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Important Details and Objectives:

So here is the assignment again, and before you rush to fill in your answer, remember, that all 4 scenes need to be analyzed in whole, not just the beginning, not just the end of each scene, but the entire scene and the shots that were used need to be broken down as to how the relationship fluctuates between the two by use of cinematography. If you need additional guidance, follow Tony Zhou's video as a perfect example of how to model your essay.

In this assignment, you will be assessing and analyzing how Jonathan Demme uses cinematography to define the relationship between Clarice and Hannibal. You will analyze ALL 4 scenes to determine who wins each scene, and after you have examined each scene, you will answer the question of who, overall, owns the relationship. 

Note:

You will not be graded on whether or not your answer is correct, but rather how well you explain your answer. Points are not awarded for answering the question, but more importantly by how well you PROVE that answer.  I may not necessarily agree with your answer, but so as long as it was thorough to the point that I cannot refute the claim because of the evidence that was provided, then you are good. 

Question:

"Through only the use of shot size, composition, camera height, camera angle, camera movement, and eye line (cinematograph), visually analyze all four scenes between Clarice and Hannibal from the first scene in The Silence of the Lambs when Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter first meet, through the last scene where their two hands touch, to answer the question of “Who owns the scene?”, and thus, answering the question of "Who owns the overall relationship" between the two.

Use the terms from the previous "Shot List" assignment to defend your argument and not how Hannibal looked mean or Hannibal is taller than Clarice or that Clarice looked serious. It does not matter what the characters are doing or how they look, it is about how the camera presents the characters at a given moment, and most importantly, at the end of the scene. You want to defend your argument by using statements like, "The director used a low angle medium close up on Clarice when she offered the deal to Hannibal, thus making her appear larger than Hannibal. This size difference is portrayed by the use of the camera that Clarice was in control and therefore had the power. On the opposite side, the low angle shot on Clarice compliments the high angle medium close up on Hannibal at that moment, making him appear smaller; not only is the director giving power to Clarice, but he is also stripping Hannibal away of his power to better clarify the power dynamics between the two." Nothing in that statement emphasizes what they look like or what they are doing, but it is discussing how the camera itself is taking power or giving power to an individual. That is how your entire essay should be written.

1000 words, Times New Romans, Double-Spaced

You have 3 options to choose from:

1. Clarice wins most of the scenes based off of Demme's use of cinematography and therefore owns the relationship.

2. Hannibal wins most of the scenes based off of Demme's use of cinematography and therefore owns the relationship.

3. Both Clarice and Hannibal share and own the relationship equally. 

Warning:

Avoid writing about plot and character, but looking deeply at the elements that construct the film and its themes. You are not deciding on who wins the scene based on character performance, emotional responses, nor dialogue. You are strictly answering how THE CAMERA establishes the relationship, not the content of the movie itself. If you are not discussing and analyzing the different types of shots throughout your entire paper that we went over in the last module, then you are not addressing the question and will receive a low score. Every paragraph and every sentence should be revolving around either shot size, composition, camera height, camera angles, or camera movement.

Secret Tip:

The answer lies in the last shot of scene 1 and scene 4.

Instructions:

1. Screen the film

2. Watch each individual scene and note what type of shots are being used and what it says about "who owns the scene"

3. Answer the question. 

1. 1000 words, Times New Romans, Double-Spaced

Film Information:

Film: The Silence of the Lambs Region: USA Year: 1991 Director: Jonathan Demme

Film Screening:

The Silence of the Lambs (Links to an external site.)

 

Individual Scenes:

TheSilenceOfTheLambs_Scene1_FirstMeeting.mp4  

TheSilenceOfTheLambs_Scene2.mp4

TheSilenceOfTheLambs_Scene3.mp4

TheSilenceOfTheLambs_Scene4_LastMeeting.mp4

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