CAPE FEAR

1991 Martin ScorseseStarring: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte & Jessica LangeDirected by Martin Scorsese

Frame 1The movie opens with a Universal ident. However, the image is subverted and presented in a gloomy blue colour.

The image also appears as if underwater. This links to a prominent location in the movie

The sound of falling rain in the background adds to the gloomy atmosphere of the initial shot

Frame 2

Although this shot is taken from the title sequence it still helps to develop the atmosphere of dread in the opening sequence. The reflection of a shadowy and menacing figure is presented atop a backdrop of calm, lightly rippling water. This juxtaposition of the calm with the violent lies at the core of the movie. There is a reflection of an eagle which is a bird of prey which could be a connotation of hunting.

Frame 3The camera slowly zooms out, stopping at a mid-shot of a girl in her late teens/early twenties.

She is the archetypal victim of the genre.

The girl is dressed in white carrying connotations of innocence and purity.

The dialogue speaks of the enjoyment the young girl has experienced in a “magical” place, the inaptly named “Cape Fear”

This scene creates uncertainty in the viewer as its overwhelmingly positive tone is a marked contrast to what is to come.

Frame 4 The movie opens with an establishing shot showing Cady’s prison cell.

Cady’s wall is covered in pictures of historical figures, martyrs and super heroes. The choice of images suggests he respects absolute power & aggression and feels that he has been mistreated.

The camera gradually zooms out to reveal the scope of his obsession.

The clip features bombastic, gloomy orchestral Music creating a sense of foreboding/ anticipation of bad things to come

Frame 5The fact he is in good physical condition indicates the menacing figure and people should be intimidated by him.

The tattoo shows that he feels he didn’t get either the truth or justice so he must bring this equality upon himself.

The audience could feel safe, as the bars are in the foreground which shows how he is separated from you and his back is to the camera and he has a concealed identity.

The mind of this character is warped by the idea of justice and law shown by the decorations.

Frame 6He is being released from his cell which is like releasing a villain back into the community and removing the protection the audience had.

The idea that his body is covered in these tattoos makes him seem menacing and scary however the way he has them positioned and how they are symmetrical on his body show they have a strict relevance in his life.

The facial expression he has on his face makes him look very serious and that he has something to do immediately as he rushes out of the cell and walks out without smiling and showing any emotion.

The books he leaves behind shows that he had been engrossed in them so much that they no longer are Relevant which really comes across that he has studied them in depth.

The prisoner officer calls his name so this shows he is well known and notorious and usually the other cell mates will jeer as they exit but for him they don’t which really makes you understand how intimidating he is.

Frame 7

The giant thunder cloud over head really makes the audience feel that he (Cade) is like a bolt of lightening waiting to be struck. Building tension until he is released.

As he is walking away from the prison it shows how he is leaving one thing behind him to begin a new stage of his life.

There is no sunshine only dark clouds and grey skies which indicate how times will be bad from now on and that a storm is brewing and it will be striking soon.

He walks away at a swift pace showing determination and how he is in a rush to get somewhere, when he is asked if anyone is picking him up he walks out alone really indicating how he is on his own from everyone else.

Frame 8

The character is very close up to the camera which tries to make you scared and intimidated by him and his figure, the way he looks into the camera really contacts the audience.

He has walked and as he has been walking he has walked in one direction straight for the camera which really indicates how he is walking toward the audience and is coming for you!

The facial expression is serious not a slight hint of emotion but you feel the tension of the moment.

There is half a side of darkness and half a side of light and inbetween is the head of the criminal which shows how one side is happy and this could indicate truth whilst the other is gloomy which could be a connotation of danger or justice and inbetween is Cade and how he is the cause of this danger and how he will disrupt the good, happy times.

Frame 9The house is brightly lit by the natural source of the sun which shows happiness upon this house.

The cameras point of view is from the bushes so it looks like someone is watching the house from a distance.

The shadows are casted around the house and it looks like the darkness is approaching the house.

The house looks very posh which indicates wealth in the household.