Summer's Most Terrifying Cinematic Offering in 2024: The Silence of the Lambs Resurrection
Slicing through the Years: The Enduring Impact of "The Silence of the Lambs"
For over three decades, The Silence of the Lambs has carved out a unique niche in our pop culture, following its Valentine's Day release in 1991. And it wasn't just the iconic mask or Hannibal Lecter's chilling catchphrase that left an impression. The movie's gripping narrative about an ambitious FBI agent chasing a ruthless serial killer has reshaped everything from cop dramas to horror stories and true-crime obsessions.
As time marches on, some parts of the film have acquired a dated feel. At the movie's premiere, LGBTQ groups raised concerns about its portrayal of Buffalo Bill. Viewing it in 2024, you'll spot areas where the dialogue could use a sensitivity overhaul. But thankfully, the entertainment industry has come a long way since then, and current productions that borrow threads from Silence of the Lambs focus on the core dynamic, not the problematic aspects. Two much-anticipated summer releases epitomize this evolution.
When M. Night Shyamalan spoke to Empire, he described his upcoming movie, Trap, as follows: "Imagine The Silence of the Lambs at a Taylor Swift concert." While the pop-star concert setting is evident from the film's trailers, we haven't seen the film yet (release date August 2). However, it's clear that Josh Hartnett's serial killer character, nicknamed "the Butcher," is paying homage to the legend of Hannibal Lecter. Whether there are other connections remains to be seen – maybe the guy working at the venue is spouting misdirection akin to Clarice Starling's dealings with Lecter? That might be a stretch, but we'll be curious to see if there are any specific tributes or if Shyamalan was merely using shorthand for "this is a serial killer story."
Compared to Trap, Longlegs' connection to Silence of the Lambs is less ambiguous. Filmmaker Osgood Perkins expressed that the classic film had a lasting impact on him, turning him into a lifelong fan. According to Perkins, Longlegs has a "deliberate one-for-one relationship" with Lambs. (Keep an eye out for our upcoming interview with Perkins.) The commonalities are both evident and subtle: Longlegs revolves around a young, green FBI agent handpicked by her superior to catch an elusive murderer with twisty methods. It also takes place in the 90s, and features certain stylistic choices and memorable details that Lambs buffs will instantly recognize. Longlegs is undeniably its own movie, but knowing that it's also engaging in conversation with Lambs heightens the viewing experience.
To date, Silence of the Lambs has inspired a diverse range of media based on Thomas Harris' famous novels and the enduring appeal of the Jonathan Demme film. Hannibal Lecter has transformed into a franchise, starring in five films (Lambs, Manhunter, Red Dragon, Hannibal, and Hannibal Rising) and two TV shows. Some of these productions had their charm, like Manhunter's distinctive Michael Mann vibe and the spelling-changed "Lecktor" character played by Brian Cox. But the real joy lies in the fact that Silence of the Lambs has seeped into the minds of creatives who keep its message alive. In essence, Silence of the Lambs warns us that unspeakable evil lurks everywhere – a chilling reminder that could never be more relevant.
The Silence of the Lambs is currently streaming on Prime Video. Longlegs hits theaters on July 12, and Trap premieres on August 2. Stay tuned for our interview with Osgood Perkins!
- The upcoming movie, Trap, by M. Night Shyamalan, seems to pay homage to Hannibal Lecter, a character from The Silence of the Lambs, as Josh Hartnett's serial killer character is nicknamed "the Butcher".
- Film critic Josh Hartnett expressed that Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, has a "deliberate one-for-one relationship" with The Silence of the Lambs, featuring similar storylines and characters.
- Despite concerns about its portrayal of LGBTQ characters raised in the original Silence of the Lambs by groups during its premiere, current productions borrowing from its narrative focus on the core dynamic, not the problematic aspects.
- The entertainment industry in 2024 is impactful in having evolved since the release of The Silence of the Lambs, ensuring that it avoids repeating outdated stereotypes in its portrayal of marginalized communities.
