analysis of sound on opening sequence

Shutter Island is a Thriller movie. The opening sequence of any movie is essential to excite the audience and build the expectation for the film. The sound in an opening sequence is used to identify the genre and also to create a particular mood to draw in the audience. In 'Shutter Island' the opening sequence music is very subtle. It has no particular melody or tune. This makes the genre of movie become quite clear as the untidy structure of the music creates an uncomfortable, mysterious feeling for the audience. This is often seen in Thriller movies as the aim is to thrill the audience and make them wonder.

The pitch of the music is very low and its volume increases when the longer chords appear. This makes the audience feel on edge, and also makes them become aware that the movie will include interludes of silence which may suddenly switch into the opposite, forcing them to jump or make their hearts skip. This is important in the opening sequence that the genre of movie is established, and sound is a key aspect of the sequence which gives away the genre of the film. Thriller movies tend not to include dialogue in their opening sequences, this is because it breaks the mood and ruins the effect of the eerie music. In genres like comedy films, dialogue is often used as short snappy dialogue to make the audience aware that the film is comical. It also helps the audience keep track of the story line as it cant be established as well through font and music as it can for horror thriller movies.