The silence of the lambs....

Directed by Jonathan Demme
Produced by Kenneth Utt
Edward Saxon
Ron Bozman
Written by Ted Tally
Starring Jodie Foster
Anthony Hopkins
Scott Glenn
Ted Levine
Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography Tak Fujimoto
Distributed by Orion Pictures
Release date
United Kingdom:
May 31, 1991
Running time 118 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget $19,000,000
Preceded by Manhunter (1986)
Followed by Hannibal (2001)



I've made a resolution...to widen my knowledge in the area of Audio visual multimedia, so when it comes to the choice week, I have a full understanding in the area.

I have set my self the task of a director, per week, up until the choice week.

My first is, Jonathon Demme , director of the silence of the lambs. The other films chosen by this director are...

The Agronomist, Married to the Mob and Philadelphia

My first impressions of the silence of the lmabs, was that its a deep, psychological thrilling story, packed with moments of suspense. The acting on Anthony Hopkins part, in my opinion was superb. The difficulty in playing an intelliegent, mid-aged male turned psychopath, must have been a difficult task, however although he is'nt actually the main "villain" in this film, it leads us into the later films. He is in fact only in the film for around 15mins!



I have never read the novel by Thomas Harris, and in ways I'm glad, as the content of the film, in my eyes, reveals enough about the basic plot, to give me insight into how the next films will be shown. It will be interesting to see the difference in each of the films, with different screenwriters, actors and directors.

When considering the film in a more media form, as Bruce Block would perhaps do, we see some good quality filming techniques. Filming from first person, for example when the serial killer Buffalo Bill has the night vision goggles on, helps to create suspense within the audience, as well as a feeling of anxiety.

I feel that some parts of the film, were weak. For example, I really did not enjoy having to listen to the full annoying american accent of Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster. Her acting at some parts was also a little farfetched, mainly in the parts of true suspense, i.e. when she was in the house with Buffalo Bill.

Narrative: Because the narrative ws taken from an extremelly popular book, it was clearly going to be a popular film. The narrative flows well, and although very deep, allows the viewer, to become aquainted with characters and their stories. There are actually two main stories linked into one in this film. First, the escape of hannibal lecture and his aid to the finding of Buffalo Bill. Second, the story of Buffalo Bill as a transexual serial killer, and the tracing down of him.

Visual Style: The visual style of the Silence of the Lambs, is dark and deep. Although a psychopath, the sections with Hanibal Lecture, are considerably light and lively. For example when he kills the two guards in his cage, only after Hannibal has left is darkness portrayed. Another section where lighting is used to effect the mood is when Agent Starling is despereate to get to the killer, and Hannibals body is in the light, but his face is not visible.

Our first view of Hannibal, is shown that he is a rather normal man in appearence. His visual shows an ageing man, intelligent, but deeply disturbed.

Camera: The camera effects used, come across as being very 80's to me. The filming at the beginnning of the movie for example, is very simple and not too enthralling, something which helps me to get into a film straight away. However, the use of first person camera, specifically in the first meeting of Hannibal, as we see him in the eyes if Agent Starling, is an effective one.

The chaos-like camera in the night vision scenes are also well produced and add to the tension and suspense of the film.

Favourite scene:



The screaming of the lambs scene, shows the developed relationship between Hannibal and Clarice. The lighting used on his face when he is in the cage, and the darkness of his face, shows he has got deep into Clarice, and his evil side is beginning to show. All the filming is done from either within or out of the cage, the bars are always visible. The camera comes closer into Hannibals face, as he begins to get into Clarice's thoughts and her mind. The same happens as Clarice's thoughts and story develops. When she is telling the story, Hannibals comments on the story and questions are said without moving the camera to his face. When he has finally got to her, the music kicks in to create suspense and also show Hannibal's clever psychological knowledge. The final zoom, into his finger stroking hers, shows that Hannibal has a sensitive side towards Clarice's character.

Two films I will clearly need to watch to now are Manhunter and Hannibal, as well as the new Hannibal Rising film.

A good website for linking films to filming techniques : http://users.design.ucla.edu/~cariesta/MayaCourseNotes/html/body_ucla160_fx.html