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
An extreme close up is used of the young girls
of questions which need to be answered, a
eyes, here it creates suspense as the viewer does not
technique often associated with a thriller genre. The
know who she is. The use of her white shirt it terms
imagery of the black eagle suggests danger as it is a
of mise en scene shows the innocent side to her
bird that hunts down its prey. This can be associated
nature, which juxtaposes the overall theme of the
with the genre of a thriller as it creates suspense and
genre thriller.
excitement for the audience.

The panning downwards of the camera

introduces the viewer to pictures that the
inmate has put on the cell wall. One in
particular is a Russian dictator Joseph
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.