Textual Analysis: Shutter Island

In the opening credits of Shutter Island the first shot that we see is a medium shot of a dark narrow corridor with two dim lights hanging from the ceiling . Low key lighting is used in  this shot which creates mystery as this is a typical thriller convention. At the end of the corridor we see what appears to be an empty cell, this could suggest the setting of the rest of the film.

In the bottom right hand of the screen we can see some titles. the typography of the titles is a red font that is difficult to read, making it look old and creepy which could fit with the plot of the film and also fits with the typical conventions of thriller films.
The next shot that we see is a spinning shot of a spiral staircase. This adds an element of confusion to the shot as we cannot see clearly. this could foreshadow events later on in the film suggesting there is an element of confusion or illusion in the film.

The next shot that we see is a medium shot with the camera slowly tracking inwards. The non diegetic music adds a sense of anxiety and makes the audience wonder what will happen next and what is beyond the door. the mise en scene shows a barred door with light coming through it. This could be interpreted a senic code suggesting there is danger beyond the door.

The next shot in the title sequence is a close up shot of a hand/ The identity of the person is not revealed which creates a mysterious atmosphere as we do not know who the hand belongs to.
The next shot that we see is a shot of a gate. This gives the audience an idea of where the film will be set. This also creates suspense as we do not know what is behind the gates. The lighting which is used in this shot is dark which adds to the gloomy atmosphere that has been created with the previous shots.

There is a then a shot of a room resembling a jail cell. This gives the audience another clue as to where the film will be set. There are handcuffs/ chains attached to the wall connoting danger and also suggesting that they are in more of a psychiatric facility rather than a jail.

There is then an establishing shot of a dark gloomy lake on an isolated island. This gives the audience a sense of isolation as they cannot see anything moving and it seems like the place is isolated. This creates suspense and mystery as the audience sees that the film will be set on a deserted island and with clues from the previous shots it will center around an abandoned jail/ psychiatric facility.