Silence of the Lambs Opening Scene Analysis

Silence of the Lambs Clip

The opening title for ‘Silence of the Lambs’ is shown in black sans-serif font with a white outline, making the text stand out from its background. The emphasis of the disturbing and confusing nature of the film as the titles is set in front of a blurry image of a wood. The colouring used in the title sequence has connotations of mystery as the dark colours reveal very little about the type of film about to be viewed.

Sound:

Diegetic sounds of her surroundings of nature are used also being accompanied by non-diegetic sounds of classical music from instruments such as violins, the tranquillity of the scene is set by this music but this changes at the tone of the music changes as the bass tones get louder creating tension for the audience as they anticipate what is going to happen next. Diegetic sounds of footsteps are then heard as the main character in the clip runs to, what the audience assume her boss’ office. The pace of her footsteps increase as she gets closer to her destination building tension for the audience as they anticipate what is going to happen next. 

Mise-en-scene:

Props are used to place emphasis on her job role and the danger she experiences as part of her job. Guns and vast amounts of folders are seen throughout her work space. The females’ character is shown to one of an untypical female who is strong willed and independent as she is seen wearing sweat covered gym clothes with messy hair and is working in a male orientated job.

 

Editing:

The quick nature of the film shown with an ellipsis of time when the female character enters an elevator and then comes back out with the journey being cut out, showing that she is in a rush. The fast pace editing builds narrative enigma as the audience want to know what is happening and why has she been asked to see her boss. An eye line match is used to show the audience the horrific photos of murders on an office wall, this editing technique allows the audience to experience her shock and disturbance at the same as her.

Camera:

The clip shows a female character completing an assault course. The camera angle used to show this is a low angle shot, this type of shot portrays her character as superior and independent as the audience have to look up to her.  An establishing shot is used to show the audience her surroundings, some form of training camp showing the females occupation.