I worked in a movie theatre when this came out. "Sleeping With The Enemy", a Julia Roberts vs. evil husband movie, was also out at the time. One dude came up to the window and asked for a ticket to see "Sleeping With The Lambs". We told him it wasn't that kind of movie theatre.

The close ups: whenever *anyone* is talking to Clarice, they're looking directly into the camera at the audience. In the reverse shots, Jodie Foster is looking slightly off camera. This is intended to get inside your head (ha!) and make you, the audience, subconsciously *become* Clarice.

"This guy is a problem." I laughed so hard when you said that. It's the understatement of the century. Loved your reaction.

What I love about Jodie Foster's performance is that she's vulnerable. I love that she cries after meeting Lecter for the first time. Even the most stoic person would be freaked out - let alone a rookie. Her fear allows the audience to identify with her without the need to make her invincible or without feeling.

According to Jodie Foster she was so terrified of Anthony Hopkins in rehearsals that during the making of this film she kept away from him until when they were on set shooting. Other production crew members have also said that they found his character portrayal so intense that they often had to look over their shoulders during production as he would often hide on set! Amazing film.

crazy that hopkins only has 16 minutes of screentime.

This is one of those films that has so much replay value that you find new details and information on every rewatch. The late Jonathan Demme really made something special with this film.

When Clarice describes her experience of trying to save the lamb, that was originally supposed to a flashback sequence. However, Jodie Foster's delivery was so great that the director decided to just leave her monologue

“This is my costume. I’m a homicidal maniac. They look just like everybody else.” - Wednesday Addams said it best lol

man that whole elevator sequence and ambulance reveal was fuckin incredible when i first watched it

This film did one of the best jobs I've ever seen showing the viewpoint from the female perspective.

"They're gonna be like this 🤞🏻, but in the WEIRDEST way! " Never was a more accurate statement made! 😅

FYI this is actually a sequel. The first book is Red Dragon, originally made into a movie as Manhunter then redone after the blockbuster success of SOTL with hopkins as Lecter, with same title as the book. The third in the series is Hannibal. I love them all, and the books.

I saw it in a large movie theatre when it came out, Hannibal's face being 5 meters/15 feet high in the close ups didn't exactly make him less scary. :D

"So much just happened."--The perfect four word review for this movie. The first thing people always bring up when discussing this film is Hopkins performance. Perfectly understandable, I get it, it's brilliant. But people forget just how good Foster is in this. They'll say she was good but no one ever puts her performance on the same level as Hopkins and it is. However I want to believe this is mainly because most people don't know much about how the movie was filmed. There are certain details you need to know to understand just how brilliant her performance was. First, in the final face to face scene between her and Hopkins in the Memphis court house where she is telling the story of the lambs a technician dropped a wrench directly behind her. It's barely even audible in the movie but it was very audible on the set. When that take was completed Foster turned around and asked Demme "what in the hell was that?" That's how loud it was. There is absolutely no visible sign in the scene of her hearing that wrench. Secondly, the climatic scene in the basement with Buffalo Bill was filmed using normal lighting. The night vision effect was added in post production. All of those physical reactions, the reaching around, the stumbling, the facial expressions, etc. were done by her when she had perfectly clear vision of her surroundings.

I always go back and watch this interview with Jodie Foster about this movie. And she says that because of the boxed-in set, she wasn't able to talk to Hopkins in between takes and even if she could, she avoided him out of fear. And on the last day she was able to tell him that and Anthony just giggled and replied "Really? I was scared of you too 😆". It pretty funny imagining that after shooting that movie with him.

If you liked this you should definitely watch "Hannibal" the show. Mads Mikkelsen does a wonderful job of portraying a young Hannibal Lecter. It is, in my mind, one of the most underrated and yet one of the best shows ever!

It's so weird that the gruff but lovable Captain from "Monk" and Buffalo Bill is the same actor.

Jodie Foster describing the found victim's glitter nail polish is so heartbreaking. ;(

The Detective in Monk has a quite surprising backstory.

"His eyes just never let go." - Very poignant. Loved that description you gave.

Fun facts about Lecter's cell, one reason it's so different from the other prisoners' is due to filmmaking concerns. The plexiglass is so we won't have bars interrupting Hopkins's face during camera shots, and the cell itself had to be constructed with Hopkins inside it.

Anthony Hopkins in this film made me feel completely hypnotized. Only other time I can recall anything close was Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s “processing” scene in ‘The Master’.

I love how this movie "breaks the fourth wall" constantly with the direct to camera acting without actually taking you out of the moment, instead it sucks you in even more.

Character Depth and a story. The two things that most horror movies lack. But then again that applies to most movies nowadays.

This is one of the best examples of a character having limited screen time but their presence being felt throughout the entire film. Interesting point about the point of view shots throughout the film! That kind of slipped by on my first viewing

I believe I heard that the reason for the 'POV' close ups was due to the director really wanted to create that uneasiness mostly due to the fact that Sterling is a female cop, hence the scenes where the male cops and other males just stare at the camera as well in all shots when she's present, you're suppose to feel how Sterling feels, uncomfortable

6:45 - So the camera thing: Notice that Clarice looks slightly off camera, while the other actors look directly to it. That is, I suppose, to make us see through her pov, and the fact that seems too close, is just to make it feel uncomfortable as if they were inside her personal space all the time.

Well deserved academy award winner here. The Hannibal series is incredible too. You can probably skip the other movies if you want. Red Dragon is alright, but older version of that story Manhunter (86) by Michael Mann (Heat) is a more interesting watch really. Dated, but creepy weird.

I could really go for a burger today. Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema FIRST TIME WATCHING "LET THE RIGHT ONE IN" Thursday! Enjoy the day!

The Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorite films of all time and it is a masterpiece of film making. From the script to the directing to the acting to the cinematography. It's just absolutely brilliant which is why it is one of only *three* films to ever win all 5 of the major Academy Awards. That is one hell of an exclusive club. Another outstanding reaction, James!

Clarice Starling is based on an actual agent named Candice DeLong who was one of the first female behavioral science or profiler. The two killers are a mashup of Ed Gein and Ted Bundy. Just some fun little facts 😁🥰

I’ve always found his extraordinary sense of smell to be fascinating and likely key to his madness. He smells like an efficient predator does. He could smell her blood the way a shark does. And, in humans, our sense of smell is intimately tied to our emotions and memories. How could a person have that ability and not go insane.

Now that you've seen this, I *REALLY* recommend watching "Manhunter." It was one of Michael Mann's first ever movies, and was the first film to show Hannibal Lecter. It's from the novel Red Dragon, which happens before Silence does. There was a big budget version put out that was utterly inferior to Manhunter in every way. Can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely amazing film.

"Buffalo" Bill's character is based, in part, on a real psycho killer named Ed Gein, also known as the Butcher of Plainfield. Ed is also the inspiration for Norman Bates (Psycho), Leatherface (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and the character Dr. Oliver Thredson in the TV series American Horror Story: Asylum. When caught, Ed was in the process of making a "woman suit" so he could be like his late mother. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Gein

Seeing those close up straight angle shots on a big screen - especially some of Lecter's - really got under your skin. RIP Jonathan Demme. You should check out some of his other films. This one came out of nowhere compared to his previous work. I highly suggest "Something Wild" and "Stop Making Sense", one of the greatest music documentaries of all time.

Finding out Hannibal disguised himself as one of the injured guards, Finding out Roz is number 1, and finding out jigsaw was the “dead” body in between the 2 guys. 3 of the biggest plot twists of my life.

I already know a few things you're going to like as a filmmaker; :) How Clarice is always made to be smaller or the odd one out in her surroundings, how everyone stares directly at the lens when talking to her, when they describe what Lector did to the nurse but don't show so you can imagine the horror yourself (as it's likely worse then what they would show), and when Lector is getting into Clarice's head and the bars between them drop out of frame and the push in on Lector.

Those front face close-ups were Demme’s thing. He utilized the same technique in Philadelphia (another great movie you should watch with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington).

One of my favs!!!🙌 Been a fan of Anthony Hopkins ever since😊 I still remember, as a kid, seeing the VHS in every damn store😂...for some reason the cover really fascinated me and I just knew I would love this movie...and I did😊 still do and it will probably never bore me, no matter how often I watch this movie...

I envy that you get to watch these for the first time. There are so many films I wish I could see again for the first time and be shocked, surprised and thrilled by. Keep up the good work and enjoy.

I love when I find out a KZfaqr I watch has never seen a legendary film, which means we get to experience their first time reactions with them.

You ABSOLUTELY need to watch the movie “Hannibal” and the tv series, too, which is somewhat loosely based on these films/books. I think you’d love it!

As much as I loved Silence of the Lambs, it’s the series Hannibal that really hit hard in the gut. While Sir Anthony stares at the camera and creepily hams it up, Mads Mikkelsen keeps it all behind dead eyes. Subtle facial movements. A polished practiced professional veneer. His portrayal of Hannibal Lector is built layer by layer episode by episode. It’s a masterclass of understated brilliance. It’s the polar opposite of what Hopkins did, but reaches the same gut wrenching goal. Highly recommend the Hannibal series.

I have a number of reactors I like to watch. I look forward to you reacting to my fav movies because of your film maker perspective. I learn a lot about what’s going on as well as seeing you simply appreciating a good movie.

Yaaaaas! So excited! One of my favorites. I can’t wait to see your reaction.

"He's just out here, eating people, man..." Love it!

Lector's escape is one of those things you only get to really enjoy the one time, it's so great.

Ive only just discovered your channel and i find your analysis of each film so entertaining and interesting. Really good stuff, i especially liked your reaction to the film Snatch. Cant wait to see more from you, keep up the great work

Hi James, Your reaction channel is a must watch in our house. Thanks for all the great content you provide. The close ups and slow zoom ins during conversations in this always remind me of Sling Blade with Billy Bob Thorton.

This was the first truly gritty and dirty serial killer movie, in my opinion. The violence is horrible the forensic work is unsettling and there is no happy ending. A true dark masterpiece.

I think this community is so awesome because of the person that you are, i think the guilt someone would feel in spoiling something for you meaningfully or accidentally may ruin their life 😂. Stay who you are man and grow as that 💪🏼

Just recently found your channel. Enjoy your insight and excitement for movies I have liked. Thanks for your effort.

Yet again another great vid man!

“The mind is a muscle” wow. Dude you’re a treasure thank you for all your content man. I think you dropped this 👑

Loved your reaction from Seattle, WA. I’m 51 and it’s refreshing to see somebody of your caliber understand this classic film. Looking forward to seeing more of your work! Thanks. 💜

James putting out bangers 🔥🔥🔥 keep up all the great content bro

Great reaction man. And another great movie in the books. Keep up the good work bro 🤙💣💥🔥🙏

The silence of the Lambs is one of the few films to sweep up the major Academy Awards. Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screen Play, Best Director, and Best Picture. I was thinking of a movie which seems to have dropped off the popular radar, but which I enjoyed, and I think you would absolutely enjoy; The John Landis directed 1985 "Into the Night" with Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Then there is the cast of an A-list of great actors engaged in surprising cameos.

Very surprised this one went under the radar for you. I’m just barely into the vid and I’m super excited for you!

I love how you compliment the editing and then one of the best edited sequences unfolds infront of you:D When Clarice stands at the door and no FBI in sight, that was just so intelligent editing! "Intelligent" is the keyphrase here, as the dialogue is so intelligently written. It is a psychological study of Clarice as much as (or maybe more) it is a study on Hannnibal. Both deserved their oscars for this.

"He's an animal!" I'm so glad you said that because what I love about this movie is that it's actually about humanizing people depicted as animals and objects by the world around them, even Hannibal. I've been obsessed with this movie for eight years but I only JUST saw it last week. I've got an anxiety disorder so it's a VERY odd obsession but I was finally ready and now I'm here to celebrate having finally seen it by watching you watch it! I love this movie so so much more than ever.

FINALLY you are reacting to this. Thanks so much. I adore your reactions.

Read the books by Thomas Harris. Absolutely incredible reads with “Hannibal” being an absolute masterpiece!

One of only three films that have won the top 5 Oscars (Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director and Screenplay). The other two were It Happened One Night and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Lol this is one of the best reactions I've seen you do! One of my fave movies ever! ❤️🇨🇦

TV show Hannibal is so amazing. Cinematography is something else and fantastic score makes it one of the most beautiful shows ever made.

It's funny you mentioning how young Sticks looked, and that you're just 'used to' him looking old and bent over in Daredevil. I saw the movie, The Right Stuff in '83, and for me every time I see that amazing cast 'today' I still see them as young as they were back then. Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid. Heck, Lance Henriksen almost looks like a kid.

The POV shots with Lecter are unsettling. Like he's staring deep into your soul.

I agree the community is great im always in a good place when I watch you videos and go in the comments :D

i find amazing how u can hear and understand whats hes saying while ur talking. Amazing :3

you never get a great storage locker like that on 'Storage Wars'..imagine the ratings if you did!!

I love how you use the word crazy to describe...everything lol, that's so crazy!

I think you are the first reactor to this movie that I've seen (and I've seen a lot) who kept in what I believe to be Lecter's most underrated line: "... but not today."

Awesome Work Bro, Thanks 👍 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮🇺🇸🇫🇮🇺🇸

Great reaction. Love the speechless phrases. "Yo, yo" or "BRUH!" Looking forward to more content.

Great video James

The editing in that scene is even greater than you first realize. Masterclass level. ;)

The "entrance" of Hannibal as Clarice is walking up to his cell is extra creepy because his eyeline is as if he was watching her walk up the whole way, but his walls are brick.

Subscribed! I really enjoy your content brother.

Hey Youngblood! I enjoy your channel and watching you discover new old sh*t, lol. Scott Glenn was on the come up in the late 80's early 90's. Another really sweet Scott Glenn picture is western called Silverado. featured lot's of rising stars who are legends now.

Great reaction. As a film maker you have to watch the Hannibal show. Not only is it an amazing show it is visually next level.

Amazing movie. The first time I saw it was in high school when my psychology teacher handed it to me and asked me to do a psychological profile of the three main characters. Best assignment I ever got.

Hard to believe this won five of the biggest Oscars, isn’t? Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, *and* Best Picture!

the camera is SO good in this, putting ourselves in Clarice’s shoes to make us all feel the discomfort women go through everyday from the male gaze. Jodie kills this role

Ahh yes, one of my faves. I was 14 when this came out. And I remember renting it from the video store on a rainy Friday afternoon. Went home, ordered pizza and popped it in the VCR to watch with my mom and aunt. It was one of my best memories from my youth, weird as that may sound. But we all enjoyed this movie so much. We were so engaged the entire time. This movie is one of THE reasons why I love movies!!!

Absolute classic. Scared the hell out of me when I first saw it. Watched Hopkins in “the Father” recently; really powerful movie but incredibly sad.

I don't know why I didn't like you the first time I saw you but you're awesome my guy. Love the wealth of knowledge you share with us.

From what I understand, I think the camera shots where the characters are looking at us is to help the audience see from the POV of Clarice which I think is a really cool technique and wish more movies would do something similar

Would love to meet mom and hear her insights as well. Thanks for the reaction and commentary.

You should read the books! The get wild. Especially for spoooooky season

I'm still amazed that this was released a month after I was born too. That's wild and I love it lol.

Anthony Hopkins was so believable in his role that my wife will not watch any other of his movies because she was so creeped-out after watching this. This really was a master class in acting by both Hopkins and Foster, which was a necessity given there were so many extreme close-ups.

This film does a lot of cool frames as far as showing power/authority in the conversations based on camera placement. You can see who's leading the conversations and who's in charge based on the intensity of the zooms. It gives you a really good opportunity to look at the character's eyes and their facial expressions. This film is amazing.

Anthony Hopkins only had a limited amount of screentime and yet still won an award for this movie. That's what you call a chilling, captivating performance!

I’ve never seen anyone laugh so much at this film

I never noticed how the camera angles really force you to look into the characters face when they are talking, especially with the subject matter. My wife told me that she tends to look away when the angles are close because she is never comfortable with eye to eye contact. Which i thinks sets the mood for the movie. Also every male character seems to make her uncomfortable, and every male seems to see her as a catch instead of a colleague

It is actually a very smart way to shoot the film and how the conversations look. So, you get to see BOTH sides of that conversation and the reactions.

Michael Mann's _Manhunter_ from 1986 is a modern masterpiece & one to watch. The remainder of the films in the Lecter series are spotty at best.