The
atmosphere is definitely presented as mysterious during the first couple of
minutes in the opening of Silence of the Lambs. Fog is a feature in this scene
that is rather stereotypical of the thriller and horror genre. Films such
as The Mist (2007) and The Birds (1963) as well as fictional characters such as
Slender Man are associated during these moments and we expect the character to
play the role of a victim in some way.
The audience jumps to the conclusion
that this character is being otherwise chased or watched by something sinister.
But, there is no darkness in this scene which presents the atmosphere not one
of danger, which is a theme recurring in the horror genre, but one of
intensity. This seemingly separates the two genres and emphasises the fine line
between them. Instead, a sense of mystery is created due to the lack of
visibility. This is down to the large credits and the fog used displayed in
long shots as a rather sweaty Clarice is running through the woods. The
character is purely isolated in this mysterious area. Her heavy breathing and
the birds in the background can be heard with peculiar, orchestral music
overlaid. This use of sound adds the sense of mystery. In this century, people
are used to the sound of traffic, modern pop and phones going off which is
contrasted in the opening.
The mood changes from one of mystery to one of crime as we see Clarice digress from the isolated area into what seems to be a FBI training base. While connotations vary from each member of the audience, the character is still presented as isolated as every other character seen is male apart from one anomaly. Male agents are seen sprinting in the background as she enters the building and sex is emphasised when she steps into the lift full of tall, muscular men. Body Language and formality are seen in many cases as Clarice refers to most as “Sir” in a deep voice whilst standing in a militaristic fashion. She is played by Jodie Foster who is known for her ‘lone female hero’ taking similar roles in films such as The Accused (1988) and Panic Room (2002).
Nevertheless, this concept is also created by the montage of newspaper clippings and the use a fast cutting rate and close up reaction shots. We see in the face of the character that she is fascinated by the case and she is already trying to work it out. She has an eye for detail linking the disturbing murders of Buffalo Bill’s victims with those of Hannibal Lector. The criminological theme soon then combined with the thriller genre at the end of the clip as the male detective warns Clarice not to reveal any personal details to the infamous Hannibal Lector. Whilst this swings the mood into a more deep and intense plot, we know for a fact that the somehow that Clarice’s personal and professional lives will intermingle with scary but exciting outcomes.
The audience jumps to the conclusion
that this character is being otherwise chased or watched by something sinister.
But, there is no darkness in this scene which presents the atmosphere not one
of danger, which is a theme recurring in the horror genre, but one of
intensity. This seemingly separates the two genres and emphasises the fine line
between them. Instead, a sense of mystery is created due to the lack of
visibility. This is down to the large credits and the fog used displayed in
long shots as a rather sweaty Clarice is running through the woods. The
character is purely isolated in this mysterious area. Her heavy breathing and
the birds in the background can be heard with peculiar, orchestral music
overlaid. This use of sound adds the sense of mystery. In this century, people
are used to the sound of traffic, modern pop and phones going off which is
contrasted in the opening.The mood changes from one of mystery to one of crime as we see Clarice digress from the isolated area into what seems to be a FBI training base. While connotations vary from each member of the audience, the character is still presented as isolated as every other character seen is male apart from one anomaly. Male agents are seen sprinting in the background as she enters the building and sex is emphasised when she steps into the lift full of tall, muscular men. Body Language and formality are seen in many cases as Clarice refers to most as “Sir” in a deep voice whilst standing in a militaristic fashion. She is played by Jodie Foster who is known for her ‘lone female hero’ taking similar roles in films such as The Accused (1988) and Panic Room (2002).
Nevertheless, this concept is also created by the montage of newspaper clippings and the use a fast cutting rate and close up reaction shots. We see in the face of the character that she is fascinated by the case and she is already trying to work it out. She has an eye for detail linking the disturbing murders of Buffalo Bill’s victims with those of Hannibal Lector. The criminological theme soon then combined with the thriller genre at the end of the clip as the male detective warns Clarice not to reveal any personal details to the infamous Hannibal Lector. Whilst this swings the mood into a more deep and intense plot, we know for a fact that the somehow that Clarice’s personal and professional lives will intermingle with scary but exciting outcomes.
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