Framing and Composition, Camera position and movement in the Opening Sequence of 'The Silence of The Lambs'

At the beginning of the opening sequence of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ the frame is symmetrical and is deep focused. By putting the entire image in focus it makes the opening calm and tranquil, making the audience laid back and settled (0.02). A tracking/Steadicam shot is also used within the same time period giving the audience a detailed tour on following the character and understand the character herself.

In order to establish the scene a pan is used (0.14 – 0.26). this is followed on with a zoom (0.35) this magnifies the image of the character’s convocation making the audience feel much more involved than if the camera wasn’t as close. This then leaves a close up of the individuals face (0.45) but leaves headspace for the character allowing us as an audience to clearly see his facial expression which seems to be a very curious expression allowing the audience to have some sort of suspicion for this character.

A tilt takes place (0.48), this camera movement allowing the audience to see what is located on the tree to follow and create understanding of the film.

The camera is static (1.16) and features the rule of thirds. This allows the audience to see the setting in which the film takes place and identify with the location.

The framing od shallow focus is shown (1.31) this places the audience’s attention on this character’s face to highlight her rushed expression making the audience in fascination into where she is going. This is also a head on shot to see the full scene from in front of her instead of behind her which is what the majority of the previous scenes were.

Tracking (1.39) and panning (1.46) is very common in this opening sequence and features at the end of this opening sequence in order for the audience to see the props in this scene and allows us to follow the character which makes the audience realise the importance of this character and the huge impact she’ll play within this film.

By researching the framing and composition, camera position and movement of a genre which is the same as the one I have chosen, it will give me an idea of the most common and ideal shots to use when filming my own opening sequence.