The Silence of the Lambs

Opening scene analysis

Video Clip usedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1o-GOpdt0Q

The film really begins 35 seconds in to the clip. In the opening scene of The Silence of the Lambs, the setting of the scene (at 0:35 in) is presented with a shot of a “woods near Quantico”. This is clear because there is a tree in the foreground while there are other less visible trees in the background. The main focus of the first few shots is to establish scene and some of the storyline.

0:35

The setting of the woods is also shown at 1:07 with a long shot with only trees clearly visible. There is a character starting to emerge but they are not very clear. Overall, this shot is quite dark and is supported by music to make it seem like a mysterious scene. The look of a deserted woods is quite common on thriller films, therefore it sets the theme by doing so.

1:07

At 1:26, the character is shown to be pulling themselves up a hill with a rope. Also, they are wearing clothes that would be associated with exercise so this indicates that they are doing it as some sort of exercise programme. It is, however, unclear as to why they are doing it.

1:26Props used

Between 2:03 and 2:11 the camera focuses on the character’s feet whilst they are running. This is a good use of a sideways track shot as it shows the audience what the character is doing without giving away the reason why. This establishes the theme of action.

2:03

2:11

At 2:13, the camera switches its attention from the character’s feet to their face. The use of this close-up shot shows that the character is tired from running but looks determined to go on.

2:13

2:35

2:29

Between 2:29 and 2:35, the camera arcs around the obstacle that the character is climbing over. This is done to show what they are climbing over and to keep the audience engaged. Also this involves the props used to make the scene more interesting.

Props used

2:57

Over the shoulder shot mixed in with a two shot. This shows the conversation between the two characters whilst the over the shoulder shot shows the facial expressions of the further character.

3:02

The use of a close up shows a much clearer view of the facial expressions of the character. The use of non-diegetic music (violins playing) represent the mood of the character and possibly the sadness he feels (violins are generally linked with sadness).

From 3:03 to 3:11 the tilt shot is used to move down from the top of a tree to the bottom, whilst showing some messages that are on the tree. This also allows for a smooth transition from prop to character.