Through the introduction of Shutter Island, we get an idea of setting. We are first given hints as to where the first scene will be set, through the use of sound. We can hear the faint sound of a ship's horn in the distance, foreshadowing a possible location of the Set Up. Furthermore, know exactly where the scene is set due to the text after the opening credits which reads 'Boston Harbor Islands' Because of this credit we know the setting, but not it's significance or meaning.
The first character the audience meets is 'Teddy.' The set up reveals that he doesn't like boats or water. We first see him in a cabin alone, vomiting and muttering to himself about how there is 'a lot of water.' Through the tone of his voice we can tell this isn't a good thing which could, in turn hint at things to come. For example, could water be his downfall, or has it been his downfall in the past? This also gets the audience wondering why he doesn't like water and why he is in such a bad state. The music used creates a tense and uneasy atmosphere, telling the audience that something isn't right, this music could also suggest to us that Teddy is feeling the tension and uneasiness, therefore begging the question why is he tense/on edge etc.
Through the opening scenes of Shutter Island, we are introduced to the beginning of a relationship between Teddy and his partner. Right from the offset a line of dialogue in which Teddy's partner asks: 'you okay boss' gives us an idea of power distribution. Because Teddy gets called 'boss' we instantly assume that he is the more powerful and important of the two in the relationship. However, this is juxtaposed by the way Teddy is hunched over, pale looking and afflicted. Whilst his partner is standing tall and looking over Teddy and showing concern for him as if he is caring for him. This contrast signifies the apparent change of power later in the film, where Teddy 'realizes' he is not a marshal but in fact a mental patient, of whom his 'partner' was just watching over all along.
From the Setup, we can tell that the 'world' is not safe and possibly dangerous. In the very first scene, music is used to create a slight sense of tension, as the boat gets closer and closer to the island; the music gets louder and faster which contributes to an even more tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Because of the way the atmosphere builds and builds as they get closer and closer to the island, we can tell that the island isn't a safe place. Also, due to the sudden change from the atmosphere on the boat (reasonably calm) to the atmosphere as they approach the island (Tense and panic ridden) the audience can see a big change between the two settings and their respective safeness. In addition, as they get onto the island, the guards are all brandishing guns, (a sign that they may be expecting danger) and their facial expressions tell us that they are on edge, tense and don't feel safe. All this contributes to a treacherous and precarious atmosphere, heavily suggesting a lack of safety in the 'world'
The Shutter Island opening fits in with the codes and conventions of thriller films as of many reasons. Firstly, because of the buildup of tension the audience is kept on edge, hanging on for the next major event. Build up of atmosphere is vital in thriller films and is achieved by: sound, dialogue, camera work, editing and Mise en scène. Also, many hints and clues are laid out in the opening of Shutter Island, of which may or may not foreshadow narrative events and important developments later on in the film. Lastly, techniques such as flashbacks are used. Flashbacks are often seen in both the openings and endings of thriller films as they can explain events that happen in the film, resulting in us piecing together all the important information we are given throughout the film. This is so we can fully understand the film, only at the end and not before (keeping us on edge and guessing throughout the thriller.) We may see a flashback at the start of the film, for example 'Teddy's wife' and not understand it, but when we are shown it again at the conclusion of the film, we usually understand what actually 'happened,' (although this is often still up for debate!)
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