The Silence Of The Lambs

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.

The trailer showcases a shaky and disorientating scene, as Agent Starling walking through the prison prior to her interactions with psychiatrist and convicted serial killer; Dr Hannibal Lecter, this ultimately identifies the fear and curiosity of both her and the viewers. This filming technique allows the viewers to feel as though they are part of the experience, creating a sense of reality as the film’s protagonist; Agent Starling faces the typical impossibilities despite her being positioned against the common ideology and perception of a protagonist through her gender. The Silence of the Lambs provokes tension and a sense of anticipation in the viewers mind through the trailer’s use of contrast. The continuing development of imagery in a responder’s mind, allows this contrast of light and dark to become such a prominent aspect, as the lightness comes to represent the free world, and often the protagonist’s safety, whereas the shadows become an element of surprise, furthering the portrayal of mystery and suspense. Therefore, this trailer both utilises and plays on a responder’s fear through its metaphorical display of good and evil, as it continues to transition between the lightness, and darkness of each scene, it is often emphasised using dark dialogue, and creative camera angles. These angles often strengthen the protagonist’s portrayal of both innocence and vulnerability, which allows a responder to become invested in both the story line and character, providing movies such as The Silence of the Lambs the opportunity to communicate the film’s meaning and social context into society, raising awareness of social inequalities.
The menacing nature of The Silence of the Lambs is greatly displayed through the film antagonist Buffalo Bill, although the trailer often propositions Hannibal Lecter in this role.

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

genre.
Like many trailers, The Silence of the Lambs has its greatest impact through its editing. Its occasional use of colour during the ever so prominent fast transitioning scenes add an element of shock, and emphasises the protagonist’s danger. This ultimately furthers a responder’s desire to watch the film, and creates an expectation of excitement, but most importantly adds the vital element of thrill within The Silence of the Lambs.