Secret Window:
The colour of the title ‘Secret Window’ switches from a white colour that signals purity, life vitality and innocence, to a red colour which signals caution, danger and blood. The signs are not too great, but this is one of the main conventions that make a psychological thriller movie. In general, the presentation of the film suggests that there is a lot to come later on in the film. There is a feeling of unfinished business, for example, during the opening sequences; there is a window not closed and unfinished typing work in the laptop, which presumably belongs to the protagonist.
During the opening sequence of the film, the camera slowly pans whilst zooming in towards the sea and then zooming out which emphasizes the speed and realistic movement of the sea respectively. The high angle shot which shows the main character by the staircase or balcony, looking down over the female cleaner demonstrates his superiority over her. That fact that she is cleaning for him and does not even live with him hints that he is a man of importance and should be respected by all. The same thing could be said about the relationship of the main character and his dog, Chico. There are a culmination of shots used in the opening minutes of the film, however, the close up shot of the protagonist in the car, being advised by his mind not to “go back”, tells us that he is always stick in two minds. Either listen to his mind or let his actions do all the talking. There are three fade cuts which signals the passing of time. The most notable fade cut is when the camera zooms out from the sea and fades into a medium shot showing the main character sleeping, with a clear sign that says ‘six months later’. In addition to this, there are various reverse shots that are shown during the conversation/argument between the main character and another character over book rights. The reverse shots are included to show the style of continuity editing and to emphasize the emotions running through the two characters at that moment.
The lighting during the film is generally dark which matches the miserable weather we encounter during the first few scenes of the film. The board house is in an isolated area located around woodlands, which are not safe places to go to at night, especially on your own. In terms of the main characters clothing, we can tell that he is an unorganized, untidy man, who`s house is in a pigsty, as well as the deep hole he has by his back, and the fact that he is deep into his sleep at the middle of the day. The positioning of the actor is lazy and reluctant, particularly when we witness him sleeping during the middle of the day, as well as the unfinished typing. The actor` s movement creates uncertainty and caution not just through what’s going on with him, but also for the audience as he is always hesitant , for instance, the unsure expression he has on his face, when looking anxiously to see if the other character who claims was plagiarized, has gone. The sound of the main characters voice being defeated by his own actions tells us that he has some sort of problem as he is always questioning himself before he does anything. His mental state is not perfect which makes him vulnerable.
Silence of the Lambs:
Silence of the Lambs:
The film starts with an establishing shot of a misty, grey forest which immediately creates an eerie atmosphere, along with the help of the non-diegetic sound. The orchestral music playing gives a dejected sense to the movie before it has even started. The dim lighting and the wash of blue colours make it seem as if it is set during the early hours of the morning and creates a depressing feeling that the opening scene sets.
As the camera pans down, we see a long shot of the female character in the distance completing what seems to be an assault course as she climbs uphill with a rope. At this point the audience is presented with an enigma code, “Why is she climbing uphill?” and “Is she training? If so, what for?”. As she gets closer to the screen there is a mid shot of her and we are able to see her FBI uniform, telling the audience that the training is a part of her work. As she continues to run into the fog, the camera cuts to mid shots and close ups of the character. The variations of close ups from her face to her feet during her run show that she is alone and determined to finish. The way in which the sequence is constructed may however deceive the audience at some points as it may lead them to think that she is being followed as the speed of her running increases and the point of view shots from the back suggest a theme of voyeurism. However it is soon revealed that she is not being followed as she runs towards a rope wall. As she climbs up and then down the rope wall, the camera pans around her at a low angle. After climbing over the wall, we hear a man call the character, Starling, over but she is seen to carry on with her run. This portrays her character as one who is engrossed in what she is doing and reveals herself to be determined to complete what she sets out to. The man runs over to Starling (the camera follows him doing so) and he tells her that Crawford, an F.B.I official, wants to see her in his office. The next shot we are shown is one of a tree. The camera tilts up and down so we get a full view of it and it shoes signs that are nailed to it which say ‘HURT’, ‘AGONY’, ‘PAIN’ and ‘LOVE-IT’. This creates and enigma code as we do not know who put the signs up and who they are made for.
