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I recently watched "Shutter Island," a movie directed by Martin Scorsese, and I was fascinated by how they used framing to make the story more intense and interesting. Framing, in film terms, is how the camera captures the scene and how everything is positioned in the shot. Here’s a simple look at how this was done in "Shutter Island."

First, framing is used to make us feel what the characters are feeling. For example, the movie often shows the main character, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), in tight shots where the edges of the screen seem to close in on him. This makes us feel like the walls are closing in, creating a sense of tension and making us feel trapped, just like Teddy does.

Another cool thing is how the movie uses framing to show Teddy’s confusion and fear. Sometimes the camera is tilted or shows things off-center, which can make the scene look a bit strange and unsettling. This helps us get inside Teddy’s head and feel his paranoia and disorientation as he tries to figure out what’s happening on the island.

The setting and scenery also play a big part. The mental institution and the island itself are framed in ways that make them look big and imposing, almost like characters themselves. Wide shots of the island show how isolated it is, making us understand how cut off from the world Teddy is.

Lighting is also important. The film uses a lot of shadows and contrasts, which adds to the spooky and tense atmosphere. This kind of lighting makes certain scenes feel dramatic and highlights the mysterious and dark aspects of the story.

In short, the way "Shutter Island" uses framing isn’t just about making the movie look good; it’s about making us feel the emotions and tensions of the characters. Scorsese’s careful use of framing, along with the scenery and lighting, makes the story more immersive and gripping. Watching how all these elements come together is a great example of how framing can enhance storytelling in films.