i) InstitutionsThe film is named 'Shutter Island'. Production companies for this film include Paramount Pictures, Phoenix Pictures and Sikelia Productions. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and starts Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer and Mark Ruffalo. The release date for this film in the UK was the 12th March 2010, in the USA it was released on the 19th February 2010. The film was made in the USA, filming locations include:
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Hull, Massachusetts, USA
- Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
The film was predominantly made in Massachusetts. The budget of the film was an estimated $80,000,000. On the 25th April 2010, in the UK, the gross for the film was £10,599,763. In the USA, on the 10th June 2010, the gross was $128,012,934.
ii) Audience
With reference to gender, I think there is no particular choice the creators of the film have made within the gender category. The film appeals to both males and females. Although the cast largely consists of males which usually is a factor that contributes to the film being male orientated and targeted at that gender, females can also enjoy the storyline. From previous media exposure, I know that some films have language and actions that can be offensive towards the opposite gender, or that which implies offensive things towards that gender, 'RocknRolla' is an example of this. But this film does not involve things such as that.
Taking into account the age rating for this film, I would say the target audience is mid teens to around 50's. I say this because the younger people will enjoy the tense, suspense and sometimes violent nature of the film, whilst older people up to about 50, will not only enjoy those aspects, possibly to different extents, but also enjoy using their intelligence and vaster media experience to figure out the mystery the character faces in the film. I ended the target audience at around 50 because people older than that tend to prefer films that are based around real world events and experiences, such as war and historical films.
Having looked at the reviews and ratings shown on www.imdb.com, the film seems to be extremely successful, from 204,512 users it has gained an average of 8.0/10. This review is from www.imdb.com:
Taking into account the age rating for this film, I would say the target audience is mid teens to around 50's. I say this because the younger people will enjoy the tense, suspense and sometimes violent nature of the film, whilst older people up to about 50, will not only enjoy those aspects, possibly to different extents, but also enjoy using their intelligence and vaster media experience to figure out the mystery the character faces in the film. I ended the target audience at around 50 because people older than that tend to prefer films that are based around real world events and experiences, such as war and historical films.
Having looked at the reviews and ratings shown on www.imdb.com, the film seems to be extremely successful, from 204,512 users it has gained an average of 8.0/10. This review is from www.imdb.com:
'No one likes to be messed with., 21 February 2010
Author: Connor Stednitz from United States
Shutter Island. A film that will divide the film community. A film that will leave many upset, and hating it. A film that has already completely split the critics. A movie that messes with you. And no one likes to be messed with. And that is exactly where it exceeds. Think I'm contradicting myself?
Shutter Island is one of the most well crafted psychological thrillers to come by since Silence Of The Lambs. And it is no coincidence both were brilliantly written novels. Shutter Island is adapted by a book written by Dennis Lehane (wrote gone baby, gone and mystic river). It is a book filled with twists and turns, that will leave the reader dizzy. And, that is what it's film counterpart does to the fullest. Martin Scorsese helms the director chair, in a movie where he is more free than any before. This is Scorsese at his most unrestrained.
Marty takes what he has learned from the great films of the past and puts it into his. The master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock's influence is everywhere you look in this film. And it is no wonder, considering Scorsese even showed one of his greatest works to the crew: Vertigo. And many of those ideas are present in Shutter Island; the cliff scenes scream Hitchcock. This is a film that creeps and crawls, and is filled with dark corners. And it is all heightened by the coming storm that looms over the island. This is classic film noir.
The story follows Teddy, a federal Marshall, and his partner Chuck (Played by DiCaprio and Ruffulo). They go to this mysterious island enveloped in fog to investigate an escape. From these opening scenes, Marty has set up a dark and creepy premise.
Almost the whole movie incorporates this story as Teddy desperately tries to find the truths he seeks. Teddy is shown as a scared man; a man of war and violence as portrayed in various flashbacks. These will go on to be increasingly important as the story progresses. We follow Teddy on his quest, through every dark corridor and perilous confrontations. Slowly, we are given pieces to the puzzle, but the audience does not even realize it. For we, like Teddy, are blind. For the moment at least. It is because of this that the thrilling conclusion will leave many blindsided. But, you see, that is where this thriller becomes something more. We as the audience are put in Teddy's shoes, and we feel all the things he feels. It is a complete assault on the senses, and it works beautifully.
This is a film you must watch carefully. That is another thing that sets this apart, it is a horror film that makes you actually think. In this day and age, I'm not surprised some found it terrible esp. after their brains have been turned to mush by these new gore filled horror films. Scorsese's ultimate goal here is to wake you up. And trust me, you probably wont like it.
This is also a film I would recommend seeing a second time. In fact, it is even better the second time. All those pieces of that puzzle you didn't catch the first time, you will the second. You see, we as the audience are first put in the shoes of Teddy. The second? Well, without giving too much away, lets just say you are put in someones else's shoes entirely during the second viewing.
Shutter Island. A film that will make you question your own sanity. A film that will leave you breathless. A film that has re-ignited the thriller genre. A film that will leave you, and the main character, searching for answers.
10 out of 10This review is frequently complimentary of the film, saying things such as '...re-ignited the thriller genre.' and '...will leave you breathless.'. The postive feedback this review gives is in agreeance with a lot of the other reviews. Although, as with any film, there are also people who have given negative feedback, calling it a 'let down' and 'unadulterated rubbish'. But I think on the whole, and shown by the overall rating, it is a successful film.
-CLS'
iii) Technology
An example of new technology improving the audience's access to, and knowledge of the film is the internet, it is full of features that offer various features with regards to the film. For example, the film has it's own website (www.shutterisland.com) which offers information about the cast and filmmakers, including details of the actors' and actress' previous work and achievements. Also the website provides downloads for the audience, there is a selection of wallpapers for a computer desktop. In addition, there is an 'About' section which gives a brief synopsis of the film. Finally, there is a pages containing videos about such things as specific characters, the film trailer and a 'Scorsese Featurette'.
All of the things provided give the audience a very good insight into the film, giving them details on how the film was made and thoughts of the people involved with the making of the film. But, the website does not have clips of the film allowing people to actually view 'Shutter Island' itself. Although the film's website does not offer this, other technology does, a main provider of scenes if Youtube.
Youtube users provide people with a vast range of videos about the film. And not only do they show scenes from it but some people also make videos providing their take on the film, this may help increase the audience's knowledge of the film in that reviews and comments may give them an insight into what their opinion of the film may be before they have seen it. Although, Youtube does not have a background information and behind the scenes insight to the extent of websites such as www.shutterisland.com.
Apart from watching scenes on sites such as Youtube, the internet also offers a vast range of websites on which people can buy the film on DVD. The film's official site contains links to a www.amazon.com page containing copies of the film available to buy.
As the film was released in 2010, it was immediately amongst methods such as these whereby people can gain access and knowledge to the film, these will have helped the film's success quite significantly seeing as the internet is such a commonly used thing nowadays and will have provided all of the things mentioned above and much more to help with advertisement, sales, etc.
iv) Codes/forms and conventions of the thriller genre
While we see the opening credits, we can hear some eery music. This straight away prepares us for a tense film carrying reasonable suspense. Then the music becomes slightly louder as the title appears giving emphasis to it, this, without even showing us the island, suggests to the audience its power and significance. Next, we see the boat come in to the camera shot through the fog, as it comes through the fog it suggests the boat and the people on it are trapped inside the encircling white wall. This also adds emphasis on the island as being trapped is obviously against your will, so it is not a place people would like to be for a prolonged period of time. Also, coming through the thick wall of fog could show that they are trespassing, therefore, once again, showing their welcome on the island may not be pleasant, adding suspense.
We can see when the camera is showing the inside of the boat, but it is also shown on the outside as well, that it is not a boat of the highest quality. Its poor appearance shows it to be not very strong or reliable, this suggests that the people on it are not well equipped to cope with the obstacles that lay ahead on the island. Moreover, after we have seen a close-up of DiCaprio looking into the mirror, he turns around and we can see that he is wearing a rather abnormal tie, this could show that he is not completely normal character, this could be in is thoughts, actions or mental state.This provides questions to the audience such as how will he behave throughout the film? will he risk the investigation?
In addition, by giving us a point of view shot when Daniels is looking in the mirror, it is a subtlle and almost unnoticable way of allowing the audience and the character to be empathetic and joins them together in a 'team' to investigate together as we see things from Daniels' perspective.
When he walks out of the room the camera is peering through chains hanging from above. These connote death and being trapped (common features in the thriller genre). This also creates suspense as the audience may wonder who is going to suffer, and for what reason. Still, the music is playing, this suggests that even on the boat, which may be considered as safe for the people on it, they are in danger, possibly already under the influence of the island and its inhabitants.
When Teddy Daniels walks out on to the deck of the ship he and Chuck exchange glances through a fence. This suggests that they are not quite on the same level, they are in some way different or don't see eye to eye. This keeps the audience interested by creating a sense of instability or uncertainty around their partnership. As they begin to indulge in conversation, from their dress and stance it is suggested that Chuck is more of a stable, organised and level-headed person, whereas Teddy seems a little on edge and not quite focused on his current environment; some of his attention seems to be elsewhere. This provides questions to the audience with regards to his background and possible problems caused by it.
We are then shown a flashback of Teddy with a woman that appears to be his wife. The colours in this scene are much brighter and vibrant as opposed to the dull blues and greys seen in and around the boat. This implies that the present time is dark and disheartening compared to the happy and joyful times in Teddy's memory. The flashback is then abruptly cut out by a wave crashing against the side of the boat. This suggests that Teddy is constantly trying to wash it out of his memory, but the wave will always come, and so the memory will always return. This could be a cause of his uneasiness.
We are then shown a wide shot of the island, with it taking up a very large proportion of the screen and seeming very powerful and overwhelming. It is very effective in quickly establishing it's prominence in the film. Also, some low-pitched music kicks in as we see it, helping to emphasise it's significance. By using non-diegetic sound, it implies that the island is quite abnormal and has unusual qualities.
We are then reverted back to the ship as the captain relays instruction to Teddy and Chuck. By the captain standing behind them, it shows the partners are trapped, between the captain eager for them to get off his ship, and the relentless presence of the island itself. This helps to build tension and shows that the island is not where an individual would want to be. This creates suspense as the audience aren't sure what to expect when they dock on the island.
Such emphasis on an island in film is not only seen in 'Shutter Island'. For example, in 'King Kong', the last leg of the journey on the boat as they near the island is, quite a lot more exciting than in 'Shutter Island', but there is a sense of tension as the knowledge of what lurks on the island is very minimal.
The narrative structure of 'Shutter Island' I think is very effective, it is largely linear but contains frequent flashbacks. The flashbacks add to the audiences interest as they are trying to figure out the characters (Daniels') background as very little is given away.
v) Representation
In the film, the disabled are shown in a negative way. We are shown this by the fact that they are separated from the rest of the world by being locked away on an island. Also them being locked away suggests that they don't deserve or have the ability to have control over their own lives, and are in some way inferior. In reality the thoughts towards this group do not go to this extent but there are a lot of people who are not sensitive about their disabilities and see them as weak. Finally, the doctors living on the island are shown in the traditional way as they live in large houses and have a lot of control and power over the people around them.
By emphasising the extents to which the upper class and the mentally disabled are dominant and inferior, it helps the audience to gain opinion about each group and empathise who disagree with them. I think by showing ths suffering towards the disabled in the film it helps the audience to put in perspective how discriminated this group are in reality and may make them think about trying to change that.
An example of new technology improving the audience's access to, and knowledge of the film is the internet, it is full of features that offer various features with regards to the film. For example, the film has it's own website (www.shutterisland.com) which offers information about the cast and filmmakers, including details of the actors' and actress' previous work and achievements. Also the website provides downloads for the audience, there is a selection of wallpapers for a computer desktop. In addition, there is an 'About' section which gives a brief synopsis of the film. Finally, there is a pages containing videos about such things as specific characters, the film trailer and a 'Scorsese Featurette'.
All of the things provided give the audience a very good insight into the film, giving them details on how the film was made and thoughts of the people involved with the making of the film. But, the website does not have clips of the film allowing people to actually view 'Shutter Island' itself. Although the film's website does not offer this, other technology does, a main provider of scenes if Youtube.
Youtube users provide people with a vast range of videos about the film. And not only do they show scenes from it but some people also make videos providing their take on the film, this may help increase the audience's knowledge of the film in that reviews and comments may give them an insight into what their opinion of the film may be before they have seen it. Although, Youtube does not have a background information and behind the scenes insight to the extent of websites such as www.shutterisland.com.
Apart from watching scenes on sites such as Youtube, the internet also offers a vast range of websites on which people can buy the film on DVD. The film's official site contains links to a www.amazon.com page containing copies of the film available to buy.
As the film was released in 2010, it was immediately amongst methods such as these whereby people can gain access and knowledge to the film, these will have helped the film's success quite significantly seeing as the internet is such a commonly used thing nowadays and will have provided all of the things mentioned above and much more to help with advertisement, sales, etc.
iv) Codes/forms and conventions of the thriller genre
While we see the opening credits, we can hear some eery music. This straight away prepares us for a tense film carrying reasonable suspense. Then the music becomes slightly louder as the title appears giving emphasis to it, this, without even showing us the island, suggests to the audience its power and significance. Next, we see the boat come in to the camera shot through the fog, as it comes through the fog it suggests the boat and the people on it are trapped inside the encircling white wall. This also adds emphasis on the island as being trapped is obviously against your will, so it is not a place people would like to be for a prolonged period of time. Also, coming through the thick wall of fog could show that they are trespassing, therefore, once again, showing their welcome on the island may not be pleasant, adding suspense.
We can see when the camera is showing the inside of the boat, but it is also shown on the outside as well, that it is not a boat of the highest quality. Its poor appearance shows it to be not very strong or reliable, this suggests that the people on it are not well equipped to cope with the obstacles that lay ahead on the island. Moreover, after we have seen a close-up of DiCaprio looking into the mirror, he turns around and we can see that he is wearing a rather abnormal tie, this could show that he is not completely normal character, this could be in is thoughts, actions or mental state.This provides questions to the audience such as how will he behave throughout the film? will he risk the investigation?
In addition, by giving us a point of view shot when Daniels is looking in the mirror, it is a subtlle and almost unnoticable way of allowing the audience and the character to be empathetic and joins them together in a 'team' to investigate together as we see things from Daniels' perspective.
When he walks out of the room the camera is peering through chains hanging from above. These connote death and being trapped (common features in the thriller genre). This also creates suspense as the audience may wonder who is going to suffer, and for what reason. Still, the music is playing, this suggests that even on the boat, which may be considered as safe for the people on it, they are in danger, possibly already under the influence of the island and its inhabitants.
When Teddy Daniels walks out on to the deck of the ship he and Chuck exchange glances through a fence. This suggests that they are not quite on the same level, they are in some way different or don't see eye to eye. This keeps the audience interested by creating a sense of instability or uncertainty around their partnership. As they begin to indulge in conversation, from their dress and stance it is suggested that Chuck is more of a stable, organised and level-headed person, whereas Teddy seems a little on edge and not quite focused on his current environment; some of his attention seems to be elsewhere. This provides questions to the audience with regards to his background and possible problems caused by it.
We are then shown a flashback of Teddy with a woman that appears to be his wife. The colours in this scene are much brighter and vibrant as opposed to the dull blues and greys seen in and around the boat. This implies that the present time is dark and disheartening compared to the happy and joyful times in Teddy's memory. The flashback is then abruptly cut out by a wave crashing against the side of the boat. This suggests that Teddy is constantly trying to wash it out of his memory, but the wave will always come, and so the memory will always return. This could be a cause of his uneasiness.
We are then shown a wide shot of the island, with it taking up a very large proportion of the screen and seeming very powerful and overwhelming. It is very effective in quickly establishing it's prominence in the film. Also, some low-pitched music kicks in as we see it, helping to emphasise it's significance. By using non-diegetic sound, it implies that the island is quite abnormal and has unusual qualities.
We are then reverted back to the ship as the captain relays instruction to Teddy and Chuck. By the captain standing behind them, it shows the partners are trapped, between the captain eager for them to get off his ship, and the relentless presence of the island itself. This helps to build tension and shows that the island is not where an individual would want to be. This creates suspense as the audience aren't sure what to expect when they dock on the island.
Such emphasis on an island in film is not only seen in 'Shutter Island'. For example, in 'King Kong', the last leg of the journey on the boat as they near the island is, quite a lot more exciting than in 'Shutter Island', but there is a sense of tension as the knowledge of what lurks on the island is very minimal.
The narrative structure of 'Shutter Island' I think is very effective, it is largely linear but contains frequent flashbacks. The flashbacks add to the audiences interest as they are trying to figure out the characters (Daniels') background as very little is given away.
v) Representation
In the film, the disabled are shown in a negative way. We are shown this by the fact that they are separated from the rest of the world by being locked away on an island. Also them being locked away suggests that they don't deserve or have the ability to have control over their own lives, and are in some way inferior. In reality the thoughts towards this group do not go to this extent but there are a lot of people who are not sensitive about their disabilities and see them as weak. Finally, the doctors living on the island are shown in the traditional way as they live in large houses and have a lot of control and power over the people around them.
By emphasising the extents to which the upper class and the mentally disabled are dominant and inferior, it helps the audience to gain opinion about each group and empathise who disagree with them. I think by showing ths suffering towards the disabled in the film it helps the audience to put in perspective how discriminated this group are in reality and may make them think about trying to change that.
This is an improvement over your previous case study, Liam. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of gender, be specific as to why you think it appeals. After all, this is primarily a male cast - how would women relate to such a film? Does the 'star power' of the lead actors enough of a draw? The main actor has a legacy of being highly attractive and featuring in the tragic romance 'Titanic'... Try not to generalise the 'over 50s' demographic - instead explain likes or interests.
For reviews, find ones that are complimentary and ones that are not so kind! Use a range of sites too, such as Metacritic to see the difference between professional reviewers and the general public.
Your analysis is excellent. Targets:
"The narrative structure of 'Shutter Island' I think is very effective, it is largely linear but contains frequent flashbacks. The flashbacks add to the audiences interest as they are trying to figure out the characters (Daniels') background as very little is given away. "
How does this conform or deviate from conventions in terms of a thriller?
Representation: Analyse costume, body language etc - are there any positive representations? Is there any evidence to support their depiction of negativity (for example, are any of the disabled criminals)?
Some typos, but an excellent analysis. Well done!