Cape fear is widely considered to have the most effective opening of any thriller to date. The music used, is very effective at building atmosphere and creating tension. It is performed by an orchestra, and perfectly fits the overall theme of the thriller. When the title screen changes, the music does aswell and sharp, frightening noises are played.
A man is then present with tattoos. We immediatley assume that this man is the antagonist because of the prison bars that frame the scene. We can also guess that he is religous, and possibly seeking venegence. This is apparent because of the 'Scales of justice' tattoo which is his only tattoo, suggesting it has a purpose.
The title sequence shows waves of water rippling, which is very unsettling. Open water is a common fear amongst people, as it is a fear of the unknown, and the feeling that anything can be underneath you. A red effect is then placed over the water, to make it look asif it is blood, suggesting that somthing evil and twisted is amidst.
A dead eagle appears in the water. Eagles are seen to be graceful, majestic birds of prey. The eagle being dead highlights the fact that there will be no peace throughout the film. The eagle also pressumably represents Robert De Niro's character, and how he has now become a hunter, similiar to the bird of prey.
Red eyes are shown, creating an unsettling atmosphere, almost as if the eyes are staring particulary at the audience. Eyes are also seen to be a gateway to the soul, which would suggest that the evil red eyes belong to what we can assume will be the antagonist of the film, or even a metaphor for the evil occuring.
A fade is used to go into the next scene. This slow fade, creates tension and makes the audience wait for the next scene uneasily.
A man is then present with tattoos. We immediatley assume that this man is the antagonist because of the prison bars that frame the scene. We can also guess that he is religous, and possibly seeking venegence. This is apparent because of the 'Scales of justice' tattoo which is his only tattoo, suggesting it has a purpose.
Robert De Niro's character is dominant in the prison, as seen when he walks in front of the prison warden. Other prisoners are not making any noise also, which suggests that they may be scared of him.
When he exits the prison, we see a thunderstorm in the background. This thunderstorm is a pathetic phallacy for the danger, and the trouble that is brewing. At the end of the title sequence, he walks into the camera, again suggesting his dominance throughout the film.
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