Cape fear analysis

By Patrick Robinson

The beginning of this scene starts with a music sting leading to a non-diegetic soundtrack which creates a sinister atmosphere. This creates the idea of tension within the film, highlighting that the plot will be like the typical conventions of a frightening, scary thriller, which is also shown by the low-key lighting used throughout the clip. A close up of rippling water is seen, representing a flowing river. There is shades of the yellow sun in the water which could be implying sunset which could be a disguise for the end of life and foreshadowing the dangers that could be coming in the film.

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As the title of the film is inserted into the clip, the non-diegetic soundtrack then reaches a climax, the colour of the water turns more red showing the large significance of the river with the film, connoting blood and danger whilst also foreshadowing death.

The shot then changes into an image of an eagle flying over the river , eagles are predators that feed on prey and are very dangerous vicious which could represent a character in the film.

It is then followed by an extreme close up of a cold, dark brown eye suggesting paranoia and fear within a character, followed by another extreme close up of a mouth suggesting screams, adding to the sense of fear and mystery. There is then a close up of a mans face slightly smirking is shown making the audience wonder he is the cause of the danger.

The waters mini waves become faster flowing and rapid to build tension within the clip, following that, a low angled shot of a man looking down on us putting the audience in a vulnerable position the

man being portrayed as a character of danger and threat.

The water gradually turning from black to red with a close up of a droplet of water faded into the frame foreshadowing death within the river.

There is then a extreme close up of a young girls eyes then slowly zooming out into a mid-shot of her, whilst speaking using diegetic dialogue. She is wearing a white shirt with all buttons done up and she hasn't got makeup on which suggests a young and innocent child, She says “says “I always thought that for such a lovely river, the name was mystifying ‘Cape Fear’, and that the only thing to fear on those enchanted summer nights was that the magic would end and real-life would come crashing in.” With this diegetic dialogue she says it in a calm yet soft tone, suggesting her vulnerability or even as if she was never affected by what the mysterious happenings creating a sinister vibe.

In the next scene a non-diegetic soundtrack that is very loud and powerful is in the back ground whilst a shot of close ups from a bunch of photos stuck onto a cell wall, these photos consisting of Stalin, also known as ‘the man of steel’ and suggests that the character of the prisoner.

The next shot shows a mans back as he is doing dips showing the audience he has been working up to this day, as later on the narrative reveals he is leaving the prison today. The closed-framing from behind the bars creates a sense of entrapment and shows that he is confined and wants t be released. Meanwhile his muscles show of his physical strength and the books that surround him illustrate intelligence.The mid-shot shows off his tattoo on his back, it is a cross with the scales of justice, the balance between the two highlighting of his belief in justice, foreshadowing he is going to seek revenge after his release.

As the police officer comes to let the man out of prison, he addresses him by his name, portraying he is well known within the prison and also suggesting he has been there for a long time. He also has his own cell whilst other prisoners are sharing which could show he is respected amongst the prison. As he walked down the steps out of the prison all of the other prisoners used non-verbal communication to represent the respect, or maybe even fear him. As he is escorted out, there is a tracking shot which follows him out.

As the clip comes to an end, a sound bridge is used as the unlocking of the cell gates match the sound the unlocking of the prison gates, alongside a dramatic non-diegetic soundtrack. An establishing shot portrays him walking out of prison.There is thunder being heard over the soundtrack, this adds mystery to his character, makes the audience think he is out to cause more danger. He approaches the camera creating a close up of his face portraying his cunning facial expressions whilst intimidating the audience using such close proximity with the camera.