Analysis of the Opening Sequence of 'Shutter Island'.

                   

During one of our lessons, we looked at the opening sequence of Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese. I was ableto pick up on the genre of the film being a Thriller due to the visual and aural signifiers that show this. The following shows the signifiers:-
Visually ...

• Dark Lighting
• Thunderstorm
• lots of woodland areas shown in the establishing shot.
• 'C' prison is a darker colour than the others, representing a sinister approach.
• Strange, mad people shown in chains.
• Trench coats and hats costume, highlighting mystery and investigation.
• Mad man smiling juxtapposes to the shackles on his feet.
• Lots of security and guards holding guns, highlights dangerous area.

Aurally ...

• Dialogue referring to the situation - "Why is everyone so edgy?"
• Strings music
• Deep bass murmurs.

The opening sequence establishes the narrative to show:-

• Someone has gone missing
• Wife has died.
• Boat to island.
• Storms coming.
• Island is dangerous.

We are introduced to the characters subtly throughout the opening, through various ways. We know alot about the charcters already through their dialogue and just from the denotation of the scene.
For example;-

• Leo and Bob on the boat = police officers.
• Policemen on shore work for the prison. We know this due to their unifrom. Highlights the danger of the place.
• Mad patients are shown to us gradually. The chains and shackles highlight the danger of the characters.