The Infamous Line From The Movie “The Silence of The Lambs”
Introduction
It’s been almost 30 years since “The Silence of The Lambs” was released in movie theaters, and yet the film still remains a classic in the thriller genre. One of the most memorable characters in the movie is Buffalo Bill, a serial killer who kidnaps and skins women to create his own “woman suit.” In one of the most iconic scenes of the movie, Buffalo Bill says the infamous line “It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” to his victim, Catherine Martin, who he has trapped in a well.
The Context Of The Line
The line “It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” is not just a memorable quote from a movie, but it also adds to the characterization of Buffalo Bill. The line shows just how twisted and sadistic he is, as he is not just content with kidnapping and killing his victims, but he also enjoys psychologically torturing them. The line also shows how he sees his victims as objects to be used for his own purposes, as he refers to Catherine as “it” instead of “her.”
The Impact Of The Line
The line “It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” has become a pop culture reference that is recognized even by those who have not seen the movie. It has been parodied and referenced in numerous movies, TV shows, and even songs. The line has also become a symbol of the horror genre and is often used in Halloween decorations and costumes.
The Legacy Of Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill’s character in “The Silence of The Lambs” has become an iconic figure in the thriller genre. His portrayal by actor Ted Levine was so convincing that it earned him critical acclaim and even a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. Buffalo Bill’s character has also had a lasting impact on the way serial killers are portrayed in movies and TV shows, as he was one of the first to be shown as a complex, multi-dimensional character rather than just a one-dimensional villain.
The Real-Life Inspiration
While Buffalo Bill is a fictional character, there have been real-life serial killers who have shared some similarities to his character. One of the most notable is Ed Gein, who also made a “woman suit” out of the skin of his victims. The filmmakers of “The Silence of The Lambs” took inspiration from Ed Gein and other real-life serial killers to create the character of Buffalo Bill.
The Controversy
Despite the critical acclaim and lasting impact of “The Silence of The Lambs,” the movie has also faced controversy over the portrayal of Buffalo Bill’s character. Some critics have argued that the movie reinforces negative stereotypes about transgender people, as Buffalo Bill is depicted as a transgender woman. The filmmakers have defended their portrayal of the character, stating that Buffalo Bill is not meant to represent the transgender community as a whole.
The Takeaway
“It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” may be just a line from a movie, but it has had a lasting impact on pop culture and the thriller genre. The character of Buffalo Bill, while controversial, has also become an iconic figure in the world of cinema. Whether you love or hate the movie and its characters, there is no denying the impact that “The Silence of The Lambs” has had on the film industry and beyond.
Conclusion
“It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” is more than just a memorable quote from a movie. It is a symbol of the horror genre and an iconic character in cinema. While the controversy surrounding Buffalo Bill’s character may never fully be resolved, there is no denying the impact that “The Silence of The Lambs” has had on pop culture and the thriller genre.