Shutter Island Opening Sequence Analysis

The opening sequence begins with a shot of a dimly lit corridor. The low-key lighting creates suspense, and the red font has connotations of blood and violence, coupled with the tense music to create an uneasy atmosphere. The film grain that has been added subtly over the top creates a feeling of realism. There is a cut to a rapid spinning shot of a spiral staircase which creates confusion and perhaps a feeling of a downward spiral. The editing is fast-paced and focuses on several shots of dark rooms which creates a sense of mystery and enigma, intriguing the audience. The next shot is then an extreme close-up of a hand, creating tension because of the uncomfortable closeness as well as the strange behaviour, making the audience feel as if something isn't right. This is followed by a loud crescendo which then fades away to almost nothing, leaving the next shot in an uncomfortable silence and adding to the sense of mystery and dread at what lies beyond the gates. The image is filtered to make it seem less colourful and the camera is a P.O.V. shot as if the audience themselves is entering. This shot then fades into the next, an anonymous person in front of a fire, The flickering, shadowy lighting coupled with the fact that they are turned away from the camera suggests secrecy and again creates enigma. The editing is much slower paced than the first half, with another fade into an extreme close-up of a boot pressing down on a gun. This creates the feeling of danger and threat, and unsettles the audience because of the strange behaviour and anonymity. This then fades into a shot of falling slow at night. The symbolism of the white on the black could suggest a binary opposition narrative, with a struggle or perhaps inner conflict between good and evil. There is then a crossfade into what appears to be a cell, but with the snow still blowing over the top. This may suggest isolation. The music picks up again, becoming more dramatic as the screen flickers. The spell of blackness is then interrupted by the striking of a match, again creating tension by introducing the idea of secrecy and the fear of the unknown. There is then a scenic wide-shot of an island, although the image has been desaturated to make it seem unappealing. The island again fits with a feeling of isolation. Finally, the title appears in dark red, capital font, with connotations of blood and violence. The way in which it rapidly approaches the audience is unpredictable, and sets the tone for the remainder of the film.