Cape Fear Analysis

Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear, 1991, sets the genre of thriller from the start. This is because he uses a variety of techniques to set the genre and scene. The clip starts off with the rippling of water. This shows that the water may have been disturbed in some way hence the movement of it. This is an indexical sign. The water is very dark and the scene is at night. This is symbolic for evil and mystery. The colouring is used for this genre because it sets the scene and makes the audience keep watching. It does this because it interests the audience and makes them wonder what the mystery of the film maybe. A reflection in the water shows an eagle flying. An ea9gle is symbolic for death because it is a bird of prey. The eagle swoops down as if to kill. This tells the audience that there will be a presents of death and violence in the film.

Throughout the clip there is a large amount of rippling water. This adds an unclear and mysterious effect to the clip. Images are shown behind the water to add mystery and to make the reader wonder what they are off. An extreme close up of the man’s teeth is used. This is symbolic for violence and biting could be involved in the film. This sets the audience up for violence and also creates tension. A close up of the man’s torso yet again adds mystery this is because his face is not being shown and the audience is drawn in. This may also be used to highlight the man’s arms. This adds an aggressive appeal because from the man’s build we are lead to believe he could easily harm someone. An unclear image of the man’s bowed face behind the rippling of water is used, and then his head rises so he is looking at the camera. This almost scares the audience because the man has a mean look about him and this makes the audience keep watching because they wonder what he may have done. Another extreme close up of the characters eyes are used to etherise his character. His eyes are dark telling the audience that he has a mean personality and is cruel.

The pace of the clip is quite slow because many fades are used. This contributes to getting the genre of thriller to the film because it builds tension and fear. The non diegetic sound used throughout the clip also adds to the pace of the film. The music is calm but also sudden. When the title of the film appears on the screen an unexpected noise occurs, transforming from calm music to a loud, low key piano. This establishes the genre because it adds adrenaline which is a symbol that the film is a thriller. Parts of the music are also ear piercing which makes it uncomfortable to watch. This builds tension.

The titles are white on a black background and a basic font is also used. This highlights the titles and makes them clear. The titles fade in and out producing a slow pace. They are placed half way down the screen. This is done to make sure the audience defiantly seeing the titles. The title of the film appears in the centre of the frame. This highlights the films name.

The colour red is used to a reasonable extent in the clip. A small amount of red appears in the reflection of the water symbolising blood therefore violence and death. There is also a full screen shot of the colour red with a drop of blood in the foreground. Towards the end of the clip the man’s face is yet again seen, it transforms from red to blue. The red symbolises blood and violence and the blue symbolises a cold atmosphere and may link onto the man as having a cold, cruel personality. This sets the genre of thriller because it promotes anxiety and excitement.