Cape Fear Analysis

The opening credits show the film’s title, Cape Fear, written in white italics, in a contrast to the dark and eerie background of rippling water. The use of white implies innocence and purity, but the italics suggest that this purity is not as it seems. The presence of water in the background suggests that water will play an important part in the film, whilst the un-natural movement of the water and the extreme close ups of body parts such as eyes and hands creates an unsettling feeling, suggesting that something is wrong with the lake. A close up of a face is shown in the water, suggesting a central role in the story. A figure is then seen to be looking into the water from above, implying that he is the films antagonist, creating an enigma as to who he is. He is shown with a green hue over him, with the colour green suggesting the presence of envy and jealousy within the film.
A bird of prey is then seen to be flying down towards the water with its claws extended, suggesting that the audience is in the position of the prey, and are thus vulnerable to the film.
Drops of red are then seen in the water, giving the impression of blood dripping, as well as denotations of murder, violence and rage, anchoring the film within the horror thriller sub genre.
Throughout the opening sequence, a non diegetic score is played, adding to the tension. The scene then cuts to a close up of a girl’s eyes (played by a young Juliette Lewis), with a red hue, suggesting something amiss. The camera retracts, revealing a young girl wearing white, suggesting innocence and purity, whilst her dialogue and NVC has an eerie feel suggesting she is not all she seems. Behind the girl, rain is seen to be hitting a window, with pathetic fallacy using the sound of rain to create a feeling of nervousness.

The scene then cuts to a prison cell containing Robert Deniro, with the music intensifying. This shows his power and importance to the story. The camera pans down the wall of the prison cell, which is decorated with photographs of historical figures such as Stalin. Deniro’s position of a bowed head shows a prayer like stance, giving a sense of his adoration for these figures. This gives an insight into the character’s state of mind, as the worship of historical tyrants is not the behaviour of a mentally stable person.

The camera then continues to pan down to show a shelf of books, including the Bible, showing he is well educated and intelligent. An enigma is created around the character, asking why an intelligent and educated man is in a prison cell with numerous prison tattoos. His tattoos depict the scales of justice and religious figures, giving an indication of a desire for revenge.

His non verbal communication shows and seriousness and focus on his exercise within his cell. His physique shows him to be dedicated to his physical fitness, giving the impression he is dangerous. His masculinity and dominance within the prison is shown by him walking in front of the guard as he leaves his cell, with the other inmates watching him leave. As he leaves the prison he walks towards the camera, giving the impression that he is walking towards the audience, creating a feeling of tension and vulnerability for the viewer.

-Joe Lawrence