Silence of the Lambsis one of the most acclaimed horror films of all timeand for good reason.
The film is a largely faithful adaptation of Thomas Harris original thriller and boasts a plethora of fantastic performances.
But despite the fact its sequel had an equally talented cast, no one really remembers it.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
So what’s keepingHannibalback?
Harris original ending isdark and gothicin a very specific way theHannibalfilm refuses to engage with.
Silence of the Lambs was the last horror film to win best picture.
Does Clarice go with Hannibal because the brainwashing works?
Ordoes Clarice feel an inkling ofsomethingfor the infamous cannibal too?
‘Hannibal’ Doesn’t Let Clarice Change
Harris understands this implicitly.
Ashorrifying and outright disturbingas Clarice’s book ending is, it’s also understandable.
But in being loyal to the book for all but the ending,Hannibalwinds up just reading as confused.
Their cat-and-mouse chase through a crowded mall feels more like a dance than a criminal pursuit.
Hannibal bridal-carries Clarice out of Verger’s pig farm when she gets knocked out.
He even kisses her at the end of the movie!
A kiss that Clarice uses to handcuff him to her to trap him.
At the beginning ofSilence of the Lambs,Claricestruggles against the misogynistic culture of the FBI.
The filmrepeatedly shows how out of place she is made to feel as a woman in the FBI.
Clarice is allowed to change as a character inSilence of the Lambs.
She must be steadfast and resilient and never tempted by the wicked workings of Hannibal Lecter.
