The film 'Silence of the Lambs' was directed by Jonathan Demme and was released in 1991, it starred actors like Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. I have watched the opening sequence of this film and have analysed in terms of camera, editing, sound and mise en scene. (0.50- 3.25 seconds)
The camera shots which are used is an establishing shot of a forest it is day time but foggy, this is used to set the scene of the opening sequences' location and the characters. This creates tension as the audience already begin to ask questions of why what is in this forest which can be quite claustrophobic. The long shot is of a woman climbing up the hill towards the camera also creates tension as the audience do not know who this is at first or why they are doing this by the help of a rope. This is a narrative enigma.
The editing which is used in the credit sequence is black block capitals that have a quick fade, as it is sharp and quick this may reflect the characters psychological state of how she acts. Another example is that the opening sequence uses straight cuts of the woman running from various angles this creates a claustrophobic atmosphere as the audience do not see much more which creates tension and keeps them intrigued.
The sound in the opening sequence that is used in the background music it is dark and gives a mysterious impression to the impression of where the woman is running to and from. The use of non digetic sound of animals for example birds tweeting that you would normally expect from a forest. This creates tension to the audience that there may be something lurking in the forest.
In terms of mise en scene the location of the forest may create the audience to feel tense as the woman we assume is the protagonist is in danger as she is runny through a foggy forest. Another example is the lighting, although it is daylight, its is foggy and gloomy which may create tension as the protagonist may be in danger.
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