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Originally Posted by TStone
and Buffalo Bill…did I miss some part of the movie, but wasn’t he an extension of Hannibal’s personality, didn’t Dr. Lechter create him?
Literally, by fucking with his mind?
The fact he was a doctor of psychology, that he was well versed in the arts and had a deep appreciation of abstract thinking were all by-products of his predatory superiority. Cannibalism, then, is a by-product of that sadism motivating him. It was the most inhumane thing he could do to someone, even beyond mentally screwing with their minds, and the worst debasement he could inflict. I wouldn’t say that was trivial, not in the least.
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Lechter never treated directly with Buffalo Bill. He dealt with Bill's gay lover, who ended up decapitated with his head pickled in a jar at Bill's hand. Hester Mofet; an anagram for "The Rest Of Me". Therefore, Lechter's influence on Bill would have been indirect at best. Lechter didn't create him.
Still, I never felt that Starling was in danger of becoming the monster that she hunted. That, I suppose, is a matter of interpreation. In any event, I've not the will to battle this out. I still say that cannibalism was not an integral part of the film. You probably won't be able to change my views, nor will I be able to dislodge you from your standpoint. I propose that we agree to disagree.
But you're wrong about Lechter creating Bill. He never dealt directly with Bill, just his gay lover, if I'm not mistaken. I may be wrong, and if I am I hope that someone will point it out in detail.