Silence of the Lambs (Thriller Analysis)

Analysis

Title List

• Paul Lazar
• Dan Butler
• Chris Isaak
• Casting by Howard Feuer
• Music by Howard Shore
• Costume Designer Colleen Atwood
• Production Designer Kristi Zea
• Director of Photography Tak Fujimoto
• Edited by Craig McKay, A.C.E
• Based on the Novel by Thomas Harris

Font
For the titles, a large sans serif font is used to create a distinct impact in the title sequence. The font is in black with a thick white outline to make the titles pop and stand out. Fonts are used to reflect the style or genre of film, in this case a thriller. The large bold sans serif font in this extract reflects the bold and thrilling storyline of the film. the dark colour of the font is not only used to create a bold impact but is also representative the the dark and disturbing narrative. 

 

Camera

In this opening sequence a tracking shot from behind the main character is used whilst she is running through a forest. Firstly this use of camera work is used to show the surroundings and create a fluid entrance to the film. In this case, with this film being a thriller the tracking shot gives off an almost scary and creepy tension, as it could appear that someone is following her from behind. This creates tension and suspense right from the beginning of the film as we expect something terrible to happen to her even if doesn't. Also, because this tracking shot is quite the long, the audience are automatically drawn in as a women is shown by herself in a misty forest by herself, so we therefore assume that she is the protagonist and some type of drama is going to revolve around her.
The use of a long shot is also used in this clip, showing the woman alone and isolated in gloomy forest. This used to create tension due to the emphasise that the character is secluded and cut-off from everyday life. The type of shot is typical of thrillers, because the idea of isolation makes the audience feel on edge and worried for the character as anything could happen, which creates a tension filled atmosphere.

Sound 
The non-diegetic music in this clip isn't typically what you might think would be in a thriller, as the music was twinkly and soft whereas if you hear thriller you might automatically think loud dramatic music. The music in this extract is typically seen in psychological thrillers and creates a mysterious and creepy atmosphere. This type of slow pace music is used to create and build tension and suspense as well as creating an eerie atmosphere. There is a lack of dialogue in this clip which creates suspense and tension as the viewers are on the edge of their seat waiting for what is going to happen next, therefore creating a narrative enigma.
Editing 

Editing is used in this extract to create a specific type of tension and drama. Typically in thrillers quick, fast pace cuts are generally used to create a tension filled atmosphere that all the time keeps the audience on their seat and drawn in. However this film takes a slightly different approach and uses long takes, especially in the first 2 minutes. The long takes definitely creates an eerie and mysterious atmosphere as the scenes are dragged out and almost chilling. Therefore the tension slowly builds and builds which is classic of the thriller genre.  

Mise-en-Scene

The lighting in this extract is key to creating the perfect tension filled atmosphere which is critical in a thriller. Throughout this clip the lighting is mainly low key, with the colours almost seen with a washed out effect. This style of lighting is typically seen in thrillers as the dull and gloomy look adds to the mysterious and almost frightening atmosphere of the film. When the women enters the lift, the bright orange t-shirts of the men are an extreme contrast with her grey jumper, emphasising that she is the only women in the lift. The juxtaposition between the small women and the large number of tall masculine men in the lift draw the audiences eye to the fact that the woman protagonist is strong and independent as she appears to be the only woman. Strong female protagonists are becoming more and more of a popular choice in thrillers.