‘Shutter Island’ opening sequence analysis
‘Shutter island’ is a thriller/drama movie directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the main character, Teddy Daniels. It was released in 2010 and is based on the book by Dennis Lehane.
The start is a long shot of a boat out at sea, the boat is directly in the middle of the shot, emphasising its importance and setting the scene. Mid-shot of Teddy Daniels throwing up in the sink is dramatic as it’s the first shot of him, this could possibly be a symbol to the ending, suggesting he is ill. A close up of his face in the mirror builds intimacy with his character and shows us who he is. The long shot of him leaving the lower deck of the boat focuses on the handcuffs and chains hanging from the ceiling and then focuses on him, panning across until he exits. The camera is only on him for a long time, the director could be trying to indicate that he is a main character, and he is also always in the middle of the frame. When he is outside on the deck there is a mid-shot of the two detectives, which tells us there are two detective and sets the scene. Then a flashback happens, with only close ups of their faces, feet, the record player but also the tie, connoting that it’s connected to him. As the shots are only close ups we don't know there location, creating an unrealistic feeling, until we are brought back to the reality on the boat. Finally there is a long shot of the island, setting the scene and showing us the location of where the film will take place. 
During the opening sequence, mainly, natural, low-key lighting is used with some exceptions. Under the ships decks the lighting is dark creating the effect of chiaroscuro, making it a very dramatic setting as it is mysterious. There is high key lighting coming from the small window lighting up half Teddy Daniels face in the mirror but creating a silhouette of the back of his head, which is quite spooky and suggests his identity is hidden. Outside there are not many shadows and the light is very natural and creates a monochrome/blue colour, which makes the scene seem cold and lifeless. During the flashback there is high-key yellow backlighting, creating an unnatural, warm feeling, which connects to their moods. There isn't that much lighting in the opening sequences a lot is filmed outside but the most important part is the contrast in lighting of the flashback and on the boat. It emphasises the difference in Teddy Daniels life before and after his wife died, but also creates an unrealistic feeling. 
There is a sound bridge to begin the scene, you can hear the boat horn and the sea waves crashing before you can see them, making the credits flow onto the beginning so there isn't a sudden change and also creating suspense. The sound is diegetic at the start, as you can hear the clanking of the chains hanging down with the boats horn in the background. First bit of dialogue is early on with Teddy talking to himself. The sound is quite spooky as the boat makes a rattling noise as he walks across and the handcuffs banging together make you more aware of them. During the flashback there is the sound of string instruments, but they aren't rhythmic and create an uneasy, unrealistic feeling. The horn still goes off in the background as well but it speeds up slightly. The crashing of the waves is very load and breaks the flashback, bringing us back to reality. Dialogue between the two men carries on until the camera turns to the island. Loud, moody, orchestral music starts playing creating a lot of suspense and making the island seem very daunting and powerful. 
The editing is medium-low speed editing to start with as there isn’t any fast action happening, there is continuity editing when he throws up and looks in the mirror and out the window and then exits onto the deck. Match on action as he walks through the doorway, then there is a lot of shot reverse shot during the two detectives dialogue. The flashback has higher-speed editing and a montage of their faces, feet and the record player. A jump cut is used to bring us quickly back into reality and a final freeze frame shows that it was a memory. The shot reverse shot continues and then there is an eye line match when they look out a the island and the island is shown. The film has been edited well as it flows nicely and there is almost no confusion, but very cleverly confusion has been created between the flashback and the boat to show the switch in reality.
The choice of the setting works very well with the lighting and the mood of the scene, the director has chosen a non-glamorous boat that is very metallic and slightly rusty, with monochrome, cold colours. Teddy Daniels gun and badge are very visible when he is below deck, which shows us straight away that he is part of the police force and has high authority, although he looks vulnerable, with a plaster on his forehead and throwing up due to seasickness, suggesting that he is a weak character. He also has red eyes and emotionless facial expressions, making him seem tired and stressed out. The two detectives wear very similar suits and hats but the ties are different, implying a connection between them but also a lot of individuality. The director has cleverly used the tie Teddy Daniels is wearing as it is the same one his wife is putting on him in his flashback, indicating that he is still held back by the death of his wife, but also suggesting that it is further included in the story line. Also the tie in the flashback has much brighter colours and he seems happier as he smiles for the first time compared to the boat where the tie is faded, which shows how his life has been greatly impacted by her death. Smoking could imply the men relieving stress, which is a subtle but clever prop to use. The shot of the island sets the scene and emphasises how remote the place is they are going to, creating a sense of being trapped or controlled as they can only stay in one area. 
In conclusion the combination of camera angles, lighting, sound, editing and mise en scene set the scene and gives the audience an overview of the film. It also creates a lot of suspense as an opening making the viewer want to keep watching the film, which is what the director should be trying to achieve.
