In what ways did "The Silence of the Lambs" redefine the thriller genre and its representation of psychological horror?

“The Silence of the Lambs” redefined the thriller genre by introducing complex characters, particularly the chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, blending psychological horror with detective elements. The film’s exploration of the human psyche, along with its strong female lead, Clarice Starling, challenged traditional gender roles in thrillers, establishing a benchmark for future psychological horror films and narratives focused on moral ambiguity.