When it was released in 1991, The Silence of the Lambs broke a plethora of records. Grossing $273 million worldwide against a modest $19 million budget, it finished as the fifth-highest-grossing film of the year. It also made Oscar history in more ways than one.
Over three decades later, this iconic horror movie still garners new fans yearly and has diehard horror fans rewatching thanks to its timeless appeal. Widely considered a masterpiece because of its incredible lead performances, brilliant pacing, and a unique blend of multiple genres, it’s safe to say this film will remain a classic as long as movies exist. So, to celebrate its 35th anniversary, let’s take a deep dive into one of the most unnerving films ever made, from behind the scenes trivia to easter eggs you may have missed.
Anthony Hopkins’ Intense Preparation Methods
Anthony Hopkins is in the Guinness World Records for the shortest screen time for a Best Actor Oscar award. Only appearing on the screen for 16 minutes, he managed to exude captivating menace with an odd sense of calm beneath the sinister. To prepare for his role, he meticulously studied files of serial killers, visited prisons, and even attended court hearings concerning gruesome murderers and serial killings. This intense dedication helped him merge together real-life monsters and turn them into what is now one of the most iconic movie villains of all time.
The Tricky Early Development Process
Before Anthony Hopkins wrapped his lips around “a nice Chianti”, Gene Hackman circled the role. Partnering with Orion Pictures to buy the book’s rights in 1987, Hackman was set to direct and star as Hannibal Lecter. However, he dropped out before filming, reportedly after his daughter talked him out of it due to its dark and violent nature. As he had just starred in the disturbing Mississippi Burning, he protected his image and boarded the action comedy, Company Business, instead.
Jonathan Demme took on the role of director following Hackman’s departure. Initially, he offered the role of Lecter to Sean Connery, seeking his blend of fierce intelligence and intense physical presence. However, Connery reportedly found the material to be “disgusting” and “revolting,” stating he wouldn’t ever dream of playing the part.
Unscripted Moments That Made It to the Screen
As the winner of Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published at the 1992 Oscars, it’s safe to say that the screenplay for The Silence of the Lambs was exceptionally well crafted. Yet, some of what you see on the screen wasn’t in the script at all. The famous scene where Lecter mocks Clarice’s (Jodie Foster) Southern accent was entirely improvised by Hopkins. Foster’s hurt, defensive reaction was completely genuine. As she explained in an interview, she was a young actress adapting to a new accent, so Hopkins’ swipe felt like a personal attack and left her feeling “really mad”. However, she later thanked him for the brilliant choice that elevated her performance.
The infamous basement dance scene was also somewhat improvised. The creepy sequence of Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) strutting his moves was originally supposed to be played out to a song called “Her Strut” by Bob Seger. Yet, Levine felt more of a connection with Q Lazzarus’ song “Goodbye Horses” because he felt it was stranger, gentler, and more feminine. His actual dance moves were improvised in the moment too. Demme gave him free rein to take it wherever he wanted. Levine reportedly tipped back a few shots of tequila for some good old fashioned Dutch courage before filming the scene.
Iconic Oscar History
While other scary or suspenseful movies received Best Picture nominations over the years – such as The Exorcist (1973), Jaws (1975), and The Sixth Sense (1999), The Silence of the Lambs is the only one to walk away with the gold. It is also the third ever movie in Academy history to win the coveted “Big Five” Academy Awards. These categories are for producing, directing, acting, and screenwriting. Before 1992, the only other movies to achieve this were It Happened One Night (1934) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Since then, no other movie has joined this elite club.
Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
As with any other movie that leaves a massive stamp on pop culture, The Silence of the Lambs has had eagle-eyed fans return time and time again to dissect its many layers. The first major intricacy lies with the movie’s iconic poster. The moth that rests on the lips of Clarice’s face has a skull in the centre. Look closely at that skull and you will see it is formed by several naked bodies.
Inside the background details of the movie itself, the prop department and Demme got incredibly creative. When Clarice first encounters Hannibal Lecter in his high-security cell, the background is quietly doing massive narrative work. Hanging on the stone walls are several detailed sketches that Lecter claims to have drawn himself from memory. He explicitly points out one piece: a drawing of the Duomo as seen from the Belvedere in Florence, Italy. A first-time viewer could easily brush this off as a simple nod to Lecter’s sophisticated, European tastes. But those who have dug deeper see a brilliant piece of double-foreshadowing hidden in plain sight. The artwork actually gives away Lecter’s final destination. After his bloody escape later in the film, the final sequence shows him casually blending into a crowd in Florence.
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