Directed by Martin Scorsese in 1991, Cape Fear is a remake of J. Lee Thompson’s ’62 film adaptation of The Executioners, a novel by John D. Macdonald.
As the audience we first encounter some form of liquid as the background, that has a constant flow. On top of this shot the opening credits begin to play, firstly introducing the director.
There is then a shot of a bird of prey, maybe symbolising fear or being hunted, as these animals are renowned for being predators. The opening sequence outlines the main morals within the film.
- liquid — as a physical setting and a moral quicksand
- eyes and eye-lines — surveillance, judgement, but also human connection
- the color red or blood — rage, sacrifice, and collateral damage, and
- predatory alpha behavior — manifested as a hawk in the sequence, and as Cady in the film.
Together, these symbols present an ambiguous portrait of the film’s moral compass, assigning no clear label to any one element. Instead, they are blended as a series of timed cross-fades transitioning from day to night, creating a mixture of emotional messages, mirroring the motivations of the film’s central characters.
The soundtrack that accompanies this opening sequence is an orchestral piece that features lots of frantic string sounds, and builds up throughout the sequence. This has an unsettling effect of the audience, and also helps creates a sense of mystery.
At some points during the opening sequence, other images can be faintly seen behind the liquid image, however only vaguely. This is a good technique that I may use in my own project, as it is a good way of creating a sense of mystery and making the audience intrigued. (In the image below a face can be seen behind the liquid.)
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