How To Terrify The Audience

Summary

This video essay delves into the character of Hannibal Lecter from 'Silence of the Lambs', exploring how the director uses dialogue and cinematography to build suspense and terror before his appearance. The script analyzes the power dynamics between Hannibal and Clarice, illustrating how Hannibal's subtle manipulation and the characters' physical positioning create a chilling atmosphere. It concludes with insights on how power imbalances in horror films can evoke fear, reflecting on the channel's growth and viewer engagement.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The director of 'Silence of the Lambs' skillfully introduces Hannibal Lecter as a terrifying villain before he appears on screen.
• 🗣️ Dialogues prior to Lecter's appearance set the stage for his character, building viewer expectations of his depravity and psychopathy.
• 📽️ The camera work and inmate portrayals in the corridor scene reinforce the escalating insanity leading up to Lecter's cell.
• 🤯 The unexpected civility and calm demeanor of Hannibal when he is finally revealed shatters viewer expectations, adding to his terror.
• 🔮 The power dynamics between Hannibal and Clarice are central to the scene's tension, with Hannibal initially holding the upper hand.
• 👥 The physical positioning and framing of the characters visually represent their relative power in the interaction.
• 📉 Hannibal's power over Clarice is evident in the early part of the scene, where he commands her to bring her ID closer.
• 📈 As the scene progresses, Clarice regains some power, particularly when she reveals her knowledge about Hannibal's past.
• 🎥 The use of negative space and character framing is a dramatic technique to convey power dynamics effectively.
• 👶 The vulnerability of the protagonist in horror films is a common tactic to elicit fear from the audience.
• 💡 The video essay suggests that the power imbalance between characters is a key element in creating a sense of terror for the audience.

Q & A

How does the director of 'Silence of the Lambs' build up the character of Hannibal Lecter before he appears on screen?

The director builds up Hannibal Lecter's character through dialogue, as seen when the Asylum warden describes him as a 'monster' and a 'pure psychopath,' which sets the viewers' expectations for a terrifying character.

What is the significance of the inmates Hannibal Lecter encounters before meeting him in the film?

The inmates encountered before Hannibal serve to escalate the sense of terror and insanity, establishing a progression of madness that culminates with Hannibal, who is implied to be the epitome of insanity.

How does the director use the camera to reinforce the information learned about Hannibal Lecter?

The director uses the camera to visually reinforce the information by showing Clarice walking past increasingly insane inmates, leading up to Hannibal, which heightens the anticipation and fear of what Hannibal might be like.

What is the contrast between Hannibal Lecter's expected appearance and his actual appearance in the film?

The contrast lies in the fact that, despite the buildup suggesting Hannibal would be a feral beast, he appears civil and composed, shattering the viewers' expectations and adding to his terror.

Why does Hannibal Lecter's demand for Clarice to bring her ID badge closer start the power struggle between them?

Hannibal's demand and Clarice's compliance with it, despite being a seemingly harmless action, set the tone for the power dynamic between them, showing that Hannibal has some control over her from the beginning.

What is the fundamental concept of dialogue in fiction that makes the scene in 'Silence of the Lambs' so compelling?

The fundamental concept is conflict, where characters have differing opinions or desires, which is abundant in the dialogue between Clarice and Hannibal, making the scene gripping.

Why is Hannibal Lecter considered terrifying despite being behind a thick glass?

Hannibal is terrifying because he wields psychological power over Clarice, not physical power. His ability to manipulate and potentially shatter her ambitions makes him a frightening adversary.

How does the cinematography in the scene between Clarice and Hannibal reinforce their power dynamics?

The cinematography uses physical positioning, such as Hannibal standing while Clarice sits, and framing, with Hannibal's face taking up more screen space, to visually convey the power dynamics between the characters.

What happens in the scene when Clarice makes a statement that catches Hannibal off-guard?

When Clarice makes her statement, her face becomes larger in the shot and centered, indicating a shift in power dynamics as she reclaims some of her lost power, which is also shown by Hannibal breaking eye contact.

How does the concept of power relate to creating a terrifying audience experience in horror films?

The concept of power is crucial in horror films; protagonists with low competence, such as children in 'It' or the crew in 'Alien', make the audience feel more terrified because they are less capable of defending themselves against the threat.

What does the narrator suggest about the future of their video channel based on the current analytics and Patreon support?

The narrator suggests that the channel is thriving, with high watch times, steady growth in subscribers, and increasing Patreon support, indicating that creating videos full-time may soon become a reality.

Outlines

00:00

😈 The Psychological Terror of Hannibal Lecter

This paragraph delves into the character of Hannibal Lecter from 'Silence of the Lambs', exploring how the director skillfully builds suspense and terror before his first appearance on screen. The use of dialogue and the reactions of other inmates set the stage for a chilling introduction. Hannibal's calm demeanor and polite conversation contrast sharply with the audience's expectations, creating a sense of unease. The power dynamics between Hannibal and Clarice Starling are highlighted, with Hannibal initially holding the upper hand. The paragraph also discusses the importance of conflict in dialogue and the psychological impact of Hannibal's presence, despite being physically restrained.

05:09

🎥 Cinematic Techniques to Convey Power and Vulnerability

The second paragraph examines the cinematographic methods used to illustrate the power imbalance between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling. It discusses how the positioning of characters, camera angles, and framing contribute to the portrayal of Hannibal as a dominant figure and Clarice as vulnerable. The paragraph also touches on the concept of 'trophies' in the context of serial killers and how a pivotal line of dialogue shifts the power dynamic, allowing Clarice to momentarily reclaim some authority. Furthermore, it draws parallels between the vulnerability of protagonists in horror films and the effectiveness of terror, concluding with a reflection on the channel's growth and the creator's personal journey, hinting at a potential transition to full-time content creation.

Keywords

💡Hannibal Lecter

Hannibal Lecter is a fictional character from the novel 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris and its film adaptation. He is a psychiatrist turned serial killer known for his intelligence, sophistication, and cannibalistic tendencies. In the video, he serves as an example of a terrifying villain whose introduction and character development are analyzed. The script discusses how his character is built up through dialogue and visual cues, creating an image of a depraved and psychotic individual.

💡Villain

A villain is a character in a narrative who is typically the antagonist, the person opposing the protagonist. In the context of the video, the term is used to describe the character of Hannibal Lecter, who is portrayed as a terrifying figure through the director's techniques. The script explores how the villain's power dynamics and psychological manipulation contribute to the audience's fear.

💡Psychopath

A psychopath is a person with a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. In the video, the term is used to describe Hannibal Lecter, emphasizing his lack of empathy and moral compass, which contributes to his terrifying nature. The script mentions the asylum warden's line, 'Pure psychopath,' to highlight this aspect.

💡Dialogue

Dialogue in a narrative refers to the conversation between characters. It is a crucial tool for character development and plot advancement. The video script discusses how dialogue is used to build up the character of Hannibal Lecter before he appears on screen, setting the stage for his terrifying introduction and the subsequent power dynamics between him and Clarice.

💡Cinematography

Cinematography is the art of capturing and recording motion picture images. It includes camera angles, framing, and lighting, which all contribute to the visual storytelling. The script highlights how cinematography is used to reinforce the power dynamics between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice, as well as to create a sense of unease and terror in the audience.

💡Power Dynamics

Power dynamics refer to the distribution of power and influence between individuals or groups. In the video, the concept is explored through the interactions between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice, where Hannibal's ability to manipulate and control the situation is emphasized. The script illustrates this through the use of dialogue and visual techniques, such as framing and camera angles.

💡Manipulation

Manipulation is the act of influencing someone or something in a clever or unscrupulous way. In the context of the video, Hannibal Lecter's manipulation of Clarice is a key element of his character and the narrative. The script describes how his demands and actions serve to establish his power over her, creating a sense of unease and fear.

💡Framing

Framing in cinematography refers to the composition of a subject within a shot. It can be used to convey the relative importance or power of characters. The video script explains how framing is used to make Hannibal Lecter's face dominate the screen, making Clarice appear small and powerless in comparison, thus emphasizing the power dynamics between them.

💡Terror

Terror is a strong feeling of fear or dread, often caused by the threat of danger or harm. The video script discusses how the character of Hannibal Lecter is designed to instill terror in the audience. It analyzes the director's techniques, such as dialogue, character introduction, and cinematography, which all contribute to creating a terrifying atmosphere.

💡Protagonist

A protagonist is the main character of a story, often the hero or the person with whom the audience is meant to sympathize. In the video, Clarice is the protagonist, and the script examines how her vulnerability and the power dynamics with Hannibal Lecter contribute to the narrative's tension and the audience's fear.

💡Serial Killer

A serial killer is someone who murders three or more people, with a 'cooling-off' period between each murder, and whose motivation for killing is usually based on psychological gratification. In the video, Hannibal Lecter is described as a serial killer, which is a key aspect of his character that contributes to his terrifying nature and the suspense of the narrative.

Highlights

Introduction of Hannibal Lecter as a terrifying villain through dialogue before his appearance on screen.

Use of dialogue to build viewers' expectations and create a chilling image of Hannibal.

Director's technique of using camera work to reinforce the information about Hannibal's character.

The progression of inmate insanity as Clarice approaches Hannibal's cell to build tension.

Contrast between expected feral behavior and Hannibal's calm and civil demeanor.

Hannibal's initial power play with Clarice by demanding her to bring her ID badge closer.

The importance of conflict in dialogue to create gripping and compelling scenes.

Clarice's vulnerability and Hannibal's power over her despite being behind glass.

The use of cinematography to convey power dynamics between Clarice and Hannibal.

Symbolism of physical positioning to represent power in their conversation.

Framing techniques to make Clarice appear small and powerless next to Hannibal.

The moment Clarice reclaims some power by catching Hannibal off-guard.

The concept of power in horror films and its relation to audience terror.

Comparison between 'Alien' and 'Aliens' to illustrate the impact of character competence on horror.

The channel's success in terms of ad revenue and audience engagement.

The creator's reflection on the potential of making videos full-time.

The channel's growth and positive reception from the audience.

A call to action for viewers to support the creator's Patreon and engage with the content.

The creator's expression of gratitude and optimism for the channel's future.

Transcripts

If you want to find an example of a truly

terrifying villain you need look no further than Hannibal Lecter in the "Silence of the Lambs"

The director does a wonderful job of making this character terrifying

And he does it in a very interesting way

He introduces the character before he first appears on the screen. Now this might sound counter-intuitive

but he achieves this in two ways; one of which is in dialogue before we first meet him, such as this line when the

Asylum warden is talking about the kind of man he is.

"Oh, he's a monster.

Pure psychopath.

So rare to capture one alive.

From a research point of view, Lecter is our most prized asset"

Now, despite this lines bluntness in its purpose, it does a wonderful job at building the viewers' expectations.

It tells us straight up that Hannibal is the most depraved and psychotic man in the asylum

Now there are many lines in these opening scenes that serve a similar purpose.

The purpose of building up an image of Hannibal in the viewers' minds, and all of this buildup pays off in the next scene:

Now right here the director does something very interesting

As Clarice is walking along the corridor up to Hannibal cell he uses the camera to reinforce the information

We had learned previously. As she walked along the corridor

There are three inmates she sees before Hannibal. The first is a little creepy

Where he smiles at her and says hello. The next inmate seems even more dysfunctional as he just sits there and stares blankly

Barely reacting to her presence. The third is by far the most insane

He is jittery and leaping around his cell, almost like an ape.

This is brilliant because it establishes that as the cells go along the inmates are growing more and more

insane. We know that the man in the end cell he is not just bad

He's not just insane

He is the paragon of insanity, the absolute worst human being you could ever hope to

possibly imagine. And judging by the prior inmates where he is ape like

and whispers how he can smell a not so family-friendly area of the protagonist body we expect Hannibal to be some kind of

Feral beast ready to pounce. Now all of these expectations set in mind

Here is the next shot

"Morning."

He is standing straight in a welded cell and compared to the prior inmates, he shows no

obvious symptoms of insanity. This is terrifying because it totally shatters the viewers' expectations

We have been told he is a most depraved

Individual, yet he looks so civil and like anyone you might see on the streets except

there's something just a little bit off about him. What follows from this point on between the two characters is not so much a

conversation it's more a battle for power over the other, and I think this line right here

marks the very start of that battle

"Closer please.

Closer."

In this line of dialogue, Hannibal makes a demand that she brings her ID badge closer and she abides.

Even though this is a token action that on the surface seems like something quite harmless, it helps to lure us as an audience

Into a feeling of insecurity as we feel right from the start that Hannibal is successfully

manipulating the protagonists: He makes a demand,

she follows it. Hannibal has an amount of power over her and it makes us uneasy

When you look at a great example of dialogue in fiction there is almost always a conflict between the two

characters where one has a different opinion to the other or one wants something that the other doesn't want

This is a pretty basic concept

But part of the reason why this scene in Silence of the Lambs is so gripping and has such compelling

dialogue is because it is full of that conflict

Clarice wants Hannibal to help her with an investigation

Hannibal doesn't want to, and I think to the untrained eye

It might be a little confusing as to why Hannibal is so

terrifying in this scene because he is behind a thick glass

And he cannot physically hurt her so he shouldn't be terrifying because he has no power

So the reason he is scary must be because of something else

Right?

The problem is that is a surface level observation and the more we look at it the more

we realize that actually the truth is the exact opposite.

Now this might sound a little nonsensical seeing as he is in a cage

But Clarice came to him wanting one thing: For his help in catching a murderer in this respect

she is quite vulnerable because she could very easily fail and not achieve her goals.

It would require almost no effort from Hannibal's part to totally shatter her ambitions.

The outcome of this scene whether she gets help or not is entirely in his hands.

This right here the powerlessness of the protagonist is why Hannibal Lecter is such a

terrifying villain. The cinematography also does a wonderful job at helping to reinforce the two characters' power.

Near the start of the conversation she sits down

and he is stood up this makes her physically lower than him which helps to convey how non literally

he is above her in a sense of power.

You can see this in the shots where he looks down at the camera while she looks up instead and in a later scene where

he finally surrenders his power and agrees to help her she goes from sitting down on the floor to standing up so they are both seeing eye-to-eye.

Levels are a fairly basic dramatic technique, but when used properly they can be quite provocative

Also when you look at the framing of the characters there are something quite interesting going on. Hannibal's face takes up the whole screen

While with her, her face takes up only half. This helps make Clarice feel small and again with no power.

The negative space around the characters

is directly proportional to the amount of power that character has

"Most serial killers keep some sort of trophies from their victims"

"I didn't"

"No"

"No. You ate yours"

As you can see once she makes this statement,

that catches him off-guard

And her face in the shot when she does it is in the center and is much larger than in the prior

which indicates how she has reclaimed some of her lost power.

Also,

when she delivers the line, he breaks off his eye

contact with her that he had maintained constantly throughout the entire scene in his response to his loss of power

So how could we use this example to address how you can terrify your audience?

Well, it's all to do with power.

It is no coincidence that in horror films the protagonist is often someone with low

competence, for example how in "It" the characters at risk are a group of children or how in "Alien" the characters are a bunch of

pilots and mechanics who can barely defend themselves. Now "Aliens" was a great film, however

it was less horrifying than "Alien"

And I think understanding the reason why can help you to learn an important lesson in how to terrify your audience

because "Aliens" follows a group of Marines

who when it comes down to defending themselves are much more competent than the cast of

"Alien". The characters in "Aliens" have the ability to kill the monsters. The characters in "Alien", don't.

So what does this mean if you want your audience to feel

terrified? It is all to do with which character has the power.

Thanks for watching today's video essay.

It's actually dawned on me recently that right now the adsense on this channel alone

is earning me more money per day than my actual job.

The crossing of this line has honestly come sooner than I thought it would and while I'm not going to quit my job for the

time being; it seems that me making these videos full-time is quickly becoming more and more of an inevitability.

You know, I was actually looking at my analytics the other day,

and I realized my average watch time is 7 minutes long.

For those of you who don't know,

the average watch time on YouTube is about 2 to 3 minutes long. That means I'm getting

over double the retention of the average content creator, which is a truly insane statistic.

Even on a bad day, this channel gets about 300

subscribers: A rate of growth I'm sure many people would probably kill for. The response from all of you guys to these videos is so

overwhelmingly positive, and the number of you supporting me on patreon each month is growing steadily like clockwork

This channel is in an amazing place right now and every piece of data corroborates

it is only going to get better from here on out.

So I just wanted to say thank you.

This channel is going better than I could have ever asked for and the future is looking very bright. Anyway,

if you enjoy these video essays

and would like to help me in

creating them then please do consider donating to my Patreon. Don't forget to Like and Subscribe and I will see you guys next time on

The Closer Look.

"You know I can't make that promise."

"I do wish we could chat live though but"

"I'm having an old friend for dinner."