Shutter Island

 

 

Throughout Shutter Island, the camera work gives the viewer a sense of mystery and restricts the viewer from seeing everything in the shot at once. We can see this many times throughout the film.

In the opening of the film, Teddy (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is talking to himself in the mirror about Water. The shot then moves to the window which shows he is on a boat. This method is used throughout the film very effectively.

 

For example, when Teddy first walks in to the prison and is being taken to one of the doctors. He walks past one of the prisoners sweeping up leaves. The shot is a point of view shot, and we can see the prisoner waving at Teddy. Teddy then looks down to the prisoner’s feet, which is a tilt shot, and see’s a pair of shackles on their feet. This makes the viewer wonder what kind of prison/hospital this is and why they restrict their prisoners. Is it because they attempt to run away? They cause mayhem around the site unless they’re restricted by these shackles.

 

In the film, one of the most used shots is over the shoulder. They might have chosen this shot because it makes the viewer seem like they’re in the conversation which draws them into the film. This is used many times effectively throughout the film but the best example is when Teddy and Chuck are interviewing patients. The shot makes the viewer feel like they’re sitting behind Teddy/Chuck or the patient.

 

Another method of filming used throughout the film is the tracking shot. It gives a very good sense of speed, distance and atmosphere. This is because it makes the viewer feel like they’re running, walking, driving etc. with the actors. It is used best when Teddy and Chuck are running through the forest. This scene may agitate the viewer because of the setting. It takes place in the woods which means that trees block the camera from seeing the actors every now and again, which makes the viewer not know if that’s the end of the scene or what has actually happened. It’s quite misleading.