The Silence of the Lambs deals with complicated gender issues, and not just trying to figure out the difference between a ram and a ewe. (That's not very hard, guys. Look for the horns.) Clarice Starling is a female FBI trainee, putting her firmly in the minority. Dr. Chilton suggests she got her assignment because of her looks, and he hits on her like Miggs does in a much cruder way. Clarice always seems to be the object of unwanted stares from men. She's trying to save a woman from a serial killer who wants to be a woman… or at least wants to be a man in woman's skin.
Some critics praise Silence for its story of a strong, courageous woman saving a woman. Others criticize it for transphobia. Which side are ewe on?
Questions about Gender
- Is Clarice Starling a feminist character? Is she strong because of her traditionally masculine traits, or her traditionally feminine ones?
- What gender is Buffalo Bill? Does it matter? Why does he want to create a female suit?
- What is Clarice able to do that male agents are not?
Chew on This
Clarice has to cultivate masculine traits like fearlessness and physical strength in order to excel in a male-dominated environment of the FBI.
Clarice's femininity is a double-edged sword. Lecter probably wouldn't talk to a male agent, but Clarice has to fend off sexual advances from other men while trying to get to Lecter.