Film Opening Research #2 - Silence of the lambs

1. 1. how many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
      
      14 titles are displayed throughout the opening sequences. Two being the company's that produced the movie, and they rest being famous actors within the film. 
      
      
   2. what images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
      
      In the first opening sequence, the first scene is a women running (our main character.) You are led to assume she is being chased, before being revealed that she is at a training camp for cops. It then transitions to her in the police office, and questioning about the new case. 
      
      
   3. what connotations do the images carry?
      
      The beginning makes us assume she is in danger. We start feeling fearful of her, and indirectly assume she is weak since she is already being chased. However, when it is revealed to us gradually that it is a military camp, our perspective quickly changes that she is strong and can take care of herself. This sudden perspective change is more powerful then just directly telling the audience she is a cop and strong. 
      
      
   4. how is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
      
      The genre is reinforced by the editing of the opening, the music, and tone set by the first few seconds. The opening is edited to make it dark and mysterious, using the colors blue and grey. The editing also uses clever transitions, with the women running, to her being at a military camp, to her being in a police office at work. Setting the tone of her being strong, while a mystery bigger than her is here. The music is mysterious. 
      
      
   5. how does the film establish an enigma [mystery] from the outset?
      
      This firm establishes mystery from the outset through the first few seconds, and the music. The music is very mysterious, utilizing flutes , violins, and low tones. Then the imagery of a women running through the woods catches out attention, making us wonder what is going on. 
      
      
   6. what strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
      
      Some strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience is by properly maintaining the horror and mystery aspects in the intro of the movie. 
      
      
   7. how has technology been used effectively?
      
      The technology has been used effectively because of the clever transitions, and the camera angles. In the beginning the camera is close up to the character, creating tension and suspense, but when it is revealed she is at a military training camp it pans out. The camera distances itself when showing her going through the military course, giving the impression of independence. 
      
      
      

• • You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.