Silence of the Lambs (1991) is a psychological thriller adapted from bestselling author Thomas Harris’ book by the same name.
Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a new agent training at the FBI Academy. Scott Glenn plays a veteran FBI profiler in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and Anthony Hopkins plays Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
Here’s the premise: A young F.B.I. recruit must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims. (IMDb)
Of course, I thought it was implausible that an inexperienced new agent, who hasn’t even finished the Academy, would be assigned to take part in an active investigation.
That was until I conducted a case review with an agent who was already deep into an undercover assignment when he attended the FBI Academy. If that surprises you like it did me, listen to the two-part episode 024: Terry Hake – Operation Greylord Judicial Corruption and 025: Terry Hake – Operation Greylord, Judicial Corruption (Part 2) to learn more.
Nevertheless, assigning new agents to take part in investigations while in training is still a rare event. But my reviews are not about critiquing the movie’s plots and characters. I’m looking for teachable moments to learn about FBI policies and procedures.
Rewatching Silence of the Lambs provided an opportunity to discuss, once again, the number one cliche from my book, FBI Myths and Misconceptions – FBI PROFILERS HUNT SERIAL KILLERS.
Silence of the Lambs is unquestionably one of the most popular thrillers about the FBI and serial killers. Jack Crawford, the FBI profiler character featured in Harris’s novels was created after Harris attended classes at the FBI Academy taught by FBI agent John Douglas. Douglas was one of the pioneers of the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), now known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).
Clarice’s actions in the film, while entertaining, are fundamentally inaccurate. FBI profilers don’t hunt for serial killers in dark alleys or dark basements.
Profilers are investigative tools for agents to use to solve cases. Their main objective is to conduct behavioral analysis (also called profiles) on unknown subjects (known as UNSUBS in FBI terminology) to assist investigators in solving challenging cases.
The BAU profilers review investigative documents and interviews and collaborate with agents from FBI field offices and local law enforcement to offer their expertise to provide insights on the possible suspect. Despite their importance in the investigative process, FBI profilers are generally not directly engaged in serial murder cases.
The dramatic scene in Silence of the Lambs where Clarice hunts the serial killer, Buffalo Bill, just before he kills and skins his next victim is not a typical workday for BAU profilers or their protégés.
BAU profilers conduct complex and crucial work, drawing on their expertise in psychology and criminology. Their assessments involve reviewing entire case files, including investigative reports, crime scene photos, and witness interviews. They also consult with investigators, both over the phone and occasionally in the field, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case. Learn more here:
FBI Website – Profile of a Partnership, A Key Role of Behavioral Analysts
FBI Website – Serial Killers, Part 1: The FBI’s Role Takes Shape
As in the movie, profilers may also visit prisons to speak with violent offenders and gather criminal histories and analytics.
Listen to these FBI Retired Case File Review episodes to learn more about how FBI profilers study serial killers:
222: John Douglas – Mindhunter, White Supremacist Serial Killer
234: Jim Beasley and Kathy Canning-Mello – BAU, Serial Killer Gary Ray Bowles
204: Mark Safarik – Spree Killers, Behavioral Analysis
The Silence of the Lambs is currently streaming on MGM+ and is available to rent on most subscription services. Watch the official trailer for here.
