The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Movies Like Se7en | Filmiway

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Why This Matches the "Se7en" Aesthetic

The definitive psychological thriller that paved the way for Se7en. It elevates the genre by making the monster the smartest person in the room.

The Silence of the Lambs

1991•Jonathan Demme•120 min•R

The Experience

A young F.B.I. cadet, Clarice Starling, must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to help catch another serial killer known only as 'Buffalo Bill'. As Starling trades personal secrets for clues, she enters a dark psychological game where the line between hunter and monster blurs. A masterclass in tension that remains the only horror film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Cast & Crew

Director: Jonathan Demme

Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins

Production Details

Budget: 19 million

Box Office: 272.7 million

Age Rating:R
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SE7EN DNA SCORE

94
NOIR DARKNESS INDEX
8.6
IMDB RATING
PSYCHOLOGICAL GRIT LEVELHIGH

A transcendent masterpiece redefining narrative complexity.

Content Advisory

Contains: Mature Content

01:38:00 → 01:40:00
🔞
NudityBuffalo Bill dance scene
High
Viewer Discretion Advised

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INTENSITY GRAPH

Narrative Analysis
First Meeting(35%)
Quid Pro Quo(60%)
Autopsy(80%)
Escape(90%)
Basement(95%)
Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Psychological: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Thriller: 40%Horror: 20%Horror: 20%Horror: 20%Horror: 20%Horror: 20%Horror: 20%

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CINEMATIC DNA

Genre Analysis
Psychological
40%
Thriller
40%
Horror
20%

Genre DNA Distribution

  • Psychological: 40%
  • Thriller: 40%
  • Horror: 20%

Movie Intensity Arc

  • Minute 10: First Meeting (35/100 Intensity)
  • Minute 35: Quid Pro Quo (60/100 Intensity)
  • Minute 65: Autopsy (80/100 Intensity)
  • Minute 90: Escape (90/100 Intensity)
  • Minute 115: Basement (95/100 Intensity)

Community Reviews

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FAQ About The Silence of the Lambs

Common questions about The Silence of the Lambs, its ending, and its place in noir cinema history.

Is Hannibal Lecter the main villain?

No, Buffalo Bill is the antagonist. Lecter is an anti-hero who assists Starling, though he is undoubtedly a monster in his own right.

Did Anthony Hopkins blink?

Hopkins famously chose not to blink during his monologues to make Lecter appear more reptilian and unnerving, increasing the intensity of his gaze.

Why is it like Se7en?

It shares the dark, procedural tone and the 'descent into hell' narrative structure, where a detective must enter a nightmare world to stop a killer.

Is Buffalo Bill based on a real killer?

He is a composite of three real-life serial killers: Ed Gein (skin suits), Ted Bundy (fake cast), and Gary Heidnik (pit in basement).

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Curated by Filmiway Editorial Team

Expert analysis of noir & procedural thrillers

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