Silence of the Lambs - Ailsa

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

We are told the location instantly as the film starts, and shown woods that have been edited to look saturated and dark, this shows mystery and possible danger. Load non diegetic sound is used to create drama.

The camera pans down to reveal a girl running uphill which emphasises her determination and struggle – leaving the audience wondering why she’s running. A ELS is used so we can see the setting as well as watch her. 

Tracking is used to follow her as she runs into the woods even more – mist is used to emphasise her feeling like she can’t see straight in this moment of time, or possibly for the opposite effect of showing she is determined and nothing is stopping her from running. Diegetic sound of her breathing heavily shows exhaustion and courage. The tracking of the camera also makes the audience feel as though they are running with her and also feel determined to get where she is aiming for.

The mist in this part emphasises the MS of her that shows her facial expression.  

An over-the-shoulder MS shows a man that has gone after her stopping her and saying someone wants to talk to her in their office. Her facial expression shows it’s important that she listens.

These three words are revealed on a tree and leaves the audience wondering why they would be stuck onto it. It’s an enigma that the rest of the film will have violence.

This establishing shot shows the building she is going to and we hear gunshots as this is shown. The gunshot also link to violence and gives the audience a feeling of mystery.