Shutter island opening analysis

1. AS Media Studies: Foundation Portfolio
Shutter Island – Codes and Conventions of an Opening

2. AS Media Studies: Foundation Portfolio
Code and
Conventions
Findings Textual Evidence
Creation of enigma
Mellow haunting music from the beginning –
quite mysterious and connotes a mystery or
enigma. The long shot of the boat emerging
from the fog quickly creates enigma and
poses questions in the audience’s mind like
“where is the boat going?” and “why is the
boat out here in the fog”.
Background music/soundtrack –
mellow, haunting and crescendos at
certain points.
Camera shots – long shot/
establishing shot of scenery and of
boat emerging from fog
Introduction to
characters
We are introduced straight away to the main
character of the story Teddy Daniels from the
use of medium shots, over should shots and
extreme close ups of Teddy’s face. We are
introduced to his partner in a 2 shot when
Teddy emerges from the inside of the boat,
having thrown up several times in the
bathroom. In a flashback we are also
introduced to Teddy’s wife who died but we
can assume that she could be part of the
story if she is mentioned this early on in the
story.
Camera shots – mid shot, over
shoulder shot, close up and extreme
close up of Teddy
2 shot of Teddy and partner
Editing – flashback sequence of wife
when Teddy talks about her with
narration over it.
Setting up Plot
There is no setting up of the plot in the
opening of Shutter Island however we are
given a slight indication as to where they are
going with the typography of “Boston
Harbour Islands 1954”
Typography/text copy – “Boston
Harbour Islands 1954” – giving
audience hints and clues but not
giving much away about the plot
Pace and rhythm
Editing/mise en
scene/camera
shots
The pace of the opening is quite slow and
steady which parallels with the boat being at
sea and travelling at a steady speed. Straight
cuts and jump cuts are used mostly to keep
the pace steady and not too fast, not building
much tension but creating an enigma as to
why the two Marshals are at sea. This is
coupled with the mellow slow music which
only builds a little in places, which could
parallel with the waves or with the noises or
movement of the boat. Both characters we
are officially introduced to are wearing
similar stereotypical outfits for men of their
age in the 1950s (the setting of the film).
Both are also seen with cigarettes which, at
the time were used to relieve stress so the
use of props could connote that they have
stressful jobs and are in a situation that is
causing some kind of anxiety if they are
smoking.
Fade to black of typography and
straight cuts used to keep pace of the
opening slow and not revealing
anything about the plot
Props and costume – archetypal of
1950s – cigarettes show stressful
situations and work
Mood and tone
(non-diegetic
music)
The non-diegetic music is quite mellow, soft
and slow and creates a haunting atmosphere
in the opening as the audience is still unsure
of what is going on in the film for example
why are they going to the Boston Harbour
Islands and who exactly are they?
When Teddy speaks he sounds quite
unsettled by the fact that he is on a boat in
the sea which could show his weakness even
though he is the boss (his partner addresses
Music – mellow, soft, haunting, quiet
Diegetic – contrast between 2 main
characters weakness and vulnerability
vs confidence and bravery