Cape Fear Analysis

The sound at the start of Cape Fear indicates the tension of the thriller. Throughout the opening, the sound track builds up slowly then we hear louder sounds as the eagle enters which then leads to the music calming and slowing down. This is done to build solid tension for the viewers and to engage them into the film.

Cape Fear opens with a reflection of an eagle from the lake. The fact that an eagle is a predator, it conveys the impression of fear and death to open the film. This instantly tells us that, this film is going to be violent which prepares us for the rest of the film which is a very effective opening part.

We then witness the water change colour to red. This has been used as red symbolises blood which is shown in the scene. It shows us viewers that danger is approaching. This sets us up for the rest of the film. Throughout the whole scene the only colours mostly used are red, white and black which again shows us what we are in for, for the film to come.



 A girl is then shown in the opening wearing a costume which looks to be a long white dress which is buttoned. The character starts talking which adds to the tension of the opening. The fact the girl is wearing white may symbolise her innocence in the film.

Throughout most of the opening of the film, the lighting seems to be very dark. This instantly tells us the mood of the film we are watching is not uplifting at all. The lighting is very effective as it sets up the mood of Cape Fear.

In the last scene of the opening we witness an establishing shot of the character walking out of the prison. As he is leaving the prison we see that the weather in the film is dark and cloudy with thunder. This weather may symbolise his mood as he's leaving the prison, which may indicate he is seeking revenge on someone. The fact he is alone when leaving may tell us his family are no longer in contact with him for obvious reasons.