Cape Fear opening analysis

The opening to the film Cape Fear is very interesting as it shows the opening credits in a very unusual and unique way. It has the credits in the middle of the screen, over the top of a shot of some water which we find out and recognise at the end of the opening when a voice tells the audience that Cape Fear is actually a river. 

The opening also shows images of various things that look to be in the reflection of the water. The first thing that the audience see is a bird (possibly a hawk or eagle). This bird looks like a bird of prey and could resemble the character Max Cady who is a character who could be compared to a bird of prey, attacking other people, which is something that this bird looks like it is doing in the scene. It then also shows a reflection of an eye looking around which could also resemble something that this character would tend to do, giving the impression they are being watched. These images are then followed by images of a man’s unidentifiable face in the reflection of the water. All of this together gives the impression that this location isn’t safe and that they are being watched and are vulnerable. His then has importance later on in the film when the characters actually go to this place, and they aren’t safe and do get attacked. 

The water in this scene is also rippling which shows that there has been something that has disturbed it and that they are not alone. It gives the connotations that something is near and that it isn’t Max Cady is near, however there are clues. He is a man who will act natural despite actually wanting to do something worse than what at first is seen at first glance. 

The opening also shows blood dropping into the river. Blood in films will always resemble blood and death. The blood is dropping into the river which could resemble that there will be blood spilt in the river and there will be either somebody dyeing or seriously hurt in the lake. This opening helps set the genre and the tone for the rest of the film, and tells the audience what to expect from the rest of the film. With the showing of blood in the opening sequence and the age rating of an 18, it will tell the audience that this film is defiantly not suitable for young children, and tells the adult audience what type of film they are about to watch. 

The music to the opening to this film very sinister and makes the audience feel on edge with the high pitch music from the very beginning, which makes the audience fearful and uncomfortable from the start if the film. This alongside with the blood drop, eagle, and the face of an unrecognisable character, all makes the audience uncomfortable as soon as the film starts, and sets the tone for the rest of the film.