Great insight into Hannibal's inquiry of Clarice. 👌I watched this alone in the balcony during a midnight employee screening at the movie theater where I worked...talk about spooky. 😉Jodie Foster is a fantastic actress; she's been on-screen her whole life. Please watch CONTACT (based on Carl Sagan's investigations into the universe). Or, for a cheeky teen movie, Little Darlings; also staring Tatum O'Neil.

[@JurassicGodzillaFan]

Anthony Hopkins deserved his Oscar for best actor, same with Jodi Foster for best actress. And the film deserved to with win best picture.

[@sirjohnmara]

20:05 that whole scene - no wonder both of them received OSCARS that year. GREAT reaction - I'm subscribing now, thanks from Sweden and sorry about the Womens Soccer. 🙂

[@Kenyon712]

Hannibal manipulated everyone so he could escape. He knew his new handlers would not take all the proper precautions.

[@troygregory2874]

This film is one of only 3 films in history to sweep the top five Academy Awards. (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay). The other 2: “It Happened One Night”/1934 and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”/1975. Also it was the first “horror” movie to win Best Picture.

[@dannycorbitt2389]

Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster were never in the same room.. They filmed their parts separately... that's the amazing part to me...

[@AlanMitchell585]

Been hooked watching you since 2001 Space Odyssey. Your awesome. Just wish I'd hear for once from reactors pertinent Oscar related intros that would spoil nothing, and add so much. This film in particular! FIRST FILM TO SWEEP ALL 5 MAJOR academy awards since Annie Hall. Actor,Actress, Screenplay, Director, and Best Picture. Or how able Kathy Bates breakout, Oscar winning role in Misery. Think that would be fun for people and goods for film education.

[@HACUNA89]

I love your nervous laugh. So endearing

[@gacchan]

What a great reaction. The other movies in the series (Hannibal, Red Dragon, Hannibal Rising) are all worth a watch in my opinion. The TV show that aired on NBC is also stunning.

[@UncensoredScion]

The pure pride and enjoyment on the "not anymore." from Hopkins is so perfect.

[@elishabacon2299]

Yes, and when Clarice said no you ate yours The look from. Lecter lol😊

[@hegstad9]

18:23 : After Dr. Lecter' escape ~ I wonder if wimpy little Dr. Chilton was eqully comfortable being close to Dr. Lecter's teeth (without Barney to hold his hand) ~ as it was implied in the book that Dr. Lecter abducted Dr. Chilton (who vanished from the earth ... ) ~ As in my mind : "Good evening, Dr. Chilton," ~ the terrified Dr. Chilton turns and looks into the eyes of Dr. Hannibal Lecter ~ realizing that he is about to take revenge for eight years of abuse at the Asylum ! I'm convinced that Dr. Lecter felt very creative and took his time.

[@micheletrainor1601]

I watched a reaction to this not that long ago by a young auzzie girl who said " what is a cu#t 😂😂 I couldn't stop laughing at that.

[@zedwpd]

They had to give him very unusual handcuffs with 6 inches of chain otherwise he couldn't have escaped.

[@jaspyr88]

NO WAY, 2 films back to back that are in my top 5! Blade Runner and Silence Of The Lambs!!

[@hippiechic6772]

I got here much later than I hoped but I wouldn't miss your reactions and comments for Silence of The Lambs . It's hard to watch that scene where Clairece is leaving the cell in the beginning when that prisoner grosses us all out and your right.... Hannible did show her a little sympathy after that scene . I can not imagine anyone not showing her some sympathy after that. Something needed to happen for the personal "ice" to break between Hannible and Clairece and it did work. I really like Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins movies and their ability to play off each others characters in Silence of The Lambs is incredible to watch. I Love true crime cases and learning about personality traits I find it fascinating so this is one scary movie that I have seen more than once . Thank you for your reactions and comments for this film and I actually enjoyed watching it in your channel more than on it's own. Much appreciation .....Oh! I am not sure if you have already seen the Quentin Tarantino film "Death Proof"~ 2007 or if you might do a reaction for that sometime but thought to mention that . Thank you again for Silence of The Lambs reactions .

[@erinesque1889]

Buffalo Bill’s character was a conglomerate of three real serial killers; Ed Gein, for the skins, Gary Heidnik for the hole in the basement, and Ted Bundy for the way he tricked the girl into his van

[@julieornelas3787]

This movie made me want to be a detective like Clarice at age 9. 😅 I watched Hannibal films super young.

[@maggiemm8867]

Same!!! I gave a speech in class about it.

[@d.-_-.b]

If you ever need to make a disgusted face in your acting, just remember how you felt watching the "fingernails in the well" scene.

[@ratatataraxia]

I knew it was going to be a good day...I meant disturbing.

[@SirAdamantine]

Incredible movie.

[@Brisee76]

My favorite movie of all time, and the book is a great read. The movie is actually a really faithful interpretation of the book by Thomas Harris. Thomas Harris spent time with John Douglas and the FBI agents at Quantico. John Douglas was the lead criminal profiler who inspired the character Jack Crawford. Thomas Harris used his time at the FBI to develop the plot and characters. BuffaloBill is actually a combination of 3 known serial killers, Ed Gein (cut up women’s skin and he also inspired the book Psycho ), Ted Bundy ( who faked injury to lure victims ) , and Gary Heidnick ( had the pit in his home). The van Buffalo Bill used to abduct the victims was like the one used by serial killers Bittaker and Norris. So many Oscar’s for this movie including, best picture, best actress, best actor, best director and best adapted screenplay 😮that’s an ACHIEVEMENT ! Quite a lot of pop culture references came out of this film! Loved your watch along Oscar ! ❤

[@ranniwolves]

my favorite version of hannibal is the nbc show’s version, i just love mads mikkelsen’s portrayal. but this movie and anthony hopkins portrayal of him will always be the most iconic! hannibal detests rude people and that is probably why he took to clarice so much. she is respectful and smart and he appreciates that