How Does The Silence Of The Lambs Work Effectively As an Example Of A Film Opening?

The opening of The Silence of the Lambs contains lots of enigma codes (the questions we ask about the film narrative) which are then revealed by the action codes (the answers to our questions)

One of the first enigma codes is: Why is the girl running? This is then answered by when we see the ropes and her track-suit. We can see that she is sweating and training on an assault course. She is training on her own which suggests she is determined. This tells us what kind of character she is.

Another enigma code is: Who is the girl running? This is answered by when the man in the FBI hat calls out her last name; Starling. We then go on to learn that her first name is Clarice,when she is "high fived" by the girl.The man with the FBI hat tells us that she is a member of the FBI. Also that she is most likely to be of a low status. We can learn this by the way she wants to be seen by Crawford. Or when she is in the the lift with the men in suits, and is seen as vulnerable. This shows that she is a bit of an outsider from the rest of the FBI members.

One characterization technique is when she is singled out by Crawford to do an important job. This tells the audience that she is quite intelligent and well trusted. When Crawford reads out her qualifications, this is another point when the audience learns she is intelligent.

An enigma code in the sequence is: Who is Hannibal Lecter? We soon learn that he is in fact a serial killer. This is an effective way of gripping the audience to the story, because they want to know what happens next.

We also learn about Clarice, that she is popular and liked by people. We know this because she "high fives" the girl in the corridor.

We can tell that she is quite a curious character, by the way she looks around the office and asks questions.

One other thing we learn about her character, is that she is a very passionate person. This is because of the extra training she puts herself through. And even when she puts herself in danger, she is still determined to do the job.

Two other enigma codes are: Who is Buffalo Bill and, What is his link to Hannibal Lecter? This keeps the audience hooked, until later on in the film when these two enigma codes are revealed.

Like the Layer Cake analysis, this clip analysis also helped me to understand how action and enigma codes are used in film.

Good Use Of Sound In: The Day After Tomorow

I like the use of sound in this clip because of the use of diagetic and non-diagetic sound. The sound of the waves, the shouting and the panic all link in with the music in the background, as it builds up tension for the audience.

This clip helped me to understand the different ways in which sound is used in film, whether it is diagetic or non-diagetic.

Layer Cake Opening Sequence Analysis

In the opening of the sequence, many different camera techniques are used. Pan movements are used several times. They are used to show the graphic matches between the man and woman, and for the drugs. These make the scenes flow more so you get a feel for what is happening.

Another graphic match is used between the two police cars. This is used to make the two scenes join together, as they are related to each other. In the greenhouse scene, a high angle shot of the greenhouses is shown. This is used to show their stupidity of not being able to find them. Another shot used is an extreme long shot. This is used to convey just how big and popular drug use is.
There are many key quotes used in this opening sequence. One of them is "I'm not a gangster, I'm a businessman." - Daniel Craig. This tells the audience that he could be a very respectable person and he looks upon drug dealing as any other normal and legal business.
The music throughout the opening is quite mysterious and laid back. This could be because what they are saying is important and he wants people to listen to him. As the sequence continues, the music becomes more sinister. This may be because the scenes build up tension, and makes the audience want to watch on.
After Daniel Craig has revealed what he plans to do, the music is more upbeat. This is because there is a sense of excitement, as the audience wants to know if the plan works or fails.
Right at the start of the opening, the first scene is in black and white. This is because it is a flash back to something in the past, and fits in with what Daniel Craig is saying.
Lots of mise-en-scene is used in the sequence. One example of this is the branded drugs. Others include the weighing of the drugs, and the handing out of the money. These are all things that stand out as being significant in the film.
Action codes are also part of this sequence. These include weighing the drugs, handing out the money, learning who Jimmy is, and the explanation of all the money he has. Action codes are when the questions are answered and the audience learns something new.
Various enigma codes are used in the opening too. These are the questions we want to know the answer to. These include; Who are the people in Amsterdam? What does the main character do for a living? Who is the narrator? and Why does Jimmy want to see the dealer?

This analysis helped me to learn what action and enigma codes are, and the ways in which they are used in films.