Home learning due in Thursday 18.11.10

1. You need to write a detailed analysis of two film openings. The first is the opening of "The Silence of the Lambs" directed by Jonathan Demme (focus on the first 6 min). The second should be a Thriller of your own choice, particularly in a sub-genre that you want to focus on in your project (see guidance below).


Watch carefully and write a detailed analysis of this opening sequence. Read the example on "The Shining" to see a model of an analysis posted earlier (or click here: Research - Analysing film openings, a model)

Remember that to achieve higher grades, you need to be ANALYTICAL rather than just descriptive. Don't simply tell me that there is a close up at this point or a tracking movement at that point. Explain how it helps the narrative and how it is supposed to affect the reader.

Discuss the ways in which the extract aims to construct an effective thriller opening using the following:

• Camera shots, angles, movement and composition;
• Editing;
• Sound;
• Mise-en-scene;
• Narrative method;
• Titles.

Finally, make sure that you use screengrabs to support your points. Avoid Scribd this time and write directly into a post, including pictures. You could also do a 9 frame contact sheet again (see Art of The Title) and link your points to the relevant frame/picture.

2. The second task is to evaluate your classwork (animatic / director's commentary), focusing on the areas of the question you addressed well and those you left out or underdeveloped. You should also comment on the quality of your animatic. Don't forget to embed it.