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Welcome back, Hannibal Fan Podcast loyalists, it has been far too long. If you are like Christopher, Dave, Doc and Thomas, you too have been missing the Hannibal TV show something awful. The world just isn’t the same without the show on the air. While season three certainly ended on a high note, perhaps the perfect note, no longer having Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy on every week has left a hole in our TV viewing hearts.

Recently we reviewed Manhunter 1986, now we present our review of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS from 1991. The film went on to sweep the Academy Awards in all the major categories. The crew from Hannibal Fan Podcast reunite to review the film for the Decades of Horror 1990s podcast. We are presenting it here on the Hannibal Fan Podcast for your enjoyment as well. Let us know if you like the idea of covering the films and, with any luck, we can continue to do so. We want to hear from you. So read below and listen to Decades of Horror 1990s episode 11 covering Silence of the Lambs from 1991.

“A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) says the iconic line that launched a thousand parodies. 25 year – nearly to the day – after sweeping the Academy Awards, Silence of the Lambs has become a cultural touchstone that people still recognize to this day. The interplay between Dr. Lecter and Agent Claire Starling (Jodie Foster) live on in the annals of horror history. Then again, is this groundbreaking piece of cinema a horror film? A thriller? A romantic comedy? It’ll take a reunion of some experts from the Hannibal Fan Podcast to make that kind of call.

Decades of Horror 1990s
Episode 11 – Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Silence of the Lambs is only the third and so far last film to sweep the five big Oscar categories: Best Actor, Actress, Screenplay, Director & Picture. An amazing feat, but one that still remains earned. Following a young FBI agent at the end of her training, Clarice Starling is out to find the shadowy serial killer known as Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). While on the hunt, she visits the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane to interview psychiatrist/disturbed cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter as to Bill’s actions. The back and forth between the two quickly becomes a mind game, one that’s brilliantly written by Ted Tally (based on Thomas Harris’ novel) and directed with delicate control by Jonathan Demme. One intelligent study of the insane vs. the sane that spawned multiple sequels and copycats alike.

To suss out all of this, Thomas gets the band back together from the Hannibal Fan Podcast for a reunion! Doc Rotten speaks to the intimate close ups Demme uses to get us into the characters. Dave Dreher denotes the lingering horror of the tension filled finale. Christopher G. Moore gushes about every frame of his second favorite film of all time. While denoting some datedness, Thomas can’t help but marvel at the cohesively constructed Silence of the Lambs. This band of Hannibal fans discuss the iconic performances, legendary characters and masterful horror on display. Plus, there’s a bit of fan casting for Bryan Fuller if he ever returns to the world of Thomas Harris. Bryan: call us!

We want to hear from you – the coolest, most gruesome fans:  leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1990s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or tweet Thomas @NotTheWhosTommy.

Call to Action: Vote For Episode 13!

Decades of Horror the 1990s needs your help! We need to find a topic for episode #13 and we’re asking YOU to vote on it! In the below link, vote for how excited you’d be for each individual option from Golden (super excited) to Dead (not excited at all). The one with the greatest average will be chosen. Deadline to vote is April 1st! You can vote here.

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Perfect Blue (1998)