Narrative Codes - The Silence Of The Lambs.

The first narrative code introduced in the clip was an enigma code, we are told where the setting is and we query why it is set there. It is almost directly followed by an action code in the form of the main character climbing up the rope which is combined with the enigma code of who the person is and why she is there. There is then a triplet of action codes as she is running through the wood and climbing over the net. This helps to answer the question why she is there as the audience can see that she is going through an obstacle course and from this we can infer that she is in training. All these codes get us interested into the character and into the plot. Later in the clip, we get answers to her name, first her surname, then her first name; Clarice Starling.

A man is introduced early in the clip, giving the enigma code of ‘Who is he?’ but also an important action code as he says, “Starling, Crawford wants to see you in his office,” This is important in the film as it’s what leads her to investigate the murderer and it reveals her last name. It also exposes an enigma code in the form of ‘Who is Crawford?’ and makes us interested in ‘why does he need to see her?’ The messenger then turns, revealing an action code in the form of a hat with the name ‘FBI’ written on it, showing his job and how the main character may be linked to him. We then see her running past people into the building, which gives more of a hint to her job as they are all in uniform. This poses the question ‘Why is she not in uniform?’ but this question is not answered till later in the film (not in the clip.)

When she is in the building, she is high-fived by another woman. This is an action code which is combined with an enigma code. The woman introduces the main character’s first name but we also question who this woman is. It is very important that we are introduced to the character as we need to build a relationship with her, as she is the main character or the ‘Protagonist’- the person who the story revolves around. She continues and walks into a lift, an action code that reveals that she may face sexism (which is also an enigma code) as she stands small in different clothing and of different gender to the tall men who share a uniform who surround her. One even looks down to her as though she’s dirt which makes us question whether she faces discrimination.

There is a close up of the sign ‘Behavioural Science’ and this is an action code as the audience then expect some psychology to be involved in the plot and it is an important part of the story that needs to be known. This is followed by an action code of a man saying ‘Crawford isn’t here right now, why don’t you just wait in his office?’ this is an important action code as it creates slight tension as we wonder what will happen while she is alone in the room. This is combined with the Enigma code ‘Where is Crawford?’ and then followed by another as she stops suddenly; her face is towards the camera so we can’t see what she is looking at. We are especially curious over what she sees because of her reaction to whatever she saw. This is also an action code because she is looking at pictures of dead bodies and she has to investigate the psychology of the killer and thus creates the plot of the story.