Silence of the Lambs Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the atmosphere suggested by the opening scene's colour palette?

Bright and lively

Vibrant and cheerful

Neutral and calm

Foreboding and ominous (correct)

What does the first view of Clarice Starling convey?

It shows her in an isolated place, denoting horror, but she is actually a police agent in training.

The film suggests that Jodie Foster's character is portrayed as a weak woman.

False

In the elevator scene, Starling is portrayed as _____ against the men surrounding her.

small Signup and view all the answers

What does the film focus on regarding the male gaze?

It highlights condescension, parsing, respect, and sexual conversion. Signup and view all the answers

How is the film mainly filmed?

Dominantly through Starling's eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What do the crime scene photos in Crawford's office imply?

They hint at the horror that Clarice will experience. Signup and view all the answers

What is depicted in the close-up of Jodie Foster's face?

Her emotional connection to the victims and the shock on her face. Signup and view all the answers

The initial mention of Hannibal creates a character build-up that suggests what?

It suggests he is more than just human, portraying him with supernatural traits. Signup and view all the answers

How does Fredrick Chilton treat Starling?

He is repulsive, flirtatious, and condescending. Signup and view all the answers

How is Lector portrayed during his first encounter with Starling?

He is polite and respectful, appearing normal compared to other criminals. Signup and view all the answers

The lighting when descending into the cells is _____ as she goes down the stairs.

red Signup and view all the answers

What does Chilton do to intimidate Starling?

He describes the attack on the Nurse without showing her the photo. Signup and view all the answers

What does the enter cell block scene emphasize?

It emphasizes the danger of the men and Starling's smallness in comparison. Signup and view all the answers

How is Lector's cell described?

Gothic and old-fashioned, with Lector looking normal compared to his previous description. Signup and view all the answers

What camera angle is used during the meeting with Lector?

An over-the-shoulder camera angle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Opening Scene

Dominated by a monotone color palette highlighting trees and mist, creating a foreboding atmosphere.
Minor key music suggests ominous tones; the environment hints at isolation and threat.

First View of Clarice Starling

Camera tracks behind an isolated woman, initially invoking horror film tropes, subverted by her role as a police agent in training.

Horror and Police Genre

Jodie Foster's character breaks the mold of weak female representation, showcasing strength and resilience throughout the film.

Elevator Scene - Eyes

Clarice Starling's small stature contrasts against larger men, underscoring themes of the male gaze and varying perceptions of her presence.

Perspective Through Starling's Eyes

Camera zooms into Starling’s eyes when entering Crawford's office, revealing her focus on Buffalo Bill's crime scene details.

Mise-en-scène of Crawford's Office

Newspaper headline "Bill Skins Fifth" juxtaposes against graphic images, hinting at the horror Clarice will face.

Close-Up on Jodie Foster's Face

Captures subtle facial expressions that convey deep emotional connections to the victims, contrasting with the approach of other characters like Brad Pitt in "Se7en."

Teacher/Student and Father/Child Bond

Parallels drawn between the relationships forming in “Silence of the Lambs” and similar dynamics in "Se7en."

First Mention of Hannibal

Introduction of Hannibal Lector creates an otherworldly presence, portrayed as more than human, intensifying the character's aura.

Frederick Chilton's Character

Depicted as a flirtatious and condescending authority figure, revealing a manipulative persona towards Starling and his prisoners.

First Encounter with Hannibal Lector

Lector’s demeanor is polite and measured compared to other criminals, creating an unsettling normalcy.

Descending into the Cells

Red lighting evokes a hellish atmosphere as Starling moves into darker, more gothic settings, contrasted with Chilton's condescension.

Chilton's Description of Lector's Attack

Eerie diegetic sounds enhance the tension as chilling descriptions replace visuals, placing pressure on Starling and the audience's imagination.

Entering the Cell Block

A panning shot highlights Starling’s vulnerability against dangerous prisoners, juxtaposed with Barney, who offers her support.

Cell Mise-en-scène

Gothic atmosphere with Lector portrayed as unexpectedly normal, challenging preconceived notions of prison appearances.

Meeting Lector

Over-the-shoulder camera angle emphasizes a subtle equality between Starling and Lector, differing from her interactions with other men.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts and scenes from 'The Silence of the Lambs'. These flashcards cover significant elements such as the opening scene and character introductions, enhancing your understanding of the film's visual storytelling and themes.