How does Thompson create an atmosphere of threat in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear (1962)?

How does Thompson create an atmosphere of threat in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear (1962)?

 

Thompson uses non diegetic sound to create an atmosphere of threat. This is evident when the soundtrack gets louder; the soundtrack gets louder when the scene gets more dramatic. This shows the soundtrack as a way of changing the atmosphere of the scene. Also the soundtrack builds up pace to show that the scene has a threat occurring. However the soundtrack then has a discord when Cady grabs Nancy. This shows that the threat has grown and is very dangerous. The soundtrack starts when Cady is seen first showing him as the threat towards Nancy. These non diegetic sounds make the viewer feel the threat that Nancy feels due to Cady chasing her. The soundtrack speeds up in pace when Nancy starts being followed by Cady. This makes the soundtrack a sound match with the pace of the action and the rising of the threat in the scene.

 

Thompson uses diegetic sound to create an atmosphere of threat. This is shown by Cady’s footsteps compared to Nancy’s. Cady’s footsteps are almost robotic showing him as detached and uninvolved with his feelings. Also he walks slowly which makes him seem dominant than Nancy who is running. However Nancy has footsteps that are lighter and quicker. This shows her steps as clumsy and makes the viewer feel sympathy towards her. Nancy’s footsteps show her as threatened and Cady’s footsteps show him as uncaring towards Nancy. Another diegetic sound that creates threat is the water fountain as it hisses. This sound reminds the viewer of snakes and the devil and bad temptation. This water fountain is next to Cady and so the hiss is played when he walks by. This makes Cady seem like the devil and he is the threat in this scene. Another diegetic sound is Nancy crying. This again makes us feel sympathetic towards her. Nancy also pants a lot due to her running. This makes her seem scared and inferior.

 

Thompson uses the mise-en-scene to create an atmosphere of threat. This is evident from both the set and costume. The bars around the school as it makes Nancy seem confined when she is being followed around the school by Cady. This creates tension by making Nancy seem helpless. The bars also remind the viewer of the prison from where Cady came from and makes him seem dangerous and a threat for what he did to be put in prison. The bars have spikes on them which makes them seem more dangerous and scary now that Cady is following Nancy, this shows even the safety of school is not enough to protect her from the threat of Cady. Cady holds the bars around the school and holds his face to them. This makes him look like a prisoner and reminds the viewer that if he got out of bars once he can do it again and get to Nancy. The costumes also create an atmosphere of threat. Nancy is wearing her uniform, this shows her as young, vulnerable and innocent making her seem exposed to threat. Cady has a cigar which he uses as a sexual threat as he looks at Nancy. This shows him as a threat towards her. Cady also is wearing a white suit which is prominent in the dark and makes him the main focus. The white suit is also a deception of Cady being pure and innocent when in reality he is a threat and is very dangerous.

 

Thompson also uses cinematography to create an atmosphere of threat. Thompson uses a mid shot which focuses on the pelvis of the janitor, who the viewer think is Cady. This reminds the viewer of the sexual threat Cady poses towards Nancy. Extreme close ups are used a lot on Nancy’s face to show her emotions and make the viewer feel like part of the threat. Thompson also uses a low angle shot on Cady when he grabs Nancy. This shows him in a threatening view of height. There are shadows on Nancy’s face when Cady is shown in front of the car watching her. These shadows foreshadow the danger to come. A follow shot is used when Nancy first starts running from Cady, this makes the audience understand the threat that is posed towards her. Thompson also used a long shot to show Cady walking towards the car. However everyone around him is walking the other way, this makes Nancy seem abandoned and vulnerable to Cady’s threat.