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
An
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genre thriller.

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.