Graveyard
Productions
Harvey Gough - AS Media
Shutter Island:
The film begins with a black screen with the words 'Boston Harbor Islands, 1954'. This gives the audience an idea of the time period and setting of the film, setting them up for the film ahead.
The lack of any real audio other than a low level of ambient noise and lack of visuals adds tension, as the audience doesn't know what to expect.
The first shot is of a misty ocean surface, from which a ship emerges. This initial greyness is disorientating as it is not immediately clear where we are seeing. This also encourages the audience to wait and see what will appear.
After the protagonist is introduced in his cabin, worried and clearly sea-sick, he appears on deck. This is followed by a shot of his associate and the surrounding landscape. We see how large the expanse of water is around them and get a sense of their isolation from any kind of civilisation. We also see grey skies which reflects turmoil and hints at possible danger ahead.
This shot is framed behind a wire fence. This makes the audience feel as though caged, which reflects the rest of the film. This becomes particularly relevant upon finishing the film, making it seem as if the protagonist hmself is imprisoned, as the shot is from his point of view.
Finally a long shot of the island, accompanied by the sound of the ship's horn. This adds dramatic tension as wee see the size of the island and get a sense of the dangers which it may hold. The characters are told by the captain that there is only one way on and off the island, and that he will be leaving once the characters have departed the ship. This shows how isolated the characters will soon become, as well as showing how they are trapped and cannot escape.