“Cape Fear” is a psychological thriller, produced in 1991 by Martin Scorsese. The opening sequence is a prime example of using visual effects and sound to build tension and mystery within the first few minutes of the film, getting the audience interested and asking questions before it has even begun.
Further into the sequence the water turns red, in to what we can assume is blood. Blood is often associated with death, so this could serve as foreshadowing. A single drop is superimposed over the liquid, suggesting that blood may be spilled in the film.
Towards the end, a girl appears and delivers a monologue of sorts. She states that “the only thing to fear on those enchanted summer nights was that the magic would end, and real life would come crashing in.” The use of the word “crashing” in this context makes us think that something huge and potentially unexpected is about to occur. The fact that the “magic would end” makes this shine in a negative light, building tension right from the start.
Most notable is the prolonged use of water throughout the scene. The backdrop of the first two and a half minutes of the sequence is water, with more images superimposed over them.
Scorsese did this for a few reasons. As humans we have a primal fear of water. Aquaphobia is a characteristic shared by a large number of people, be it out of fear of drowning or simply not knowing what is lurking beneath the surface; the fear of the unknown. The inclusion of this in the title sequence also foreshadows the ending of the film, and the most notable location; the cape on which the final encounter occurs.
Another noticeable image within the sequence is the repeated inclusion of eyes superimposed over the backdrop.
In the scene, the eye is looking back and forth in a frantic manner. This implies urgency and panic, suggesting that the person in shot is in danger and may be looking for a means of escaping, or attempting to identify the source of danger. Being superimposed over the water also implies that the person is submerged, and is looking panicked as they’re drowning, a possible foreshadowing.
There is also an image of an eagle soaring in the reflection of the water towards the beginning. The eagle is a well-known predator, indicating that a predator-type-character will be present within the film. Rather than somebody that is explosive and brash, the antagonist is one who watches and stalks instead. The Eagle is also often associated with Freedom, as it is the National bird of the United States of America, the “Land of the free and the home of the brave”. Combined, these points can be taken to infer that a predator is now free, as is seen in the first seen in the film.
Later on there is a silhouette of what appears to be a man behind his back. This also plays on the fear of the unknown, but also gets us asking the questions “who is this man” and “what is he holding behind his back. The inclusion of a silhouette implies sinisterness and threat.
Towards the end, a girl appears and delivers a monologue of sorts. She states that “the only thing to fear on those enchanted summer nights was that the magic would end, and real life would come crashing in.” The use of the word “crashing” in this context makes us think that something huge and potentially unexpected is about to occur. The fact that the “magic would end” makes this shine in a negative light, building tension right from the start.
The first scene of Cape Fear also goes lengths to get the audience asking questions and building tension right from the get-go.
The first shot contains pictures of infamous historical characters, such as Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini and Friedrich Nietzsche. This tells us that the occupant of the cell respects powerful people, and those who rule with an iron fist. The camera pans down and shows us a book shelf filled with thick hardcovers. Cady’s later statement when asked whether he wanted to keep them or not; “Already read ‘em” tells us that he’s educated.
As the camera pulls back, we see a man doing lifts. He’s clearly well built, and dons multiple tattoos, the most notable of which is on his back.
A cross holding up the scales of justice. One side is ‘truth’ and the other ‘justice’. The fact that they are balanced insinuates that once the truth is out justice will be reaped, a possible hint as to his intentions.
He is then led out of the cell by a police officer. As he walks through the prison, we see other inmates at their cell doors just watching him walk. This subverts the stereotype that other films put forward concerning prison culture. Typically, we expect inmates to be shouting and screaming, banging their cups on their cell bars, but in this instance they are silent. This makes us question why. Are they intimidated by him, or have they a lot of respect? What has he said or done that’s made them react in such a way.
He’s led outside, and as he’s leaving the prison there is a storm brewing In the far distance. The suggestion here being that Cady’s release is the beginning of a storm.
This entire opening scene makes the viewer ask a lot of questions. Who is the man in the cell? What are his crimes? What is the significance of the pictures, books and tattoos? What is the ‘storm’ that is on the horizon?
In the first five minutes, not much has happened, but what has occurred is so non-elaborate that it seizes the viewer’s interest and gets them hooked, as they want to know the answers to these questions.
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