MovieChat Forums > The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Discussion > Chilton Lacked Foresight

Chilton Lacked Foresight

posted 3 months ago by MrAnonymous (163)
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I never understood why Chilton was such a jerk to Hannibal. While yes, he could be randomly vicious if the opportunity presented itself, he evidently appreciated respect and courtesy. If I were in Chilton's shoes, all I would think is that if this guy ever escapes what do I want him remembering about me? Me being a jerk to him from my position of power while he was caged or me always treating him with respect and addressing him as doctor? I recall that in the movie or book Hannibal made a remark to the nurse/orderly (Barney?) about how he was always decent to him. He also promised Clarice after his escape that he had no intention of coming after her. Sure, I would always take precautions around him, but I would not want to spend years aggravating this guy, just in case he escapes some day.

[–] Seperatrix (1349) 3 months ago

I think Chilton's arrogance and hubris was on display prominently to demonstrate how Lector could fool him so easily. When Lector successfully stole the pen from Chilton for example. Chilton was so full of himself that he couldn't be bothered to notice something that should have been glaring.

People who are wired that way usually can't think in the way you've suggested, even though it would make sense. Chilton had no reason to think that there was any avenue by which Lector would ever escape his prison, so why bother with respect and courtesy? Especially when that's not who he was.