Semiotic Trailer Analysis of Shutter Island

Shutter Island (2010) - Martin Scorsese

• The opening credits in the beginning of the trailer convey the genre and nature of the film due to the change to the Paramount logo which has altered the colours to make them darker, using black and grey tones. This also allows the audience to gain an understanding of the genre 'psychological thriller'. 

• These credits dissolve into the first scene which consists of an eery atmosphere created by the foggy weather. This creates a sense of mystery about the film, as it doesn't allow the audience to see it right away. The pathetic fallacy of this weather also forebodes the dark storyline of the film. 

• This combined with the non diagetic vocal-less music further connotes a sense of mystery as the boat emerges from the fog, therefore following typical conventions of a psychological thriller trailer. 

• The mixture of both voice over narration and non diagetic music makes the trailer appear to be more creepy and mysterious. 

 

• The slow motion used when the shot of the gates are shown going into the building allows the audience to feel as though they are also going into the building at the same time that it is being introduced to the characters therefore makes them feel more uneasy and frightened. 

 

 

• The jump cut (split second frame) and fast paced cuts after the dialogue "it's a mental hospital" combined with the scream all adds up to create a frightening effect and have a wider impact on the audience.

 

 

• The fast paced montage of five scenes cut together also creates an instant sense of fear of the mental institute on the audience viewing the trailer.

 

• The overall style and tone throughout the trailer features a dark colour scheme continuously showing the nature of the film all the way through.

 

 

• The text 'A Martin Scorsese picture' is featured in a plain bold white font on a dark black background that connotes a darker storyline. This is reiterated by the mise-en-scene of the background that appears to feature a black ink slowly moving across the screen, making it seem more eerie.

 

 

•  A wide range of camera angles such as close up shots and master shots have been used throughout the trailer. The close ups make the scenes appear more intense, this is a typical genre convention for a thriller movie as it has a greater impact on the audience.

 

 

• The use of more interesting shots such as an aerial shot allows the audience to see a different view of the film and creating a sense of someone watching the character on screen.