The opening introduction to ‘Cape Fear’ shows lots of evidence for a thriller. There is calm flowing water during the title sequence which could be seen as a metaphor for the main character played by ‘Robert De Niro’. The metaphor is that he and the water look calm on the surface but you never know what is underneath. This is also shown by brief shots of two different eyes, which gives the connotation of that being the victim and the other eye being the murder. There are also shots of other facial features until it builds up to the full body. Then we see a shadow with a green outline which has means envy and jealousy. This gives the audience the impression that ‘Robert De Niro’ is a jealous character which could relate to the reason that he is in prison. There is also an eagle shown in the calm water which represents the hunter side of ‘De Niro’ which shows that is either the reason he is in prison or something which is he is going to do when he gets out. ‘Robert De Niro’s’ name appeared at the same time as the eagle which shows that his character is the hunter. These are all enigmas posed by ‘Martin Scorsese.’
The titles are big bold and white which isn’t what the audience would expect as you would expect them to be black but this creates further suspense. They also have a cut through them which shows the violence in the film. The whole title sequence is distorted which gives an added affect for the audience as they are confused about what is happening and what is going to happen. At the end of the title sequence, it cuts to a young girl who is wearing white clothing which is buttoned up the top. The white symbolises that she is pure and innocent which makes the viewer fear for the girl and shows that she could be the victim. Also the fact that the buttons are fully done up symbolises that she could be a virgin and doesn’t want her flesh on show. The camera also shows her face as going a red colour which shows the danger that she could be in.
There is loud dramatic eerie music throughout the opening to film which really sets the tone for the thriller by grabbing the audience’s attention. The music is almost too much as it is so loud and dramatic. It also gives the feel of a fight or revenge. It is also monotonous which could link to how the main character felt in prison. The music continues whilst introducing the main character which emphasises that he is the danger posed. The music links to the enigmas opposed by directors which are why is ‘De Niro’ in prison, what he is going to do when he leave and how dangerous is he.
After the title sequence is shows ‘De Niro’ in prison. It pans across his wall and has pictures of fighting and fire which emphasises his beliefs that he has about revenge and justice. Which are also shown with the tattoos that he has all over his skin. There was also a picture of ‘Stalin’ who was a left wing politician which further shows his beliefs. He also has bibles in his room which shows that he is a religious man and wants revenge for some reason. Whilst he is in prison, he is also working out which shows that he is on a mission for when he gets out. It is further shown that he has no one waiting for him outside and he is taking nothing with him. When ‘De Niro’ is exciting the prison he leaves through three doors which emphasise his freedom that he has now got. Also he leads the guard out which shows that he is the leader and is in control. You also do not get the stereotypical chants from the rest of the in mates which shows that they are all scared of him. Also once he leaves there is a huge thunderstorm which is symbolic to his character and it also links to the storm which is at the beginning of the title sequence. Also once he leaves he walks directly into the camera which shows that he is in control.
No comments:
Post a Comment