During the '90s, film took a turn in tone that created an even larger divide between mature content and content appropriate for a wider audience. The movies released were also in active opposition to the high energy and often more outrageous elements that came with '80s cinema. But during this quiet revolution, some of the medium's most iconic films helped redefine almost every genre from action to thriller. A great example of this is movies like Batman Returns and The Silence of the Lambs. Not only were these films revolutionary, but they also carried an unlikely link that many fans probably missed.
The Silence of the Lambs follows Detective Clarice Starling as she utilizes the mind of serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another murderer named Buffalo Bill. But even though she doesn't know who the killer is, audiences are forced to watch as Bill torments one of his victims. It's through these scenes that the iconic line "it rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again" is born. But aside from the admittedly unsettling content when the focus is put on Bill, there is also a cute Bichon Frise that appears in his arms named Precious. Although audiences loved the adorable qualities of the dog, few know that she also appeared in Batman Returns and many more films.
Named Darla, the small canine had a small but star-studded career in Hollywood, first appearing in 1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. She then appeared in the Tom Hanks film The 'Burbs in 1989 and then The Silence of the Lambs. Following The Silence of the Lambs, Darla's star skyrocketed, and she later crossed paths with Tim Burton again in her final film role in 1992's Batman Returns.
In Batman Returns, the Caped Crusader faces off against The Penguin and his collection of circus-themed enemies during Christmas. A blonde woman in his crew wears Victorian-era clothing and carries a dog credited as "Ratty Poodle." Surprisingly, this pup is actually Darla. She's much older but still quick on her feet, although she's hardly recognizable following her previous appearance, thanks to her fur being made to look much more dirty and stringy.
Darla's role actually became a major thorn in Batman's side as the dog was able to catch his self-operating Batarang, which was then used to frame him in the murder of the Ice Princess. Theoretically, The Penguin's plans would have gone much differently had she not been there. Although this ended up being Darla's last appearance in film, she showed her range as a dog actor by appearing in a number of big movies and proving that even animals can have range.
The Silence of the Lambs and Batman Returns are undisputed classics of their era and show how creators can build a world that totally immerses its viewers in new and unexpected ways. Even characters that no one would expect, like Darla, are given enough attention and care to either juxtapose an unsettling scene or add to the dingy atmosphere surrounding an antagonist. Although many won't recall Darla's impact on these films, there's no denying that her skills as an actor have linked two excellent movies and proved that she was one of the best dogs of her time.