Shutter Island Codes and Conventions

Ever since the release of Shutter Island back in 2010 it has been argued that it is one of the most finely crafted thriller films considering its codes and conventions as well as uniqueness, according to IMDB. However with all the twists and turns through out the story some find it hard to see it this way, this is what most film critics have said anyways; that it is not nice to be messed around although others say it’s the whole part of watching a thriller film not knowing where the story will take you.

Plot:

In 1954 , Federal marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule travel to Shutter island to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient names Rachel Solando. She had been sectioned at the institution for dangerous criminals at Ashcliffe hospital after drowning her three kids. Because of Teddy’s past experiences being a WWII solider and the loss of his wife in a criminal fire it has left him traumatised however it has driven him to take on this case because the killer who started the fire is rumoured to be at the same institution. As Teddy and his partner dive deeper into their investigation they uncover hidden truths that were better left unfound and with a wild storm kicking up it leaves them stranded on the island with no outside help, further discovering the real Shutter Island.

Codes and Conventions of Thrillers:

 

Colours normally dull with black and white shades –

    This is used to keep the seriousness of the story going and, if used in the right way, can set a very sinister and chilling atmosphere to suit the genre. For example in the film “memento” in the scenes when the protagonist is on the phone they are all in black and white, this effect is used to possibly for shadow the danger of him being on the phone and who he is talking to.

Fast paced editing and quick cuts –

     this keeps the story moving all the time and doesn’t let the film drag on, taking you out of the suspenseful atmosphere. For example in “Hanna” where the soldiers surround the hut that Hanna is waiting in it does quick cuts between her and the surrounded hut. This effect could be used to mirror how important this scene is as well as how Hanna could be feeling.

A Protagonist and Antagonist –     

      not necessary the hero and villain but show’s the struggle of two rivals which the story is normally set around or has some large connection too.

Tilting –

    A movement of the camera that can pan up a character ,for example, to cause suspense on what it’s trying to show the audience (e.g. who the killer may be ). For example in Shutter island where Teddy is standing on the edge of the cliff, looking over , the camera tilts up which builds up tensions with the slow camera movement as to how he would react to chuck 

 

Mirrors and Stairs – 

      Things that may seem odd but can have an incredible effect on foreshadowing things or symbolism. For example the mirrors to show the audience something that the character will not see for example in “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” the antagonist can be seen in a reflection of a window behind the protagonist showing that he is surrounded and helpless however we as the audience sees it; he does not. The Stairs can be used to show power statues where the powerful is at the top and the weak at the bottom or the same with good and evil. In some films it can also be used to confuse the audience not knowing where they lead to.  ( where quick editing may come into play ) being dead. 

False ending –

      A very popular convention of thrillers which can outline where the story may be heading however then taking an unexpected turn to another ending which the audience may not have seen coming or directors can sometimes use this to their advantage then right at the last minute make an unexpected plot twist that can throw people off. For example in “The Sixth Sense” where at the end they reveal that  Dr. Malcolm Crowe was actually dead the entire time.                                                                                                                                                    

Nearly all of these are essential to make a thrill film work and have the right effect that’s originally intended. This means that many of these were used in Shutter Island to help with the impact it had on the audience.

 

Shutter Island screen shots with codes and conventions: 

Camera shot is in first person to show the rout in which the main characters are going, drawing the audience into the scene by being able to see what the protagonist is seeing. This effect causes the audience to be in the characters position, which could make them feel almost trapped, knowing there will be no way out because of the towering walls and gates.

Further into the first person camera shot, past the gates, is another set of gates as well as high towering walls further emphasising the feeling that the audience will get from this, mirroring the protagonists thought and feelings of entrapment and foreboding.

Another camera movement used is tilting round a high red chair slowly which causes suspense for the audience as to who might actually be in the chair and what it may solve. the lack of light in this scene could also indicate that the protagonist is in a dangers place, giving out an unsettling feeling that this won't end well.

Here is an example of Mise en scene, keeping the aspect of black and white shades and a complete black background. This shot in particular could foreshadow what will happen next with the protagonist’s face shadowed and his partner in the light perhaps showing that the protagonist is going to do something he knows he shouldn't.

Also the way the camera is focused on his face in the shadows could show that he is carrying dark thoughts and in the wrong where as his partner is out of focus but in the light showing that Teddy is too far into darkness to be dragged out.

This is another example of Mise en scene with the colour contrast being very dull colours and the strong ray of white that’s reflected off of the walls. This causes an almost vulnerable feeling for the characters as they, and the audience, cannot see what lies in the darkness further more building tension as what might happen. Also the man that is running is dressed in pure white however where the light captures him his shadow is a solid black that makes an interesting contrast with the colours as well as a sign of foreshadowing. The darkness and dull contrast of colours and shading could symbolise that the protagonist is in the depths of something sinister and unsettling giving an uncomfortably feeling to the audience hoping for the protagonist’s safety.

Here is yet another example of Mise en scene where it’s not only another contrast with dark colours but with lots of stairs. The use of this many stairs can cause confusions as it tries to disorientate the audience once again putting them in the protagonist’s shoes as to where he will go next. This can also indicate that the protagonist is in the middle of the level of stairs showing he’s at a cross road whether he will go up to where it should be safe or go down where it could be dangerous however his real destination. The darkness and inefficient light could add to the confusion of the layered stairs as we cannot fully see all corners of the room and what could be lurking inside it; considering the protagonist is chasing someone. 

In these shots in an example of quick editing because they are all shown for a second. When this takes place is the scene where the protagonist thinks that his partner is dead at the bottom of the cliffs. The way the fast editing has been used can mirror his panic and sudden realisation of what had just happened. This shocks the audience also as we find out at the same time as the protagonist and realise as soon as the quick cuts play.