Silence Of The Lambs- Opening scene analysis

Silence Of The Lambs-opening scene

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

Writing Credits: Thomas Harris(novel) and Ted Tally (Screenplay)

The opening title is portrayed as fairly disturbing. It includes a black sans-serif font which is outlined in white, which therefore makes the text stand out. In addition an image of a foggy woods is used in the background, which could reflect the young F.B.I cadet being chased in the woods by a serial killer who skins his victims. Furthermore the text is written in black and this colour has connotations of danger, death and mystery, which therefore makes the opening sequence more engaging and sinister.

   

 
The image above presents text against a background of a woods. The text the editors chose to use for the titles is portrayed as very bold and they suitably fit the genre of the film.  The titles are good for a thriller because they stand out and add suspense so therefore the audience will be watching with anticipation. Furthermore the title shows what is in store for the viewers and catches their attention at the beginning of the film.

The extract presents Starling climbing over an obstacle based assault course through the use of a low angle shot. This therefore represents her character as strong, determined and independent and puts the audience in a weaker position as we find ourselves looking up at her. After Starling's training session is interrupted by another FBI member, an establishing shot is used to depict her character running down the hill and into the main building. Therefore this particular shot presents an FBI training camp and informs the viewer about Starling's occupation. 

When Starling is taking part in her fitness regime non-diegetic classical music and diegetic sounds of the nature around her is heard. This presents a tranquil area,however the sound increases in both speed and pitch which builds up to the climax of her fellow colleague instructing her to see her inferior. Later on in the clip the audience views her running down the hill and into the building, sound effects of gun shots and fast footsteps of the FBI agents running are used to create tension. This then causes the audience to wonder what will happen next as she reaches her destination and reminds the viewer of her job status. 

Ellipsis of Time is used when Starling enters the elevator and leaves. This is used to imply that her character is rushing and this transition is fairly quick as it misses out her journey between floors. Furthermore this quick pace of editing causes confusion and creates a narrative enigma due to the audience not knowing why she has been asked to see her boss. When Starling finally reaches her destination, the boss' office, an eye line match is used to show the audience that she is looking at the disturbing images of murder scenes placed upon the wall. This therefore allows the audience to view things from her point of view which causes us to feel her shock and horror of what she has seen. 

When Starling is introduced, she is seen to be wearing sweat covered gym clothes and presents her image as scruffy and un-kept. This is again an indicator of her role as she is prepared to push her fitness and mental skills to the limit to ensure that she is reaching her full potential. Therefore this suggest that her character isn't stereo-typically female due to her male like appearance. Furthermore Whilst Starling is presented running through the building we see props such as; guns, grenades and folder work which again portrays that this work space is used by the FBI.  

Shutter Island- Opening scene analysis

Shutter Island- Opening scene 

The opening title conveys bold , sans-serif font which is positioned in the middle of the screen. The text colour is silver which can have connotations of mystery, the water surrounding the island or the silver metal of the gun. The text is portrayed as a reverse block, which is a lighter text against a dark background. Furthermore the black background could reflect Teddy's confusion and isolation. Overall the text creates connotations of a vulnerability, sadness and a mystery.

 The image above presents the text 'DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT RICHARDSON' in capital letters, bold font and sans-serif font. The white text is therefore drawing in the audience's attention to the credits. In addition the text is shown against a background image of the mental asylum/prison based on the isolated island. And therefore creates tension and causes the viewer to question why a mental asylum has appeared.The titles are appropriate for a thriller because they stand out and add suspense , so that the audience will be watching with anticipation. 

The image above presents the text 'EDITED BY' in white sans-serif font and 'THELMA SCHOONMAKER' In bolder sans-serif text. The colour white is able to again attract the viewers attention and does this by presenting the credit in capital letters. In addition the text is shown up against a background image of a prison cell, as this again implies that the film is set in a mental asylum/prison. Also a prison cell has connotations of fear, innocence danger and this is shown through the use of the colour black, and white. 

In the beginning of the extract a fade in transition is used of the boat at sea. The audience then questions where the boat is going and who is on board. Therefore this causes a rise in tension and engages the viewer as they want to find out the answers to these questions. A shot reverse shot is then used, to introduce Chucks character, between him and Teddy and the equal screen time implies that both the characters have the same level of authority. However a low angle shot  is used to view Chuck looking up to Teddy which contradicts this idea as it suggests that Teddy has more dominance over Chuck in their partnership.

Both characters a depicted wearing a suit and tie as well as a hat which is commonly associated with detectives. This is a stereotypical costume of the male gender in the 1950's which is when the extract was set. Furthermore this implies that the characters have high up roles and a large level of power. Another point to note is that the location is set at Boston Harbor island and shows a boat travelling at sea. Therefore suggests that both characters are travelling to a scene of a crime.

Throughout  the opening scene a deep prolonged sound is used which therefore creates tension and suspense. The deep non-diegetic music could possibly represent the boats Horn, which informs the audience that the destination could be located on an isolated island due to it being surrounded by water and the only way in or out is via a boat journey. Dialogue is also used throughout the scene and represents both Teddy and Chuck as dominant however in-formal which is shown through the use of jokes and laughter. Their accents also indicate where they are from due to having clear , recognisable Boston accents.

When Teddy and Chuck are shown talking on the boat's deck a mid two shot is used which puts emphasis on both their characters and their emotions and therefore suggests that they are a strong team who work well and stand united together. Furthermore when the audience is introduced to Teddy a close up shot is used to show sweat, fear and anger on his face due to him being prone to sea-sickness. Even though he is represented as a character with great authority, the audience is placed in a privileged position as we can see him at his most vulnerable state.

Clip analysed: 

 

Lost Highway- Opening scene analysis

Lost Highway- Opening scene 

The opening title is presented as having a overall sinsiter feel. The text 'Lost Highway' is written in sans serif-font and in the colour yellow which stands out against the black background and reflects the highway. Therefore this allows the audience to draw attention to the text and forms connotations of mystery and danger.

   In the beginning of the extract a close up shot of Fred Madison is portrayed to help introduce his character. He is depicted smoking a cigarette which could imply that  Fred as feeling isolated and bored. Furthermore after Fred is unnerved from the disturbing message received over the intercom he is presented looking out of his apartment window, searching for the mysterious man who informed him about a recent death. A point of view shot accompanied with a long shot conveys the local environment and shows that Fred is living in a modern, urban , Central area. This implies that he is possibly well known and has authority in the local area. 

During the clip low prolonged music is played which creates suspense and increases the tension. It therefore puts the audience on edge and implies that Fred is feeling confused. The Non-diegetic music suggests that something bad may happen at any moment and forms an uneasy atmosphere. A small amount of dialogue is used during the clip when the mysterious man speaks through the intercom. His tone is fairly deep and sinister and therefore suggests that he could be a antagonist and creates a threatening Ora. Furthermore this causes a narrative enigma and leaves audience to questioning the role of Fred and the unknown voice. 

Low Key lighting is used to introduce the character of Fred. This particular lighting is commonly used in thrillers due to it reflecting the characters mental state and emotions. Furthermore dark colours have connotations of confusion and disturbance which implies that Fred is vulnerable and isolated in this particular scene. His facial expression presents that he is feeling boredom and depression which is also shown in his slouched body language. 

A long take is used when Fred is venturing around his apartment. The relatively long period implies that tension is building, and therefore makes the scene last longer and puts the viewer on edge and feeling nervous about the upcoming events. Another point to note is that a eye line match is used for when Fred is peering out of his window and then the camera is shown to be looking back at him through the use of a low shot. Therefore this could imply that Fred is being watched and that he isn't alone, which again causes the audience to feel unnerved.

Clip analysed- 

 

Conventions of a thriller

What is a Thriller?  

• Definition- "A novel, play or film with an exciting plot, typically involving crime or espionage."

Conventions of a thriller?

• A bit of action
• A bit of horror
• Something that puts the audience on edge
• Increasing tension throughout 
• Something abnormal or peculiar 
• Narrative often based around a crime 
• Challenging obstacles that need to be taken on
•  A mystery that needs to be solved 
• A protagonist
• An antagonist
• Must have a narrative enigma 
• Has to be engaging so that the audience don't lose interest