Detailed Analysis Mise en Scene

I chose to look at the mise en scene and the effect it has in the trailer Shutter Island. The first few shots show an island and then moves on to the two actors in a boat, the mise en scene is effective here as this is the only thing the viewers see connoting that it is a remote island surrounded by a vast about of water which adds to the mystery why they are traveling towards it. Also the way in which the characters are dressed in long coats and hats emphasize their significance as authority figures. At around 14 seconds into the trailer the mise en scene of barbed wire connotes the feel of a prison, being trapped, no escape, which further adds to the suspense of the purpose of the two actors being there. In the next shot the audience see an arch which the camera zooms into and again more authority figures in police outfits holding guns, this mise en scene evokes danger and also mystery as well as forcing the audience to question what the two characters are doing there. 35 seconds into the trailer, the viewer see an old creepy looking woman, this is the first clue to the audience that the film is about a mental aslyum, this is shown through the mise en scene by the wardrobe of the woman and her hair being bald and eerie looking as well as the fact that she is also wearing handcuffs continues the theme of a prison type environment. The next shots are quick flashes of actors in white coats and needles and vast white rooms which furthermore show that it is set in a mental aslyum. The next quick shot shows a woman covered in blood which adds to the mise en scene and is typical of a thriller type film to show horror type scenes at quick shots throughout. The rising action is continued through the mise en scene and use of props as the audience see a mysterious looking woman give the protagonist character a small old looking book with the letters "run" this further adds to the suspense and heightens the drama. The mise en scene continues to create the feel of a mental insitution to the audience by the writing on the walls, the iron cells with dark lighting to make it look more eerie and creepy.