Silence of the Lambs Opening - Character, Characterisation, Action & Enigma Code Analysis

The movie opens is a forest-like setting. The first character we see is the main one; Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster). Starling is climbing a hill in what seems like the middle if nowhere, this makes the audience instantly think up many questions. Such questions would include: "where could she be running from/to?" "Why does she seem so out of breath?" "Where is she?" Once she reaches the top of this hill we can see that Starling is wearing a jumper which has 'FBI Academy' written on it. This is one of the first bits of information we learn about Starling; the fact she is an FBI trainee. The addition of FBI hat man (use of a prop) further along in the scene backs up this assumption. Another enigma code is created when FBI hat man says that Crawford needs her. The fact that Clarice was training in her own time alone gives off the vibe that she is a hardworking character.

When Starling is walking through the building a clever action is shown that denies any attempt to say that she is a loner. Starling is shown high-fiving a friend in a corridor. It's a simple but very effective feature that works so well.

Once Starling reaches her destination she witnesses a wall full of newspaper clippings. Showing these images creates more enigma codes in an interesting way. It would have been very dull if this shot wasn't included and Crawford spoke about the incident instead. The second 'important' character we see is Crawford. The first thing he does when he sits on his chair is put his hands behind his head whilst leaning back. This suggests to us that he is a big-headed man as well as trying to promote his superiority. In the piece of dialogue between Crawford and Starling we learn about Clarice's intelligence in her field. This is shown by Crawford reading out her grades, this is to tell the audience what type of character she is. In addition we also learn that she is a polite and respectful person. We know this through the dialogue, Starling addresses people by sir. The enigma code about why Starling is needed by Crawford is answered here. However more enigma codes are created some even quite major such as "who is Buffalo Bill?" All in all this scene seems to mainly be about introducing key parts of the story and bringing more details about both characters. 

To conclude, the film-makers have successfully completed what they have set out to do with this 'mystery-thriller' film by creating some big questions while not leaving the audience confused, which is why it is so effective.