Horror and thriller films often influence each other. Some movies take inspiration from past classics, whether through themes, characters, or storytelling techniques. One recent horror film that has caught attention is Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins. Many viewers have noticed similarities between Longlegs and The Silence of the Lambs (1991), leading to the question: is Longlegs based on The Silence of the Lambs?
To answer this, we need to examine both films. We will look at their plots, characters, and styles to see if Longlegs is truly inspired by The Silence of the Lambs or if the similarities are just coincidental.
The Plot of Longlegs
Longlegs is a psychological horror film that revolves around an FBI agent investigating a series of brutal murders. The killings are connected by cryptic messages left behind by the killer, known as “Longlegs.” As the agent gets deeper into the case, the mystery becomes more terrifying, leading to a shocking confrontation with the killer.
This plot immediately reminds some viewers of The Silence of the Lambs, in which a young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, is assigned to track down a serial killer named Buffalo Bill. To do so, she must seek help from another dangerous murderer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
The Plot of The Silence of the Lambs
Released in 1991, The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. The story follows Clarice Starling, a promising FBI trainee, who is sent to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but insane psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. The FBI believes that Lecter may have information on Buffalo Bill, another serial killer who is murdering women and skinning their bodies.
Clarice must earn Lecter’s trust and uncover the clues he provides before Buffalo Bill kills his latest victim. The film is a tense psychological battle between Clarice and Lecter, making it one of the most iconic horror thrillers in cinema history.
Similarities Between Longlegs and The Silence of the Lambs
FBI Agents Hunting Serial Killers
Both Longlegs and The Silence of the Lambs follow FBI agents trying to capture serial killers. In The Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling is an FBI trainee, while Longlegs also features a determined agent unraveling a terrifying mystery. Both protagonists face psychological challenges as they dig deeper into the minds of killers.
The Role of Cryptic Clues
In Longlegs, the killer leaves behind strange messages, creating a puzzle for the investigator. Similarly, The Silence of the Lambs features Hannibal Lecter providing cryptic hints to help Clarice find Buffalo Bill. This use of riddles and hidden meanings adds to the suspense and makes both films feel more psychological than straightforward crime thrillers.
Psychological Horror Elements
Both films use psychological horror rather than relying only on graphic violence. In The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter’s calm and intelligent demeanor creates an unsettling atmosphere. The horror comes from the way he manipulates people rather than just his past crimes.
In Longlegs, the horror appears to be more supernatural, but it still plays on the fear of the unknown and the power of the human mind. The killer in Longlegs is portrayed as an almost mythical figure, much like how Hannibal Lecter is treated as a legend in The Silence of the Lambs.
A Strong Female Lead
Another similarity is the presence of a strong female protagonist. Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most famous female leads in horror-thriller history. She is intelligent, brave, and determined, facing both the dangers of her case and the sexism within the FBI.
While Longlegs has not been fully released at the time of writing, it also features a female FBI agent as the main character. If she is portrayed as a determined investigator facing psychological terror, then the comparisons to Clarice Starling will grow even stronger.
Differences Between Longlegs and The Silence of the Lambs
A Supernatural or Mythical Element?
One major difference is that Longlegs appears to have supernatural elements. The film has been described as “otherworldly horror,” suggesting that the killer might have abilities beyond a normal human.
On the other hand, The Silence of the Lambs is a realistic thriller. Buffalo Bill and Hannibal Lecter are terrifying, but they are still human beings with psychological disorders. If Longlegs leans into the supernatural, this would make it very different from The Silence of the Lambs.
The Role of the Killer
Hannibal Lecter is unique because he is both a villain and an anti-hero. While he is a cannibalistic murderer, he is also charismatic, intelligent, and strangely likable. His conversations with Clarice are among the most iconic moments in film history.
In contrast, Longlegs seems to portray its killer as a more traditional horror villain. Instead of being charming like Lecter, the Longlegs killer may be more terrifying and less human. If the killer does not engage in intellectual games with the protagonist, the comparison to Lecter may not be as strong.
The Focus on Fear
While The Silence of the Lambs is more of a crime thriller with horror elements, Longlegs seems to be a full horror film. It is described as deeply disturbing, whereas The Silence of the Lambs is more suspenseful than outright terrifying. The tone and style of Longlegs may be closer to films like The Ring or Hereditary than to The Silence of the Lambs.
Conclusion
Based on the available information, Longlegs is not directly based on The Silence of the Lambs, but it does share some similarities. Both films feature FBI agents tracking down serial killers, psychological horror elements, and cryptic messages left by the antagonist.
However, Longlegs appears to have a more supernatural or mythological element, which sets it apart. While The Silence of the Lambs is grounded in reality, Longlegs may explore more otherworldly terror.
Ultimately, while Longlegs may remind viewers of The Silence of the Lambs, it seems to be its own unique horror experience. Fans of psychological horror and crime thrillers may enjoy both films, but they should expect Longlegs to be a darker, more supernatural take on the FBI-versus-serial-killer story.
