Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Narrative Structure

The scene is set in erey woods with a fine mist settluing in the backround, Jodie Foster's character is only and appears to be on some form of assualt coure, suggesting possible occupations. As she jogs alone the dramatic music builds up and the camera behind he is a hint that she may being followed which hightens the audiences anticipation for something to come. Yet she is stopped by a official of some kind and sent to see someone. This cuts all the previous tension as the man is acting as a sense of secuirty and previous thoughts of something bad happening to her whilst on the run are gone yet it seems was puroposeley done to create false fear. We get indication she is a central character and is also ranked quite highly as she is asked to visit a senior and has position in a male dominated environment, something which is highlighted in the opening sequence (e.g. she enters a lift with 5+ other men and no women). Also mostg inside the bulding are in formal dress and she is in "joggers and sweats" perhaps suggesting she is (and viewed) as an outsider. This may just be my impression but I think it comes across she is rather independent. The first sign of sinister insentives comes in the office when we see graphic images of a murder on the wall and the mention of a current enigmatic character "Hanibal Lecter".

Sound

The music is almost violent but in a structured tempo, its quite sharp and dramatic yet has a pace that suits the ereyness of the scene well. Gradually it builds and this adds to the idea that something is going to happen to Jodie Fosters character.

Mise En Scene

Woods is a typical setting for a thriller and this is somewaht of a convention, It's a area which can represent mystery and a labryrinth. The mist also adds to this effect, mist is associated with the unknown and the unseen, suggesting danger and that something may be lurking in the mist. The lighting is very stereotypical, low and dull again creating a deep mood. Also another point to make is the bare trees, autum time, the trees are stipped of any properity of pleasentry the leaves may represent. In terms of props, uniform is a key element, as I've already mentioned the formal dress is in contrast tot he main character and also her uniform and the man's vest/cap give some backround (FBI).

Cinematopgraphy

Begins with long shot to show the overasll setting before honing in on the main character, introducing her and what is going on. Then the camera tracks her as she continues on the run, from a distance that is close enough to give the audience every aspect of what she is doing but also to take in the surroundings. Also it moves in a slightly disturbed way suggesting it might be someone who is looking at her as the angle chops and changes like an uneven run. Then finally a close up shows her facial expression and the audience can interact with her emotion incase anything drastci happens.

Graphics

The titles to begin with are extremely bold and simple. Unlike other thriller films there is no montage for the opening which we can withdraw clues from however the large bold font is almost a statement of intent, no-nonsense and to the point.