Released in 1991, The Silence of the Lambs quickly became a horror classic. The film, based on Thomas Harris’ novel of the same name, follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill.
The Infamous Scene
One of the most memorable and chilling scenes in the movie involves Buffalo Bill’s captive, Catherine Martin. She is thrown into a well in Bill’s basement, where he keeps her captive and repeatedly demands that she apply lotion to her skin. The scene is made all the more disturbing by the accompanying music, which has since become known as the “It Puts The Lotion On Its Skin” music video.
The Music
The music was composed by Howard Shore, who also composed the score for the rest of the film. The track is titled “American Girl,” and it features a woman’s voice repeatedly saying “It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again” over a haunting and eerie melody. The music and the scene have become iconic in horror movie history.
The Legacy
The “It Puts The Lotion On Its Skin” music video has since become a cultural phenomenon. It has been referenced and parodied in countless movies, TV shows, and even songs. The character of Buffalo Bill has also become a pop culture icon, with many people recognizing his famous line and the accompanying music.
The Controversy
Despite its popularity, the scene and the music have also been the subject of controversy. Some critics have accused the movie and the scene of being exploitative and sensationalistic, and of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about mental illness and gender identity. Others have defended the scene as an important part of the film’s narrative and as a commentary on violence against women.
The Impact
Regardless of the controversy, there is no denying the impact that The Silence of the Lambs has had on pop culture and the horror genre. The film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jonathan Demme, Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, and Best Actress for Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling. The movie and the scene are still studied in film schools and are often cited as examples of effective suspense and horror.
In Conclusion
The “It Puts The Lotion On Its Skin” music video is a creepy and iconic piece of horror movie history. While it has been the subject of controversy, there is no denying its impact and its place in pop culture. Whether you love it or hate it, it is impossible to forget the chilling scene and the haunting music that accompany it.
