Thriller Analysis-Shutter Island

Editing:

The flashbacks play an important role in the narrative enigma as the audience are wondering about the flashbacks and what they mean. These flashbacks create a tense and dramatic feeling as the audience anticipate what is to happen next in the narrative and what has happened in Teddy’s life and his motives throughout the thriller.

Sound:

The low tones and dragged out nature of the non-diegetic music throughout the opening scene creates tension. The pitch of the music stays very constant, the dips in the music portray boat horns which match his surroundings, each time the ‘horn’ beeps tension builds as the audience wait to see what will happen next. As Teddy is walking through the boat there is sounds of chains rattling which creates an eerie and disturbing atmosphere for the audience as this sound is usually associated with imprisoned people and has strong connotations of torture, making the audience once again question what the boat is used for and who else is aboard this mysterious vessel.

Mise-en-Scene:
Both characters are dressed in more old fashioned clothing as they are both seen in hats and long duster coats and, which add a sense of mystery. These outfits are well known for detectives in the 1950’s, this makes the audience wonder what these detectives on the boat are doing and what has happened for the detectives to have to go there. The dull lighting in the establishing shot makes the audience feel the eerie atmosphere and creates mystery for the viewers of the thriller.

Camera:

Right at the beginning of the scene an establishing shot is used. This shot shows a large boat floating through a foggy mist; this creates an eerie atmosphere and makes the audience question where the boat is headed. This establishing sets the scene for the entire film so it plays an important role in the film. The setting of the film doesn’t give a lot away to the audience so the narrative enigma is high as the viewers anticipate what is to happen next. There is an over the shoulder shot of Teddy looking in the mirror at his reflection. His intense glare makes the audience question what is wrong with him and they want to know what he is thinking.