How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Silence of the Lambs.
Quote #1
CRAWFORD: We're interviewing all the serial killers now in custody for a psycho-behavioral profile. Could be a real help in unsolved cases.
We describe this method of catching a killer as "takes one to know one." Who knew such cunning wisdom would come from an elementary school taunt, or the mouth of Pee Wee Herman? We'd guess that criminal profiling requires more smarts than just any other branch of FBI work.
Quote #2
CRAWFORD: You're to tell him nothing personal, Starling. Believe me, you don't want Hannibal Lecter inside your head.
Because he'll eat your brain!
Also, Lecter has a habit of picking up on what people hate most about themselves and exploiting it. He picks up on Clarice's insecurity and taunts her. However, he later turns that around and tries to help her help herself. Maybe he was a good therapist after all…as long as he's not hungry.
Quote #3
CHILTON: We've tried to study him of course, but he's much too sophisticated for the standard tests.
Lecter's definitely too smart for Chilton. Lecter is a thinker. This line from Dr. Chilton lets us, and Clarice, know that analyzing Lecter is going to be challenging. Dr. Lecter is usually a few steps ahead. He's kind of a genius.