Shutter Island Analysis

Camerawork:

The opening sequence shows the opening credits presenting the production companies Paramount, Phoenix, Sikelia and Appian Way, then it displays the movie title ‘Shutter Island’, after this the location and time are presented on screen; Boston Harbor Island 1954.

The scene starts off with an establishing shot to help set the opening narrative, it is of a boat appearing from within the foggy sea scape which then turns into a long shot which shows a boat appearing from the mist. An over the shoulder shot of the main character looking into a mirror showing his characters reflection is another piece of camerawork, by doing this it can help present the idea of him having a dual or split personality. Next there was a shot which offered the idea that the main character is troubled and weary as he is looking out of a porthole of the boat like he is looking out at the world from an cornered off place, as if he were in a prison cell. As the main character is washing his hands in the sink there is an overhead shot of him, from a variety of different angles to give the impression that it is like he is being watched. Lastly there is a two shot from behind the two men showing the whole of the characters and their surroundings, the shot then changes to a close up the two characters conversing with each other. 

Sound:

At the beginning of the opening sequence (including credits) there are non-diegetic sounds such as classical sounding music that presents a spooking and chilling start. Diegetic sounds consist of the sound of a fog horn and many other boat sounds, followed by heavy breathing and dialogue. There is persistent ambient sound of the boat and its clanking metals which is visible on screen.

Editing: 

There are many editing techniques used throughout the opening sequence, including straight cuts to reveal the title of the film. There is a dissolve in to the scene showing the boat appear on screen, this will make it less snappy and fit it more appropriately and calmly. Whilst the main character is putting his hat on and exiting the inside of the boat the shot is out of focus and slowly becomes clear to the naked eye, this brings a different style into changing the scene rather than using a simple cut the whole way through.

Mise en Scene:

The Mise en scene in the opening sequence has deliberately used props and costumes to set the scene and also leave enigmas for the rest of the film. Props include the use of a mirror, which immediately seems that the character either has a dual personality with looking at one face and another with the use of over the shoulder shot. The costumes worn by the two characters we meet in this opening scene are typical to that of a detective or reported with the long overcoat and suit with a hat on. The lighting is mainly low key to keep with the unsettling and weary atmosphere; there is only ambient lighting, no artificial to keep the scene realistic yet simplistic. The location if obvious, on the sea. It is clearly shown from the beginning of the opening sequence all the way throughout.