Psychology in Silence of the Lambs Essay Example for Free

Psychology in Silence of the Lambs Essay The Silence of the Lambs 1991 Director Jonathan Demme Writer Thomas Harris Cinematographer Tak Fujimoto Jodie Foster Clarice Starling Anthony Hopkins Dr. Hannibal Lecter AKA Hannibal the Cannibal Scott Glenn -Jack Crawford Ted Levine -Jame Gumb AKA Buffalo Bill Theme can be defined as a central insight. According to the authors of The Art of Watching Films, a theme in a literary work or film should be universal and should be one that challenges people (Boggs Petric, 2008). The Silence of the Lambs shows that peoples search for peace is universal. We see characters from all walks of life searching for peace. There is Clarice Starling, an FBI agent in training, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist incarcerated for murder and cannibalism, and Jame Gumb, AKA Buffalo Bill, a man driven to murder by his sexual identity crises. Each of these characters, in their own ways, search for peace throughout the film. (Demme, 1991) Clarice Starling, portrayed by Jodie Foster, is seen as the main character. She begins a sort of friendship with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, hen she is assigned to question him on the Buffalo Bill murder case. The two have much in common because they are both ostracized by society and both are searching for peace. Dr. Lecter is imprisoned and shunned by society for committing acts of cannibalism. Clarice is shunned in her own society because she is a woman in the FBI. We see her strive for peace and acceptance in this predominantly male society. We also see her struggle to find peace with her past. There are two scenes in the film that best depict Clarices search for peace. Ebert, 2001) The first scene where we see Clarice struggle to find peace in the world she wishes to inhabit is the one where she and her male boss, Crawford, go to examine the body of one of Buffalo Bills victims. Crawford suggests to a male officer that they shouldnt discuss the crime in front of a woman, Clarice. A close up of Crawford and the officer whispering and staring at Clarice is seen from her pe rspective. We as viewers see what she sees. We are brought into the film and we feel awkward Just as she does. This is an example of suture. Suture is the way a film maker draws us in. We, the viewers, become stitched into the fabric of the story (University of Wisconsin, 2013). Director Jonathan Demmes camera techniques compel us to adopt Clarices point of view above all others. We are accustomed to seeing things as she would see them. So when the direct angle changes and we are forced to look at Clarice head on in this scene, it us unnerving. As Crawtord and the officer look at ner wit n the eyes ot the audience, we feel the same anxiety she feels while being examined by the men around her. The next scene where we see Clarice search for peace, is the one in hich she discusses the films titular line. She is questioning Dr. Lecter, trying to gain some knowledge that can help her locate Buffalo Bills next victim, Catherine Martin. Hannibal agrees to answer the questions, but only if she reveals information about her childhood. Clarice recounts the story of living on a farm and being awakened by awful screaming. When she goes to investigate the noise, she sees lambs being led to slaughter. Her instinct is to free them, but they wont move. In vain, she tries to carry one away but it is too heavy for her. She cant save it. Dr. Lecter says to her; mfou still wake up sometimes, dont you? You wake up in the dark and hear the screaming of the lambs. Clarice admits this is true. He then continues; And you think if you save poor Catherine, you could make them stop, dont you? You think if Catherine lives, you wont wake up in the dark ever again to that awful screaming of the lambs(Demme, 1991). Clarice claims she doesnt know and it is possible she truly doesnt, but we can see in her face that wants it to be true. We see the pain in her ace and her desire to be released from the screaming and find peace. Director Jonathan Demme lets us connect with the characters by shattering the fourth wall. He positions the camera so Clarice is essentially talking to the audience in extreme close up shots. This technique instills her anguish into the audience. Clarice then becomes more demanding, asking for the killers name but before Hannibal can answer Dr. Frederick Chilton informs her its time to go. She is nearly dragged out of the room, but breaks free to run back to Hannibals cage and retrieve her case files. The visual style up to this point in the scene has been dark, but when Clarice rushes to the cage, there is light illuminating Hannibal. Clarice running towards this light represents her search for peace. She is hoping the clues left by Dr. Lecter in the case files will enable her to catch the killer, save the kidnapped girl, and stop the lambs from screaming. The Silence of the Lambs is traditionally considered a horror film. However, it is more than that. It is a great reference to sociology because it touches on so many topics important to people (Kim, 2010). Throughout the movie we see motifs of transformation and gender roles, but it is the theme of searching for peace that really speaks to us. This type of film serves the purpose of making us look inward. It forces us to identify our fears and what we are willing to do in order to find our own peace in the end. The theme is evident in the writing, but it is the vision, the use of dark and light, and camera techniques of director Jonathan Demme that truly bring it to focus. Reterences (2013). What is Suture? University of Wisconsin.

King Henry Iv Part 1 - Hal :: essays research papers

Shakespeare gives the reader the opportunity to view the timeless duplicity of a politician in Prince Hal of Henry IV, Part 1. Instead of presenting a rather common hero, Shakespeare sharpens the both sides of the sword and makes Hal a deceitful prince. In order to portray accurately the treachery and fickleness of Hal, Shakespeare must provide Hal with models to follow, rivals to defeat, and a populace to convince. Although Hal would not have to grovel for votes from England's populace to become king, he does understand the problems of being an unpopular ruler from witnessing his father's problems. So Hal needs to persuade a general population that he is competent in order to remain a king once he has obtained the throne. Shakespeare wants the play to seem sympathetic to Hal, and he wants Hal to convince the audience (populace) himself.Therefore, Hal's fraudulence is hidden in undertones and slips of the tongue which he makes throughout the play. The first indication of this comes at his soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1. It would be impossible for a reasonable man to have boozed and bummed all of his teen years and suddenly renounce his life and become reborn. There is an amoral quality to Hal that allows him to change allegiances as political winds would call it wise. But it is not just amorality that makes Hal a politician - he desires power as well. His amorality culminates in his eulogies for Hotspur and Falstaff with the greatest grasp of power he makes in the play. After he gives them and Falstaff is found alive, he realizes that he has made a slight blunder and backs off a bit, allowing Falstaff some room to remain. But while he delivers them, he is at his best, being the worst. His basic behavior appears king-like, but the subtleties show his utter disregard for those who love him and his calculating mind making political estimates so that he can secure the throne.Even though Hal is an amoral huckster, he must be able to convince others of his worthiness for the play to work. Therefore, Shakespeare must spend most of Hal's speeches using a convincing tone. He will use the overtones and most of the direct meanings of what Hal says to convey a thoughtful prince; he will use the undertones and occasional slips to give insight to the reality of Hal's persona.

No life in outer space

For centuries, man has always wondered if he is alone in the entire universe, questions like who built the pyramids in Egypt or the Stonehenge in England have always been in a question in the minds. The term extra terrestrial has always fascinated us, and there have been many movies and book made and written simultaneously, and there have been claims of people who saw U.F.O (Unidentified Flying Object), and strange sized people, but till date no government in the entire world has not approved to these claims, and moreover most of them have been always declared as hoaxes or a misunderstanding with the high powered stealth planes.But the fact of the matter is that whatever technology and scientific research we have, it shows that is impossible to have a life existence apart from Earth for various scientific reasons, as whole scenario of existence of aliens and life in outer space is just based on hoaxes, stories and assumptions.The whole theory of existence of an alien life form exist on the cynical question, that if humans and other living creatures were born in this planet, then it is also possible for other life organism to take origin on other planets. The whole episode of existence was well supported, which led to the formation of the famous SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), but this organization which has a basis on scientific evidences on the basis of radio and optic frequencies have failed for more than four decades to establish even a single contact, or even to prove the slightest amount proof of living organism existing on other planets.Even after their failure in detecting any life forms, the staff of SETI is still hopeful; this can be evident from the following:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"If we are alone, then that’s extraordinarily remarkable in such a vast universe. Personally I don’t think we’re that special†(Courtesy: Prof Seth Shostak, SETI institute)On the basis of the amount of technology we have, if we have to assess the planets in our own galaxy, existence of life seems to be a very distance vision, as scientifically it cannot be proved that our solar system has any existence of an alien life form. If we take the instance of Mercury, being so close to the sun, it is impossible to have any possibility of having life, because of the intense heat. Moon which is supposed to be our satellite has no atmosphere, thus it is again impossible for life to exist without atmosphere.The gassy planets in our solar system, provides inhabitable conditions, as there is no solid land for life to exist, critics have removed theories of possibility of life existence in Jupiter’s moon, but still no evidence has been proven. Pluto is very far away from the sun, making it a very cold planet, thus eliminating the chances of existence of life in it. Mars is the only planet that can be considered, because of a percentage of its nature like earth, but Mars has a very harsh atmosphere compared to earth, and it doesn ’t have Ozone, theories are implicated about life in mars, but the â€Å"Viking† which was send 26 years ago and the â€Å"rover†, which was send now hasn’t given any substantial proof to it.In fact SETI itself admits that the sightings done on earth were hoaxes or illusions which is confirmed by the followingâ€Å"Most of the sightings can be explained as natural phenomena or aircraft or balloons or other mundane stuff. I still haven't seen any evidence that any of these sightings involve alien spacecraft†.(Courtesy: Prof Seth Shostak, SETI institute)The truth is since we have can only base the theories of existence of life on other planets, is by look at our habitable conditions, and if we look for planets for conditions like ours, then it is next to impossible, to find the same amount of habitable conditions, as earth’s life was created by a no. of permuted combinations, which is further substantiated by the following:â€Å"Intelligent l ife on earth – product of series of extremely fortunate accidents†(Courtesy: â€Å"Life in the universe, are we alone†, Retrieved on February 10th 2008 by site http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr121/Notes/Chapter28.html#solsys)If theories still have to be raised then it would be of life existing beyond our solar system, but our technology hasn’t reached so far that we can actually scan the entire universe for life and with the amount of high technology we seem to have, it seems till date, life on other planet is not possible, as all the planets that have come under the scrutiny of possible existence of life do not match earth’s habitable condition, and thus are discarded from any possibility.Aliens and extra terrestrial’s life forms have always and will continue to be a subject of awe and belief for many, and when it comes to science, it only asks for proofs and subjective evidence to accept any theory that would bring light to any evide nce of life in outer space.Reference:1)         http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr121/Notes/Chapter28.html#solsys2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nicholas backman,†Life in outer space?†, http://www.virtualsciencefair.org/2007/back7n2/Report.pdf.3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   SETI: Search For Extra-Terrestial Intelligence, http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/taseti.html4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.astobiology.arc.nasa.gov/roadmap/g1.html No life in outer space For centuries, man has always wondered if he is alone in the entire universe, questions like who built the pyramids in Egypt or the Stonehenge in England have always been in a question in the minds. The term extra terrestrial has always fascinated us, and there have been many movies and book made and written simultaneously, and there have been claims of people who saw U.F.O (Unidentified Flying Object), and strange sized people, but till date no government in the entire world has not approved to these claims, and moreover most of them have been always declared as hoaxes or a misunderstanding with the high powered stealth planes. But the fact of the matter is that whatever technology and scientific research we have, it shows that is impossible to have a life existence apart from Earth for various scientific reasons, as whole scenario of existence of aliens and life in outer space is just based on hoaxes, stories and assumptions.The whole theory of existence of an alien life form exist on the cynical question, that if humans and other living creatures were born in this planet, then it is also possible for other life organism to take origin on other planets. The whole episode of existence was well supported, which led to the formation of the famous SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), but this organization which has a basis on scientific evidences on the basis of radio and optic frequencies have failed for more than four decades to establish even a single contact, or even to prove the slightest amount proof of living organism existing on other planets.Even after their failure in detecting any life forms, the staff of SETI is still hopeful; this can be evident from the following:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"If we are alone, then that’s extraordinarily remarkable in such a vast universe. Personally I don’t think we’re that special†Ã‚  (Courtesy: Prof Seth Shostak, SETI institute)On the basis of the amount of technology we have, if we have to as sess the planets in our own galaxy, existence of life seems to be a very distance vision, as scientifically it cannot be proved that our solar system has any existence of an alien life form. If we take the instance of Mercury, being so close to the sun, it is impossible to have any possibility of having life, because of the intense heat. Moon which is supposed to be our satellite has no atmosphere, thus it is again impossible for life to exist without atmosphere. The gassy planets in our solar system, provides inhabitable conditions, as there is no solid land for life to exist, critics have removed theories of possibility of life existence in Jupiter’s moon, but still no evidence has been proven. Pluto is very far away from the sun, making it a very cold planet, thus eliminating the chances of existence of life in it. Mars is the only planet that can be considered, because of a percentage of its nature like earth, but Mars has a very harsh atmosphere compared to earth, and it doesn’t have Ozone, theories are implicated about life in mars, but the â€Å"Viking† which was send 26 years ago and the â€Å"rover†, which was send now hasn’t given any substantial proof to it.In fact SETI itself admits that the sightings done on earth were hoaxes or illusions which is confirmed by the followingâ€Å"Most of the sightings can be explained as natural phenomena or aircraft or balloons or other mundane stuff. I still haven't seen any evidence that any of these sightings involve alien spacecraft†.(Courtesy: Prof Seth Shostak, SETI institute)The truth is since we have can only base the theories of existence of life on other planets, is by look at our habitable conditions, and if we look for planets for conditions like ours, then it is next to impossible, to find the same amount of habitable conditions, as earth’s life was created by a no. of permuted combinations, which is further substantiated by the following:â€Å"Intelli gent life on earth – product of series of extremely fortunate accidents†(Courtesy: â€Å"Life in the universe, are we alone†, Retrieved on February 10th 2008 by site http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr121/Notes/Chapter28.html#solsys)If theories still have to be raised then it would be of life existing beyond our solar system, but our technology hasn’t reached so far that we can actually scan the entire universe for life and with the amount of high technology we seem to have, it seems till date, life on other planet is not possible, as all the planets that have come under the scrutiny of possible existence of life do not match earth’s habitable condition, and thus are discarded from any possibility.Aliens and extra terrestrial’s life forms have always and will continue to be a subject of awe and belief for many, and when it comes to science, it only asks for proofs and subjective evidence to accept any theory that would bring light to any evidence of life in outer space.Reference:1)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/life/looking/index.shtml2)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr121/Notes/Chapter28.html#solsys3)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nicholas backman,†Life in outer space?†, http://www.virtualsciencefair.org/2007/back7n2/Report.pdf.4)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   SETI: Search For Extra-Terrestial Intelligence, http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/taseti.html5)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.astobiology.arc.nasa.gov/roadmap/g1.html

Theories And Theories Of Developmental Psychology - 874 Words

DESCRIBE AND EVALUATE 2 THEORIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Attachment states to a particular strong bond with a specific person or persons. The bond among the person is emotional and effective, and the person that an infant bond to in this way is known as an attachment figure as said by Schaffer(1977),there are three ways in which attachment can be developed. There are three ways in which attachment can be developed. The first one is when the new born baby is attached to any human; secondary, they learn to differentiate between the primary and secondary caregivers, but accept care from anyone and finally they focus attachment on a single specific attachment figure Bowlby suggested that attachment could be understood inside the frame work of evolutionary principles, that all psychological and physical characteristics are naturally selected. A characteristic is designated because it helps those individuals who possess it to survive and reproduce. The essential principle is that any genetic behaviour that increases an individual accidental of survival and reproduction will be passed on to the next generation and thus continues to repeat in subsequent generations. The outcome is that infants are born automatic to become attached, and adult are also automated to form this kind of relationship with their infants. Social releasers are required to ensure an contact takes place. These are social behaviours that produce a care giving reaction from other, such as crying, smiling,Show MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Developmental Psychology1644 Words   |  7 Pages Developmental Psychology 2 Abstract Developmental Psychology is a scientific study that shows psychological changes in human being to birth to adulthood. It was first made to help infants and children, but now it has expanded to help the adolescence and adults just as well. Paul B. Baltes, has apply the six principles of human development, lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, gains and losses, contextualRead MoreThe Theory Of Developmental Psychology1896 Words   |  8 PagesDevelopmental psychology is viewed as different types of approaches which aim to look at how people develop. Theories such as Bowlby s attachment theory can explain how a child s development can be altered by their attachment, thus leading to the ideology of the nature vs nurture debate, nature referring to the process of biological maturation while nurture is referring to the influence of the environment or surroundings, which involves the idea that a person learns through experiences.(McLeodRead MoreThe Theory Of Developmental Psycholo gy1336 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopmental psychology is viewed as different approaches which aims to look at how children and adults develop. Theories such as Bowlby s attachment theory can explain how a child s development can be altered by their attachment, thus leading to the ideology of the nature vs nurture debate, nature referring to the process of biological maturation while nurture is referring to the impact of the environment or surroundings, which involves the idea that a person learns through experiences. (McLeodRead MoreTheories Of Developmental Psychology : Attachment Theory1178 Words   |  5 PagesDescribe and evaluate two theories in developmental psychology Attachment theory, it refers to an affectionate bond. â€Å"A relatively extended and enduring connection with the partner is important as a unique individual is interchangeable with no other† Ainsworth (1989) cited in Gross (2003) hand out in class (03/06/2013).The aim of this attachment is for the infant to remain in close proximity to the attachment figure as she is considered the secure base and the infant would become distressed on separationRead MorePiaget s Theory On Stages Of Developmental Psychology1039 Words   |  5 Pages― Toni Sorenson Jean Piaget was a leader in the field of developmental psychology, the study of how people grow. Instead of continuing the Freud s work with psychoanalysis, as many psychologists and philosophers did at the time, Piaget stayed â€Å"closer to his teacher Pierre Janet s psychology† (Vidal) Best known for his theory on stages of cognitive development, Piaget was a great innovator and set up the foundation for today’s psychology and education. Working with children from the early 1920sRead MorePiaget s Theory On Stages Of Developmental Psychology1180 Words   |  5 Pages― Toni Sorenson Jean Piaget was a leader in the field of developmental psychology, the study of how people grow. Instead of continuing the Freud s work with psychoanalysis, as many psychologists and philosophers did at the time, Piaget stayed â€Å"closer to his teacher Pierre Janet s psychology† (Vidal) Best known for his theory on stages of cognitive development, Piaget was a great innovator and set up the foundation for today’s psychology and education. Working with children from the early 1920sRead MoreFreud, Erikson, And Piaget : Theories Of Developmental Psychology Essay2372 Words   |  10 PagesPiaget: Theories in Developmental Psychology Many factors influence children’s development as well as that massive amount of development theories that elaborate on why children do certain things, why children have developmental disorders, or even why some children have developmental delays. Although there are many theories regarding children development and how they are influences, theorist make some great points in the child development but with any theory come flaws such as developmental issuesRead MoreDescribe and Evaluate Any Two Theories in Developmental Psychology1220 Words   |  5 PagesDescribe and evaluate any two theories in developmental psychology. By Aimee Kaur This paper will focus on two theories in moral development within developmental Psychology. There are three components to our morality; these are emotional, cognitive and behavioural. Shaffer (1993) described morals as a â€Å"set of principles or ideals that help the individual to distinguish right from wrong and to act on this decision† In his book The Moral Judgement of the Child (1932), Piaget states that allRead MoreAttachment Theory For Understanding Risk And Protection Factors Within Developmental Psychology1940 Words   |  8 PagesThis essay will comprises, firstly, on past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory is, focusing on Bowlby’s (DATE) research into why an infant’s first attachment is so important. Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in-depth discussion looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular disorders, depressionRead MoreAttachment Theory For Understanding Risk And Protection Factors Within Developmental Psychology1988 Words   |  8 PagesThis essay will comprise, firstly, on past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory is, focusing on Bowlby’s (DATE) research into why an infant’s first attachment is so important. Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in-depth discussion looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular disorders, depression and