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 a of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds during this scene to create an atmosphere of threat in Cape Fear. Diegetic sounds such as footsteps can be heard throughout this whole scene. Thompson has chosen to do this as the two characters in this scene have distinctly different sounding footsteps. Nancy has very fast and light sounding footsteps, however Cady’s footsteps sound heavier. This has the effect of making Nancy seem clumsier and fearful as she tries to escape Cady. It also gives the impression to the audience that she is physically outmatched by Cady, which exaggerates her small framed body. It also has the effect of making Cady seem more controlled as his footsteps are slower and heavier. By doing this, Thompson has made Cady seem more menacing as his footsteps make us think that Nancy is heading towards inevitable doom. The non-diegetic sounds used in this scene are also very significant in creating an atmosphere of threat. The soundtrack is manipulated to make the audience grow increasingly more tense as the scene progresses. Chromatic music is used as Cady walks towards Nancy. This builds up tension within the audience as it makes Cady seem more evil. Furthermore, Thompson uses the pace of the music in this scene to evoke certain emotions from the audience. As the scene progresses, the pace of the music quickens. By doing this, it makes the atmosphere of the scene more tense and exaggerates the threat in which Nancy is put under. The pace of the music at the start of the scene is quite slow which has the effect of giving the scene quite a neutral atmosphere. However as Cady is spotted, the pace of the music picks up which reflects the quickening of Nancy’s footsteps and places the audience in the scene. Thompson has done this to make the audience feel the threat which Nancy would be feeling.

As well as that Thompson uses diegetic sounds to portray certain connotations to the audience. The first shot of Cady shows a water fountain, which can be heard quite distinctively. Thompson has decided to do this as the noise of the water fountain reflects Cady’s character. The fountain makes a hissing noise which can be related to a snake. Snakes are traditionally linked with and associated with the devil. The devil is the physical embodiment of evil which reflects Cady’s character. As well as that, snakes are aggressive predators which can also be linked with Cady as he preys on Nancy.

Thompson uses the setting and location during this scene to create an atmosphere of threat. The setting of this scene is a school, which is quite ironic in itself as they are usually very safe places to be. Furthermore, a fence surrounds the schoolyard, which Nancy finds herself trapped in. There is a shot of Nancy behind some bars in the school yard which creates the effect that she is imprisoned by Cady in this yard and that she has nowhere to run or escape to. By doing this, Thompson has suggested to the audience that Cady has the upper hand over Nancy, and that he is significantly dominant over her. By choosing to shoot this scene in a school, Thompson has made the atmosphere feel very sinister. It feels sinister as schools have connotations of innocence and children; however this scene shows a man chasing down a little girl.

The props, acting and costumes used in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear are very significant when creating an atmosphere of tension. As Cady is introduced in to this scene, he is shown smoking a cigar. Thompson has chosen to do this as it gives the effect that Cady is taunting Nancy with it. The cigar has sexual connotations as it is a phallic shaped object, which gives the effect that Cady possibly intends on raping Nancy. As well as that, the costumes of both of the characters are very significant. Nancy is shown wearing a school uniform. Thompson has done this as it makes the audience think that Nancy is very innocent and pure. This has the effect of making the audience feel more sympathetic towards her. Alternatively, Cady is shown wearing white smart clothes and a hat. The colours of his clothes have connotations of purity which heavily contrasts his character. As well as that, Thompson has made him wear a hat as it makes him seem more mysterious because it slightly hides his identity. This makes Nancy seem in more of a threat because she doesn’t know what to expect from him.