CODES AND CONVENTIONS

VISUAL CODES:

Lighting: dark, gritty alleys and dimly lit rooms that set tone for a gritty and intense story. Low- key lighting is important for crime thrillers, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding.

Colour palette: muted colours like dark blues, greys and blacks are often used to convey a sense of danger and unease.

Urban settings: Cityscapes, alleys and rundown areas.

Camera work: handheld cameras are often used to make you feel like you are present with the characters.

In the Film “Shutter Island”, Close-ups are used to build psychological tension, tracking shots are used, Low-angle shots are used to emphasise on power.

NARRATIVE CODES:

There are multiple and complex plots in crime thrillers which include twist and turns, keeping you hooked to the movie till the very end.

In the Film “Shutter Island”, narrative codes are used, as there is a detective investigating, clues, a missing person and an unexpected plot twist.

GENRE CONVENTIONS:

The Crime: A violent or mysterious event happens setting the story in motion, mostly with a sense of danger.

FILM OPENING ANALYSIS:

                “CHINA TOWN (1974)”

As the film begins, we’re shown a private detective’s office, where we are introduced to J.J. Gittes. He is dealing with a case about a suspected affair. Initially, this seems small but it actually hints towards a bigger case in the story.

The film focuses more on clues and conversation, the detective having a conversation will make the audience understand the genre - Crime Thriller. There is also mystery in the environment as we don’t know the complete truth behind the situation.

The Mise-en-scene plays a big role, as the office setting is quite ordinary, yet represents hidden secrets. Low-key lighting is used to create a mysterious and dark tone. Formal costumes are used, which shows that the Detective is professional. Props play a crucial role, as photographs are used as evidence and to spy on people.

The sounds include mostly dialogue which makes the scene realistic, the camera focuses on facial expressions using close-ups. The editing is smooth which gradually builds tension.

The Opening scene emphasis on themes like corruption and hidden truths, this also makes us understand that the world is not that simple and we should not trust anyone easily.