The Silence of the Lambs, opening sequence analysis

The Silence of the Lambs is an iconic film about a fictional psychopathic criminal called Hannibal Lector. The opening sequence of this film does well in establishing one of the main characters (FBI Agent Starling) and the setting, situation and a good sense of the plot line.

0:36: A barren location accompanied by soulful introspective music gives the viewer an idea of where the character is; not only a sense of the location of events but perhaps also an idea of mental states. It is also quite a dramatic shot as it shows no characters and only gives a very simplistic view out of the woods. This instantly gives the effect of making the viewers feel curious and intrigued as they are given very little in terms of information about the characters or plot. This grips the viewers from very early in the film which is also aided by the use of music.

1:24: This shot shows the main character, a young women climbing up a hill with a rope. It is then revealed by her sweat shirt logo that she is part of the FBI as it says 'FBI Academy' on it, which suggests she may be on a training course. Through this sequence, dramatic music is used to create a tense atmosphere and a feeling of suspense. It is also made clear to the viewer that the main character is probably very focused, determined and committed to her job suggested by the expression on her face and the sweat marks on her jumper.

1:41: The main character is seen running into a fog in the woods. This could symbolise the woman entering an unknown perilous or dangerous situation. The way she is running could also suggest she is entering this situation at high speed, oblivious to the impending threat. However this could also be a McGuffin or a distraction causing a false sense of tension to confuse and intrigue the viewer. One thing we are in no doubt of is that she is very much alone at this point.

2:24: We are left in no doubt that the woman is on a very tough physical military assault course. And the music increases in its intensity.

2:52: A man dressed in a yellow and blue jacket, runs to the main character and shouts, "Starling!" "Starling!" This simply and effectively tells the viewer the main characters name. It also solidifies the viewer's idea that she is an FBI Agent. Another character (as yet unseen) is introduced when he says "Crawford wants to see you in his office." By her remark "Thank you sir" it tells us that he is her supervisor.

3:00: We see: 'HURT'; 'AGONY'; 'PAIN' and finally 'LOVE IT', via a tilt shot down a tree. This is probably a source of motivation for the Agents who are on the training course. However it could be seen as a subliminal message with a deeper meaning. For example it could be foreshadowing what awaits the main characters later in the film. This is another key example of the film-makers putting in a subtle sign to indicate the general nature of the film.

3:16: As Agent Starling is seen running back towards her FBI facility (we assume), the music sweetens with strings and more of a recognisable melody, as the credit 'MUSIC BY HOWARD SHORE' comes up.

3:34: The camera zooms in to the FBI building as Starling runs along a corridor with purpose, heading for (we assume) 'Crawford's office'. The unknown reason for her meeting with Crawford keeps us watching.