The Silence of the Lambs

Jack Crawford: Be very careful with Hannibal Lecter. Dr. Chilton at the asylum will go over all the physical procedures used with him. Do not deviate from them for any reason whatsoever. And you're to tell him nothing personal, Starling. Believe me, you don't want Hannibal Lecter inside your head. Just do your job, but never forget what he is. Clarice Starling: And what is that? Dr. Chilton: Oh, he's a monster. Pure psychopath. So rare to capture one alive. From a research point of view, Lecter is our most prized asset. Dr. Chilton: Crawford is very clever, isn't he, using you? Clarice Starling: What do you mean, sir? Dr. Chilton: A pretty young woman to turn him on. I don't believe Lecter's even seen a woman in eight years. And, oh, are you ever his taste. So to speak.

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Agent Starling: I graduated from UVA, Doctor. It's not a charm school. Chilton: Good. Then you should be able to remember the rules. Do not touch or approach the glass. You pass him nothing but soft paper. No pencils or pens. No staples or paperclips in his paper. Use the sliding food carrier. If he attempts to pass you anything, do. not. accept. it. - Do you understand me? Agent Starling: Yes, I understand, sir. Chilton: I'm going to show you why we insist on such precautions. On the evening of July 8, 1981, he complained of chest pains and was taken to the dispensary. His mouthpiece and restraints were removed for an EKG. When the nurse leaned over him, he did this to her. [pulls out photo] The doctors managed to reset her jaw, more or less. Saved one of her eyes … his pulse never got above 85, even when he ate her tongue.

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Clarice Starling: Excuse me. Excuse me, gentlemen. You officers and gentlemen, listen here now. There's things we need to do for her. I know that y'all brought her this far and her folks would thank you if they could for your kindness and your sensitivity, but now please go on now and let us take care of her. Go on now. Thank you. Thank you. Jack Crawford: [on the phone] OK, good. Yeah, that's right. Elk River. Stand by for transmission.

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Hannibal Lecter: You're not real FBI, are you? Clarice Starling: I'm still in training at the Academy. Hannibal Lecter: Jack Crawford sent a trainee to me? Clarice Starling: Yes, I'm a student. I'm here to learn from you. Maybe you can decide for yourself whether or not I'm qualified enough to do that. Hannibal Lecter: Mmm. That is rather slippery of you, Agent Starling. Sit, please. Now then, tell me. What did Miggs say to you? Multiple Miggs in the next cell. He hissed at you. What did he say? Clarice Starling: He said, "I can smell your cunt." Hannibal Lecter: I see. I, myself, cannot. You use Evian skin cream, and sometimes you wear L'Air du Temps … but not today. Clarice Starling: Did you do all those drawings, Doctor? Hannibal Lecter: Ah. That is the Duomo seen from the Belvedere. You know Florence? Clarice Starling: All that detail just from memory, sir? Hannibal Lecter: Memory, Agent Starling, is what I have instead of a view.

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Hannibal Lecter: Quid pro quo. I tell you things, you tell me things. Not about this case, though, about yourself. Quid pro quo. Yes or no? Yes or no, Clarice? Poor little Catherine is waiting. Clarice Starling: Go, Doctor. Hannibal Lecter: What is your worst memory of childhood? Clarice Starling: The death of my father. Hannibal Lecter: Tell me about it and don't lie, or I'll know. Clarice Starling: He was a town marshal, and... one night, he surprised two burglars coming out the back of a drugstore. They shot him. Hannibal Lecter: Was he killed outright? Clarice Starling: No, he was very strong, he lasted more than a month. My mother died when I was very young, so... my father had become the whole world to me, and, when he left me, I had nothing. I was ten years old. Hannibal Lecter: You're very frank, Clarice. I think it would be quite something to know you in private life. Clarice Starling: Quid pro quo, Doctor. Hannibal Lecter: So tell me about Miss West Virginia. Was she a large

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Hannibal Lecter: [about "Buffalo Bill"] What a naughty boy he is! Do you know why he's called 'Buffalo Bill'? Please tell me - the newspapers won't say. Clarice Starling: Well, it started as a bad joke in Kansas City homicide. They said, 'This one likes to skin his humps.' Hannibal Lecter: Why do you think he removes their skins, Agent Starling? Enthrall me with your acumen. Clarice Starling: It excites him. Most serial killers keep some sort of trophies from their victims. Hannibal Lecter: I didn't. Clarice Starling: No. No, you ate yours.

The Silence of the Lambs (film), CC BY-SA 4.0