Shutter Island OTS analysis Director: Martin Scorsese Release Date: 2010

Mise-En-Scene Setting/Location: The opening scene appears to be set in either a prison or institute, which makes for an enticing watch. This is a fairly conventional setting for the genre of Thriller, as it creates an exciting and intense atmosphere. This is something that the producers want to achieve from the start, to intrigue the viewers as much as possible, keeping them on edge and concentrated. As the title sequence starts to flood the screen, it gives a solid impression of a thriller film, by following some conventions of thrillers, but whilst at the same time giving a unique feel of instability and discomfort. Conventions include: Providing enough information to set the scene in the audiences minds, yet withholding information for it to be then told later in the film, creating a dramatic and suspenseful effect. Therefore grabbing hold of both the attention and interest of the viewers. This is helped to be achieved by the jerks (quick movements) presented in the titles shown, and the use of intricate panning shots expressing the the layouts of areas around the institute. The transition of the sequence moves into a zooming spiral staircase, increasing the level of unease in the audience. Along side with the addition of the titles being in capitals and in red, connoting (the obvious of) blood and danger. Lighting/Colour: The lighting and colour in this Opening title sequence are predominantly very dark, black and sinister. As you would expect in a thriller film about a mental health institution. I believe it creates a richer atmosphere of suspense and terror, coinciding with the events of the film.

In this image, which is a long-shot (on the left), it conveys a room with a semi opened gate. With the addition of rain it creates a very powerful, dramatic scene, building a very isolated, scary, depressing atmosphere. The darkness on either side helps to emphasize these connotations. In this image, which is a long-shot (on the left), it conveys a room with a semi opened gate. With the addition of rain it creates a very powerful, dramatic scene, building a very isolated, scary, depressing atmosphere. The darkness on either side helps to emphasize these connotations. This image is a POV shot which is used to make a connection with the audience, almost making it feel as though you’re there, and its what your witnessing. The transition in the two images is a slow zooming in, adding too the already quite dramatic flow. Cinematography: The lighting in all of these images portrays a very dark, dismal and depressing location, which fits perfectly to the conventions of this genre. However, the two bottom images show a small variety of colours, as there set outside. This is possibly suggesting the contrast of life & death from inside and outside the institute.

This image is an extreme close up of a hand pushing down a slab, concealing something underneath it. Additionally, this adds to the level of intensity, anticipation and mystery as it acquires the attention of the viewers and makes you think about what could be hidden. The sound suddenly comes to a stop, after having quite thrilling music, as Dicaprio’s name hits the screen. I feel as though the fact that there's a foot over the gun could have some intricate meaning, possibly that he's not a lover of guns? Not actually sure as I haven't seen the film. However, after thinking deeper on the topic, the reason for this could again to fit to a convention of a thriller, that being the use of concealment and asking questions of the audience; to ultimately intrigue and excite the audience. However, the prop of the gun its self, with the addition of the close up conveying significance, suggests violence, danger and death, again coinciding with a convention of a thriller. Also, the gun helps to add professionalism in the opening title sequence, as it is a crime thriller so it needs these features for it to be compelling. The fonts being used actually contradict the overall vibe being expressed in the sequence, as the connotations of white express innocence and purity. Saying this there is an alteration of the colour change from red to white; indicating that these characters are the good guys (protagonist) in the film.

Sound & Summary Sound: The soundtrack used is thrilling and full of suspense. The music gets louder and then quieter making the viewer on edge. The sound used is non-diegetic which means: The sound’s source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action. The music used was definitely ‘mood music’ which is generally used to prepare people for the type of film they are about to watch. In my opinion, the soundtrack used fits very well to the atmosphere created by the sequence, and helps to develop the idea of mystery. List images that give clues to narrative/characterisat ion