Research into Thriller openings - Stephen Potter 4

Research into thriller openings – Shutter Island

This thriller opens with a 7 second shot of mist, almost mimicking a fade to white editing technique. This is interesting as fade to white can represent dream sequences, therefore this may have been chosen to suggest to the spectators that this film may be a sort of dream sequence or must have some uncertainty to it. There is also dead silence, this lack of sound ads to the strangeness of this shot. This shot leaves spectators questioning what is happening, due to its length, and leaves then asking themselves many questions. This first shot has created enigma and mystery for the rest of the film. 

 A ship emerges from the mist shortly after, this too creates enigma as we do not know where this is located or where the ship has come from nor where it is going, it also carries that uncertainty as to whether this is current a dream sequence or not. As it is centered in the middle of the frame it is highlighted as a point of interest and that we should pay attention to it.

The next shot is of the first time we see the protagonist, in the frame chains are rattling and as they are focused in the frame it may be something the spectators should pay attention to. Enigma is also carried into this shot as you wonder why they are needed, the director may have put them in the frame as symbolism, it could symbolise being trapped as the ship is alone in mist, effectively isolating it. It is also forshadowing the prison setting of the film. There is also a lack of colour and vibrancy within these shots, this desaturation of colour could also be a way of symbolising the films dark setting and dark story.

We see the protagonist shaking in front of a mirror, he is also wearing a suit, hinting towards him being of a higher social class, important role within society, and is also wet, the creates enigma as you wonder why this is. The fact he is talking to himself in the mirror questions his mental state. The lighting is utilised by the director to show only one half of him being light, this too may symbolise this protagonist having a morally “light” and “dark” side. Within the first 30 seconds, a lot of mystery is created for the spectators as well as tension as there is absolutely no context.