How does Thompson create an atmosphere of threat in the school yard scene in Cape Fear?

 

 

Thompson uses a variety of different filming and editing techniques to create an atmosphere of threat in this scene. Everything from framing to non-digetic sound is used to full affect in this scene.

 

Firstly we can see that Cady is the only one walking towards Nancy in the whole set. This allows the audience to see him very clearly and shows that he is an important part of the scene. Because of this and because he seems to be walking towards her, it instantly creates a feeling of danger for the audience. We can also see that the camera switches back and forth from medium close ups of Cady and then close ups of Nancy. This is to show off the fear and feeling of concern of Nancy, and to show the sort of intent that Cady has, to the audience. As Cady gets closer the suspense rises and the fear shown on Nancy’s face becomes greater and greater to the audience.

 

Thompson also uses lighting effectively in this scene as Nancy gets in the car the shadows across her face perhaps signify that something bad is about to happen and it also portrays her as the victim. These shadows are very prominent as it appears to be a ver sunny and bright day and yet there are shadows on Nancy’s face.  As well as this the two rooms Nancy runs into are low light and shadows are casted. This again, reminds the audience that there is a present threat to Nancy. In both these parts of the scene the music is much very different from the other. The music gets louder and louder throughout, rising the tension and bringing the threat to the attention of the audience more and more.

 

As the scene gets more faster paced and the music get louder and quicker, more techniques are used by Thompson.  In one shot, we see Cady behind the school gate bars looking at Nancy as she runs back into school. This is significant as Cady was in prison not long ago, this again showing that he is still a threat. Also, as Nancy runs back into the school and into the boiler rooms and locker room she shouts and screams, emphasising that she Is the victim and that she is under threat. This is  interesting as she seems to start screaming as she thinks that Cady is getting closer when really it’s the janitor, it is the way that Thompson portrays Nancy which is what gives this scene its dramatisation.

 

Another thing to note is the noise of the fountain at the opening of this scene. It has a very prominent hissing noise to it and almost sounds like a snake. As the next shot is of Cady, the noise of the fountain could be related to Cady’s character. He is also smoking a cigar, which could hint to the audience his intentions once he gets to Nancy. The clothing of both characters is also important to note. He is wearing light clothing, almost making him look like a normal and nice man, when really is completely the opposite, which sort of gives the audience a more alert feeling. As they know Cady’s intentions and they know the sort of man he is.  Her school clothes also make her look as though she is the victim.

 

Overall however it is simply the way Thompson portrays Nancy, which make us think she is the victim. Cady does very little threatening actions, however Nancy seems to react to him when she sees him in such a way that it makes us believe he is a threat.  The way she looks at him and the way in which non-digetic sound is used through out as she gets more afraid helps in giving the scene more suspense and danger. The way composition and framing is used on Cady as he walks down the street gives the first hint of a threat. Then as Nancy see’s him the atmosphere of a threat first hits the audience. It becomes clear that Nancy is under threat, as she runs out of the car and back into the school. Cady on the other hand does very little to come off as threatening or a danger.