Shutter Island

Mariam Ibrahim

• Genres: - drama, mystery, psychological thriller• The film is set in the 1950’s and the main characters

are Edward ‘Teddy’ Daniels, a U.S Marshall, and his new partner; Chuck Aule who are investigating a case of a disappeared patient in the Hospital for the criminally insane.

Sound: • Non-diegetic, slow music sets the atmosphere for the film which

clearly shows it is a thriller • The sound echoes and plays throughout the opening scene which

makes the audience feel unsettled as it isn’t pleasant and it is quite frightening

• The orchestral music captures the audience’s attention – it sets the tone for what we are about to see

Camera:• The angles used throughout this scene is mid-shot.• This creates a tense atmosphere• This is adding to uncertainty as it makes it difficult for the

audience to have a sense of location• Low angle shots are used mostly – makes the audience feel

inferior to the specific object• This creates a tense relationship between the character

and audience

Costume/Props:• The costumers that these characters are wearing suggest the movie

was filmed in the 90’s as these two look like business people• This shot tells us about their body language and how they are

feeling.• They both have cigarettes in their hands and cigarettes are widely

known to relieve stress.• Both are wearing smart clothing.• Guns are used as it shows that they are professional and the island

that it is set shows it is not safe.• The use of fog is effective as it makes the audience feel uneasy as it

makes the location unclear so it is trying to give out hints.

Lighting & Colour• Mostly low-key lighting which creates shadows and this leads to

fear and tension to the audience• Colours such as dark greys and black link with thrillers well as it

would go with confusion and uncertainty

Setting:• Island looks secluded which gives a idea to the audience that the

place is dull and empty• The type of shot shows the audience the setting of the film

Mise-en-Scene

Facial expressions and Body Language:• The expressions on their faces look

aggressive as they are holding weapons in their hand which suggests crime

• Opening scene begins with a mysterious and distinctive shot• We see only thick fog which encourages the audience to see what appears next• This type of shot builds a strong feeling of misery and suspicion • The audience do not have an idea of a specific location• Tension is created through deep, low instrumental music which makes the

audience think about the place and change the mood• It gives the impression that something is hidden• Use of fog is effective as it creates a cold and unpleasant atmosphere

Lighting• Colours are very dark and dull from the lighting which creates suspense and anxiety• The sky is darker on one side which shows the storm is surrounding the island• This shot creates doubt and mystery for the audience

Camera:• Extreme wide-shot – used to show the audience the setting in the film • Long screen time which creates tension

Setting:• Shows the setting in the film • Looks very isolated• Creates suspense

Shot of reflection of man throwing up:• This shows a reflection of the character throwing up• Small amount of light from a small window in the cabin• Lack of lighting shows the feeling of the character• High angle shot makes him seem small and even more inferior

• Close-up of his facial expression – you can see the emotion in his eyes

• The look on his face tells you he is agitated and distracted• The close-up is used to reveal specific details in the scene• His desperation is shown by him vomiting and clutching himself• This creates sympathy for him and makes the audience empathise

with him from the start of the film

• The close-up shot of the character captures the misery he feels as he looks out the small window

• This shows how alone and isolated he feels and creates tension for the audience

• He’s looking out the window and all he can see is water surrounding him and knows that there is no way of escaping.

• This high-angle shot shows the main character walking through the rain • This is low-key lighting which make it difficult to see what that character is doing• The use of lighting is effective as it makes the audience feel suspicious about

what is going on• The rain suggests different emotions like sorrow and distress – common in

thriller films

The opening sequence uses props, camera shots, dark lighting and overwhelming sound effects to represent bonds of thrillers and make the opening scene set the theme for the rest of the thriller.