Shutter Island Essay - Opening sequence

Question 1

Boat Scene

Answer 1

C - T in boat bathroom, vomiting into toilet.
Q - Close up shot of T face half in shadow, diegetic sound of waves against boat and him being sick
E - camera shot identifies weakness in films main character, makes him dramatic person of intrigue
T isnt going to be usual ‘perfect’ hero, he is flawed.
Sound shows T sees water as threat, learn his kids were drowned. These emphasise that he isnt ‘perfect character’, someone who is struggling. Half his face faded hints to split personality. Introduces intriguing main character

Question 2

Flashback of Dolores

Answer 2

C - T fondly remembers wife D putting his tie on.
Q - mid shot of T and D, diegetic sound of boat drowned by flashback
E - evidence of affection between T and D. Happy memory contrasts shutter island
Muted sound of waves = T lost in memory = hints at mental instability.
cut to water foreshadows D drowning her children.
Effective opening as we dont know why hes having flashback/why hes visiting shutter island. catches their interest as Teddy has trauma

Question 3

Approaching Island

Answer 3

C-Foreboding destination of SI in distance.
Q- non diegetic music, diegetic sound of dialogue - cap - “theres a storm coming”
E - loud, low, ominous notes build tension, audience unsure as to what is about to happen
cap dialogue foreshadows literal storm and T psychological storm. Effect opening as audience fear/exited for damages to come

Question 4

Arriving on the Island

Answer 4

C - T and C greeted by grim faced guards
Q - Mid shot of guards guns, Diegetic sound of guard saying that they’re on edge.
E - nervous actions of guards/wardens dialogue hints at danger, after viewing audience realises T was the danger. Hint from director that T is not who he seems he is. Diegetic sound further confirms this.

Question 4

Car Journey

Answer 4

C - T and C are driven through the gates and look at surroundings.
Q - Diegetic sound of dialogue - T pointing to electrified fence “Seen something like it before” - Close up of C fumbling with gun.
E - T could he referring to liberation of concentration camps or 2 years spent in Ashcliffe.
C inexperienced with gun - not actually a US marshall