Shutter Island- Opening scene analysis

Shutter Island- Opening scene 

The opening title conveys bold , sans-serif font which is positioned in the middle of the screen. The text colour is silver which can have connotations of mystery, the water surrounding the island or the silver metal of the gun. The text is portrayed as a reverse block, which is a lighter text against a dark background. Furthermore the black background could reflect Teddy's confusion and isolation. Overall the text creates connotations of a vulnerability, sadness and a mystery.

 The image above presents the text 'DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT RICHARDSON' in capital letters, bold font and sans-serif font. The white text is therefore drawing in the audience's attention to the credits. In addition the text is shown against a background image of the mental asylum/prison based on the isolated island. And therefore creates tension and causes the viewer to question why a mental asylum has appeared.The titles are appropriate for a thriller because they stand out and add suspense , so that the audience will be watching with anticipation. 

The image above presents the text 'EDITED BY' in white sans-serif font and 'THELMA SCHOONMAKER' In bolder sans-serif text. The colour white is able to again attract the viewers attention and does this by presenting the credit in capital letters. In addition the text is shown up against a background image of a prison cell, as this again implies that the film is set in a mental asylum/prison. Also a prison cell has connotations of fear, innocence danger and this is shown through the use of the colour black, and white. 

In the beginning of the extract a fade in transition is used of the boat at sea. The audience then questions where the boat is going and who is on board. Therefore this causes a rise in tension and engages the viewer as they want to find out the answers to these questions. A shot reverse shot is then used, to introduce Chucks character, between him and Teddy and the equal screen time implies that both the characters have the same level of authority. However a low angle shot  is used to view Chuck looking up to Teddy which contradicts this idea as it suggests that Teddy has more dominance over Chuck in their partnership.

Both characters a depicted wearing a suit and tie as well as a hat which is commonly associated with detectives. This is a stereotypical costume of the male gender in the 1950's which is when the extract was set. Furthermore this implies that the characters have high up roles and a large level of power. Another point to note is that the location is set at Boston Harbor island and shows a boat travelling at sea. Therefore suggests that both characters are travelling to a scene of a crime.

Throughout  the opening scene a deep prolonged sound is used which therefore creates tension and suspense. The deep non-diegetic music could possibly represent the boats Horn, which informs the audience that the destination could be located on an isolated island due to it being surrounded by water and the only way in or out is via a boat journey. Dialogue is also used throughout the scene and represents both Teddy and Chuck as dominant however in-formal which is shown through the use of jokes and laughter. Their accents also indicate where they are from due to having clear , recognisable Boston accents.

When Teddy and Chuck are shown talking on the boat's deck a mid two shot is used which puts emphasis on both their characters and their emotions and therefore suggests that they are a strong team who work well and stand united together. Furthermore when the audience is introduced to Teddy a close up shot is used to show sweat, fear and anger on his face due to him being prone to sea-sickness. Even though he is represented as a character with great authority, the audience is placed in a privileged position as we can see him at his most vulnerable state.

Clip analysed: