The Silence Of The Lambs

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The Silence of the Lambs is a horror thriller film, directed by Jonathan Demme in 1991, which features Dr Hannibal Lecter; a serial killer psychopath. The film’s trailer showcases the prominence of violence, and the fear it instills into its responders through the codes and conventions of the thriller genre. Although many conventions contribute to the trailers overall effect, it is the film techniques which seem to have the greatest influence, however without the contributions of the trailer’s setting, tone and characterisation the lasting effect would be severely lessened.
The trailer teases the menacing and violent nature of the film, through the filming techniques which continue to create suspense and anticipation within a responder. …show more content…

Despite the typical hidden identity of an antagonist, Hannibal Lecter continuously emphasises the fear which Buffalo Bill had instilled, and his psychopathic nature often fitted society’s typical understanding, through the growing prominence of his chilling characteristics, and undeniable intelligence. These are most clearly showcased through the close ups, although the trailer also belittles him through the high filming angles within the prison, however it also displays Buffalo Bill’s position and power. This development of power throughout the trailer plays a vital role in the protagonist and antagonist relationship, which ultimately identifies the film. Despite the prominence and irrefutable effects of the filming techniques, the use of both music and narration emphasises the film’s thriller nature. The narration allows for a deeper exploration into the films display of good and evil, whilst highlighting character mental alertness and overall characteristics, whilst the music continues to emphasise The Silence of the Lamb’s thriller aspect. The shocking and suspenseful storyline is continuously supported through the fast transitions but ultimately the loud bangs, and the continuous use of and haunted music, which adds to the prominent sense of suspense and mystery within the thriller

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