Cape fear- thriller analysis

In the establishing shot of the Cape fear credits a music sting

is used to captivate the audiences attention, the sharp, alert
sound in drawing viewers in straight away. The use of the
colour black creates a sense of mystery and the sense of the
unknown which effectively builds tension to fit the genre of a
thriller. The director chooses to use the non- diegetic
soundtrack with a high pitch throughout in order to intensify
the emotion of paranoia.

Low key lighting is continued to be used in order to

match the mood of a thriller, creating an on edge
atmosphere for the viewer. The transition of the
colour red from black foreshadows a sense of
danger in the plot, and implicates various negative
connotations such as death, blood and threat. The
continued usage of the water expresses the idea of
the fear of the unknown, as the viewer cannot see
the hidden depth below the water level.

The open mouthed figure seen in the water has been

purposefully inserted by the director to create a
sense of unease for the viewer. It also creates a lot
of questions which need to be answered, a
technique often associated with a thriller genre. The
imagery of the black eagle suggests danger as it is a
bird that hunts down its prey. This can be associated
with the genre of a thriller as it creates suspense and
excitement for the audience.
An extreme close up is used of the young girls
eyes, here it creates suspense as the viewer does not
know who she is.The
Thepanning
use of her
white shirtofitthe
terms
downwards
camera introduces the
of mise en scene shows
innocentthat
sidethe
to inmate
her
viewerthe
to pictures
has put on the cell
nature, which juxtaposes
the
overall
theme
of
the
wall. One in particular is a Russian dictator Joseph
genre thriller. Stalin, otherwise known as the man of steel. Here it is
suggested that he is idolised by the protagonist in the
play which links to the genre of a thriller as it creates
tension.

The use of the crucifix as a tattoo has been purposely

placed, the weighing of the scales alongside the words
truth and justice implies that the protagonist has been
wrongly convicted. The action of him training in the
cell also suggests that he has been preparing himself to
become both physically and mentally strong for his
release. The closed framing used at this point shows
that he has felt trapped in the prison, this use of
framing contrasts with the open framing at the end of
the clip once he is allowed to leave.

The absence of sound and NVC used through the

duration of this moment shows the respect and fear other
inmates have for the protagonist. The non-diegetic
soundtrack inserted here helps to build a climatic
atmosphere. The diegetic dialogue this is the moment
youve been waiting for, Cady also shows that the
guards know him by first name, which creates a sense of
mystery as the viewer wants to know how they formed
this personal relationship.

The final shot of the clip shows the sky to be cast

over with clouds, and the pleonastic sound of the
thunder and lighting is purposefully used by the
director to foreshadow events that will later occur in
the film. In this case we can suggest that the
protagonist is out to get revenge, his close
proxemics strengthens this ordeal as it suggests his
authority and power.