Shutter Island Essay - Memorable Character Flashcards
Introduction
-‘S.I’, directed by MS is a film in which the main protagonist, TD become a extre memorable character.
-Variety of cinematic techniques….Mise-en-scene, camera work, sound, to create complex character-who suffering mental health, a main theme.
-Film follows mentally ill, AL who creates alternate reality ,believes he is a US Marshall investigating disappearance at mental institution, we realise he is a patient there by the end.
-Essay aims to discuss how the techniques used create a memorable character
Main Body PCQCQE 1- opening sequence
-in first scene of opening sequence, SCR creates memorable character of TD by using camera work and sound.
-Audience first sees TD travelling by boat to Aschcliffe institution.
-We note his viewing all water makes him physically sick, close up shot reveals him vomit into toilet.
-Once off boat, TD sees high walls and barbed wire surrounding hospital.
-Dialogue of TD saying “i’ve seen something like this before” is significant.
-TD looks dishevelled in C.U.S-hair + face dripping wet, plaster over right eye - both emphases idea he isn’t ‘perfect’ character, someone who is struggling/mentally unhinged.
-Teddy mentions hes seen a similar fence before-we learn later that this could refer to liverating conc camp or eerie hint 2 time spent in aschecliffe - making him the most memorable character
Main Body PCQCQE 2 - Flashback scene.
-during flashback scene, director continue 2 create memorable character of TD, uses mise-en-scene and camera work.
-Teddy and D are arguing, D is understandably upset.
-Mid shot used, shows Dolores holding bottle of alcohol while in apartment.
-Later in flashback, T and D are hugging during fire in apartment.
-As they hold each other, mise-en-scene of ash falling is observed by audience.
-These techniques reveal weaknesses in TD’s character - reinforces he is a flawed/memorable character.
-We learn TD has had a battle w alcohol, has taken a toll on relationship w wife.
-Mid shot of D shows shes hurt/concerned/disappointed by TD drinking habits.
-D’s mental health issues also fuel TD’s drinking and vice versa………
-First viewing film we believe that D died in fire - mise-en-scene of ash is fitting/appropriate as it links with TD’s story, we hear water running-hint to films conclusion, where we learn D was killed while, soaking wet as she drowned her kids.
-These techniques confirm TD to be a memorable character, due to his intriguing expediencies and family relationships.
Main Body PCQCQ 3
-SCR creates memorable character during cemetery scene through effective use of camera work + sound.
-TD contemplates his and other US soldiers killing of SS guards after liberating concentration camp.
-Long shot of guards being lined up before shot.
-We see Teddy sharing this experience (cause of mental health issues) when we hear the dialogue of his saying, “it wasn’t warfare, it was murder.”
-Long shot shows the sheer amount of SS guards that were killed (SS bozo LOL-do not write). Shot continue for an extended period of time with sound of bullet ringing out - supports T’s claim - he’s seen enough death.
-Dialogue tells us TD is not proud of what he done - is perpetually haunted by his actions.
-Develops character of TD by telling us he acted rashly when he participated - he was motivated by hate when he saw camp victims.
-These techniques contribute to creation of memorable character of TD by creating intriguing past and develops the idea he can act in a volatile manner.
Conclusion
-‘Shutter Island’, by Martin Scorsese is a film which creates a hugely memorable character - the protagonist, TD.
-Memorable character is achieved through proficient use of cinematic techniques; mise-en-scene, camera work, sound.
-Techniques also cultivate theme of mental health - something which AL struggles with profusely.
-This essay has successfully discussed roles played by techniques in cultivating such a memorable character (and theme of mental health).
-‘Shutter Island’ is truly brilliant, despite the insidious sense of perplexity we experience while watching, it is a film we may never forget.
