CapeFear Opening By Saul Bass

The sequence begins with an extreme close up image of a body of water. This is possibly a reference to the "Cape" of the title, which is a expanse of water. Throughout this shot, refletions are seen in the water, however, the audiance cannot distinguish what they are. This creates an air of mystery, since the water is both Dark and, seemingly, deep, and you cannot clearly see the reflections. This makes the audience feel vulnerable, since it gives the effect that they are looking at things happening behind them, through the water. The clearest image in the water is that of an eagle, which swoops down and disappears from sight. This gives clues to the narrtive, because an eagle is a bird of prey, and people in the film are being stalked by a predator. The colour red is present and is shown in the opening sequence, this connotes danger and blood, which is a convention of a thriller since it gives a clear mystery to the audience.

Sinister music is plated throughout the sequence, this consists of string instruments. It begins softly, with dramatic parts at the beginning, which gives a "creepy" atmosphere, this becomes louder towards the end, which builds up the suspense. The only diegetic sound heard in the sequence is that of water rippling.

The camera work mainly consists of a stationary shot of the water, which occasionally changes into a side view. This forces the audience to concentrate on the water, but also creates a jarring affect, since they cannot see anywhere around them, again creating an effect of vulnerability.