directed by Jonathan Demme
The Silence of the Lambs is an excellent film and one of my all time favorites. Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster and Ted Levine are all excellent in their roles, and the film remains a modern day classic of suspense.
Arguably both Buffalo Bill and Dr. Lecter serve as the film's primary antagonists. It's difficult to say which of them is creepier. After this most recent viewing, I personally vote for Bill. Whereas Lecter is deeply disturbed and unsettling, Bill's psychosis is much more pronounced. He seems genuinely unable to function in a normal way. His interaction with Starling at the end of the film, for instance, shows an almost complete breakdown. Even if she didn't see the moth, I think she still would have questioned him - he wasn't able to maintain a facade.
Incidentally, if you want to make your brain hurt, watch this film and then watch one of the campier episodes of Monk.
Gumb was a sort of fusion of different serial killers - his method of capturing Catherine was essentially the same as Ted Bundy's, including the fake cast. His fascination with skin and questionable sexuality came from Ed Gein. The inspiration for the basement torture room comes from Gary Heidnick, who kidnapped and imprisoned women in his Philadelphia home. Gumb's pathology is said to be due to childhood abuse, which is common for killers. More of his backstory is available from deleted scenes or the documentary "Silence of the Lambs: the Inside Story", but to be honest I kind of liked not seeing it. After reading Red Dragon and seeing some of the drawbacks of going deep into the killer's background and POV, it was a little refreshing to have Bill stay a mystery.
One of the most fascinating elements of Lecter's character is how self aware he is. The way Hopkins portrayed the character is as though Lecter knows he is playing a role - the monster that knows he is a monster. He is perfectly aware of what the other characters think of him, and he plays to that expectation on purpose. In the break out scene, for example, he takes the time to string up one of the bodies in a grotesque but artistic display. Doing so serves no purpose, other than to intimidate the other police and live up to his reputation.
In spite of that reputation, Lecter is more able to hide in a crowd than Bill is, after a manner of speaking. When he's in his cell and everyone knows he is a monster, he revels in that role and enjoys the attention it brings. But after he breaks out, he seems to have no trouble disappearing. Unlike Bill, he can hide in plain sight. He's only creepy when he wants to be, and he only decides to be that way when it suits him. And of course, his escape makes sequels possible, and for a great film and a great character, that's a must.
I agree that Ted Levine's performance and the character of Jame Gumb is one of the creepiest parts of the movie. In my blog, I said that the first couple of times I watched the movie, I was so focused on the Lecter/Starling chemistry that I all but missed Levine's performance. Each time I watch it, though, I become more and more aware of him and what a brilliant performance it is. The dance scene is maybe one of the most horrifying things I've ever seen... and I've seen a lot of horror.
ReplyDeleteWay to go with connecting all those serial killers to Wild Bill! I knew Thomas Harris borrowed here and there but he's almost plagiarizing their methods (if serial killers could get a copyright). And I had issues with Lecter's escape too. Mine were mostly of timing though. He kills two guards, strings up one up, switches clothes with the other, takes his face, and then has time to put him on top of the elevator? That would take at least a half hour, right?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lecter's self-awareness as a monster being fascinating. This characteristic essentially amplifies his knowledge about how others see and feel about him, which he can then use to his advantage. Rather than being just an insane criminal, he understands himself, in a way, which makes him scarier than the average serial killer in other movies and books.--Jay Massiet
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you say Bill is creepier. If I had a choice to go up against those two, I'd pick Bill any day of the week. He is unstable and easier to deconstruct and manipulate. Catherine takes a stab at it when she threatens his doggie, at least she had a chance. But I don't think anyone could deconstruct or manipulate Lector in a million years.
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