Shutter island nine frame analysis

1. The first shot establishes the location, providing essential information to the viewer and preparing them for the upcoming scene.

2. The second shot shows a ship emerging from a cloud of fog, this creates a sense of mystery and suspense for the viewer, the fog connotes uncertainty and trepidation; typically seen throughout horror films. This immediately starts to reflect the conventions of a thriller film and therefore effectively introduces the film.

3. This shot shows an unknown man staring at himself in a mirror, his expression conveys that he is anxious and apprehensive, this leaves the viewer immediately asking questions and wondering what is concerning him, meaning that the viewer is eager to continue watching the film. There is a bandage attached to his head, implying that he has been previously injured, again, this creates a sense of mystery for the audience. The male's head and hair both appear wet, perhaps from sweat, also adding to the idea that the man is extremely anxious.

4. This shot shows the man bent over; connoting his vulnerability and weakness. Looking at his facial expression, the man appears to be coughing or throwing up; suggesting that he is suffering. His surroundings are very bleak, showing worn walls and rusting pieces of metal. The room he is contained in is relatively small, perhaps adding to his apparent anxiety, enclosed within a room of little space, perhaps implying his lack of freedom.

5. This shot shows a room with handcuffs hanging from the ceiling. The handcuffs connote disorder and retribution, the handcuffs also add further mystery to the opening, the viewer is eager to find out why they belong there and if they are still in use. The walls within the room are a mucky blue colour, making the room appear bleak and lifeless. The handcuffs imply a lack of freedom and free will.

 

6. This shot depicts a change of scene and a new character is added to the opening sequence, the new character is shown looking down on the other man, who is shown bent over with only his hat in view of the camera; this portrays him as weak and vulnerable and possibly inferior to the other man who is captured standing sturdily above him

7. This shot shows both men in full view of the camera. Their clothes suggest many things to the viewer; both are wearing ties which portray power, authority, and professionalism. Both men are wearing shirts and long coats, both of these items of clothing portray traditionalism as well as the desire to appear presentable, but who for? The hats suggest that the men possibly have something to hide, that they are somewhat concealing themselves behind the article of clothing. The fact that both men are wearing the same outfit suggests a mutual respect and that they possibly have the same aim in common and are working together rather than against each other.

8. Within this scene, the sky appears grey and is filled with dark, bleak clouds. It looks like it is about to rain, possibly symbolising something negative that is upcoming within the film but is yet to take effect. The weather reflects to mood within this scene and adds to the mystery that you would expect to see within a thriller film. The dark clouds foreshadow negativity and uncertainty and suggest to the viewer that there is a metaphorical storm erupting.

9. In this shot, the lighting and location changes dramatically, the warmth and saturation is rapidly increased to portray a sudden change of mood; the atmosphere within the scene is now very calm and comfortable and connotes happiness and positivity. The woman within the scene has blonde hair which connotes innocence and purity, the light is also bouncing off her blonde hair which creates a positive glow. The woman is wearing a floral top, showing youth and naivety. The couple appear to be dancing which also adds to the happiness of the shot.