Shutter Island Questions

What does the set up reveal to the audince about setting? Where is the place? What gives you information?

The set up reveals that it is a mental institution that they are visiting. It is set up in 1954 (which is told at the start of the film in the title sequence). The boat had mist around it to suggest that some message is hidden behind adding to the mystery. You hear the diagetic sound of the water due to the children being drowned at his house back in the spring. The titles at the start of the film are faded at the top to suggest that something is hidden behind the meaning of the story. The chains in the boat and the 'cage' are significant because it relates to the character, Teddy and relating to the C ward which he stays in.

What does the set up reveal to the audience about the characters ? Choose one character and explain how the set up reveals this information.

Teddy - He feels sick at the sight of the water; this later becomes apparent why this has been put in there, because it reveals that his kids were drowned by his wife. Teddy is wearing a beige coat along with Chuck to show that they are together but seperate from the guards and give insight in to their profession. It also gives an impression in to the closeness oof their relationship as they also know each other before hand as Chuck is his psychiatrist.

What does the set up reveal to the audience about interrelationship between characters? About their goals? Are there any things you learn here that become important later on?

It shows that the characters have a working yet close relationship, the set up represents that they are a partnership in a forthcoming task in which they have too perform. They are both dressed in similar attire that associated with business men due to the trench coat and the gun which is an evident prop. It also shows that Teddy is scared of water which becomes clear and important later on in the film.

What is the 'world' like? Safe? Happy? Dangerous? How do you know?

It is a dangerous place which is shown by dark colours, gloomy weather and low melancholy music which contradicts the fact that it is supposed to be a safe place to look after all the patients. The atmosphere is eery and portrays a sense of oncoming conflict between the patients.

What possible conflicts or strains are there that will become part of the story later on?

There is a conflict between the fantasy world in which Teddy invisions and the reasons for why Teddy invisions these. There are also conflicts between the patients and caregivers and also one between Teddy and a certain patient.

How does this film opening fit with codes and conventions of Thriller films?

It uses suspence and tension in the opening scene this being a main convention of a thriller film. Society is seen as dark, corrupt and dangerous. Methods used are psychological themes confinement, mind games and horror of personality. Typical characters which are menaced women, psycotic individuals and cops.