The Uniqueness of Film

Film uses free and constant motion to convey an overwhelming sense of reality.

Some differences between other art forms:

Concrete images and sounds to communicate directly to audiences.
Unlike the abstract use of verbal symbols in novels and poems.

Unique capacity for varied points of view, action, manipulation of time, and boundless sense of space.
Unlike live theatre that is bound to confines of stage.

Challenges of Film Analysis

Once frozen, no longer a motion picture.
No longer analyze camera movement, editing, performance, etc However, we can become cineliterate by replaying movie for further scrutiny.
MULTIPLE VIEWINGS

Challenges of Film Analysis

Challenge is to immerse yourself in the sensory experience while remaining critically objective. Second viewing allows you to focus on areas other than narrative. Process of analysis continues after the movie is over. Viewer can reflect on the entire experience.

The Value of Film Analysis

Analysis involves breaking up the whole movie to discover the nature, proportion, function, and interrelationship of each of its choices of formal elements.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme (Philadelphia, Married to the Mob, Something Wild) Screenplay by Ted Tally (White Palace, Red Dragon) Based on the novel by Thomas Harris

Cast
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling (Taxi Driver, The Accused, Inside Man) Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal, Red Dragon, The Edge) Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford (The Right Stuff, Training Day, W.) Also includes: Anthony Heald as Dr. Frederick Chilton Ted Levine as Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb Frankie Faison as Barney Matthews

Awards
Oscars Wins: 1. Best Actress in Leading Role: Jodi Foster 2. Best Actor in Leading Role: Anthony Hopkins 3. Best Director: Jonathan Demme 4. Best Adapted Screenplay: Ted Tally 5. Best Picture 34 other awards and 27 other nominations.

What comes to mind?

Horror

What comes to mind?

Horror Thriller

What comes to mind?

Horror Thriller Feminist Heros Journey

Questions for Analyzing Your Responses to a Film

Do you have any strong prejudices against this particular type of film? If so, how did these prejudices affect your responses to the film? Does this film have any special qualities that set it apart from other films of the same type?

Questions for Analyzing Your Responses to a Film

What expectations do you bring to this viewing of Silence of the Lambs?
Genre Famous Actors Awards Word of mouth

Once the film is over, reflect on how these expectations influenced your reaction to the film?

Formal Choices
Depictions of Violence

Formal Choices
Clarice as outsider

Formal Choices
Whats the Pattern?

Breaking Patterns

Serial Killers
Two distinct serial killers