Shutter island code and conventions opening

Shutter island code and conventions opening

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