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Media Studies-Course Work Clip Analysis

1) The opening scene of the film Cape Fear establishes tension through dark, murky water and ominous non-diegetic music. 2) Scenes of an eagle searching with darting eyes and an extreme close-up of an eye behind water with snippets of blood further build suspense. 3) The introduction of a young female character leaves the audience questioning what danger she may face, given the ominous tone set in the opening scenes.

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169 views3 pages

Media Studies-Course Work Clip Analysis

1) The opening scene of the film Cape Fear establishes tension through dark, murky water and ominous non-diegetic music. 2) Scenes of an eagle searching with darting eyes and an extreme close-up of an eye behind water with snippets of blood further build suspense. 3) The introduction of a young female character leaves the audience questioning what danger she may face, given the ominous tone set in the opening scenes.

Uploaded by

Anonymous pvyEDu
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Media Studies Clip Analysis of Cape Fear

The opening of this thriller begins with a


music sting, this sharp piercing sound
alerts the audience to gain knowledge of
something bad has happened. This also
relates to the focus of the water and its
colour. The dark water has negative
connotations which can relate to death,
which implies the film is bases around a
mystery of the isolated water. This has
created tension within the first few seconds
of the film which is what a thriller is meant to do.
Throughout the opening to the film non diegetic soundtrack is used to
emphasise the tension and unknown. It has a fast pace and the volume is
high pitched and it does increase, building the suspense throughout. The
low key dark lighting also creates the same effect.
This image of the eagle flying shows a
negative effect as the eagle is known to be
a bird of prey, hunting things this suggests
the idea of danger. It all links to the genre of
the film which creates the audiences
tension and edge.
More emphasize on the colour of the eagles
eyes, also his eyes darting side to side, this
creates panic for the audience showing his
searching for something.

This image of the eye behind the water


creates more tension, especially as its an
extreme close up. This is where the
snippets of red come through the image,
showing the danger and blood links to do.

This rain drop turns the whole water red,


this signifies danger and blood. It can be
seen as a tear drop which implies that
someone crying. This part of the clip
reinforces the genre of a thriller that its all
based around keeping you on the edge of
your seats.
This transition begins with an extreme close
up of the girl, while the camera zooms away
from her face showing her clothing which is
in the category of Mise En Scene. Shes
wearing a white shirt which suggests shes a
school girl. The connotations of a school girl
are that they are innocent and vulnerable.
Therefore this makes the audience question
about whats going on and why shes
involves.

The camera pans down


showing the prisoners room. We can identify a photo of a Russian
Dictator. This man references to steal, this shows the male prisoner is
preparing for revenge and his release. We can also tell this as his
preparing himself physically by working out and mentally by the books he
keeps in his cell. This book relate to law and physiology. This makes us
think he could have been wrongly convicted, so therefore wants revenge.

This is closed framing showing him being


enclosed and stuck in the cell. Beforehand
there was a zoom out from the close up of
his tattoo. His interesting tattoo of the
crucifix cross with scales saying Truth and
Justice.

The change of sound in this particular clip


implies he has power within the prison
and that the other prisoners respect him.
This is shown through their NVC. Also the
fact he was in a cell on his own whereas
the others are put in with other people.
The officers address him by his first name
which suggests they know him personally.
Pleonastic sound of the prison door shunting was empathised to show his
no longer locked away, this illustrates his new freedom into the world. This
is also a sound bridge carrying it over into the next scene of him outside
of the prison.

This wide shot emphasizes the point


his being released from prison. The
dark stormy sky gives the
connotations of revenge and tense
atmosphere. This all links to the
thriller conventions. He walks
directly towards the camera in
confidence this creates an unsettling
atmosphere for the audience as
wonder whats going to happen next.

An opening to a thriller like this, the audience are left with loads of
questions they want answers for, so therefore will want to carry on
watching the whole film.
Abbie Rawlins

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