Skyfall Opening Scene Analysis
The film
starts with a long shot, showing a distorted figure in a dark corridor with
light seeping in through a window behind. The distorted figure represents his
occupation while covering his identity, portraying him as a mysterious
character as he shows an element of the unknown. The sunlight is a contrast to
the gloomy background, which lights up Bond, quickly introducing him as the
main character, making him seem significant but dangerous. Immediately, the
film portrays the stereotypical conventions of a spy, implying his life is fast
paced and dangerous. This is shown through a variety of shots where a fast
editing technique has been used. This excites the audience, drawing them in and
making them want to see more as they are intrigued as to what is going to
happen next.
In the background, the James Bond sound motif is played. This is immediately recognisable to the audience and so catches their attention. As well as a recognisable theme tune, James Bond films are renowned for their fast paced opening scenes. This opening is symbolic of what people have come to expect of a Bond film in recent years; a euro-villain, glamorous, exotic locations as well as weapons and ever-present danger, and so this opening enables to audience to be engrossed in the dazzling but daring world of Bond. The scene is set in an unconventional location, again following the typical conventions of a James Bond film, creating an enigma. Numerous close ups are shown, revealing Bond's emotionless nature, however we are briefly shown a moment of relapse when he finds one of his agents down and debates disobeying M, making the audience feel a pang of empathy for him. Despite debating leaving his colleague, he reluctantly obeys and this is a massive shock to the audience. It is effective as it sets up the rest of the film, and his relationship with M, but also leaves a cliff-hanger which plays an important role in the rest of the plot.
Bond's silence entrance is effective as it allows the story to be told through his body language. He stands like a man on a mission, punctuated by the iconic sound motif showing his significance - he doesn't need words. This sets him up to be ruthless, showing strength and determination, making the audience believe and put their trust in him. Bond is impeccably dressed despite being on a mission, the suit giving him an air of authority, again emphasising his importance. This is unconventional for a spy film as they are normally dressed either in camouflage or black. This shows a lot about Bond's character as it suggests he is suave, sophisticated and not your average undercover agent, impressing the audience.
Following the first sighting of Bond in the deserted corridor, the hectic street is a surprising juxtaposition for the audience. The diegetic noises of screams from the Istanbul citizens further reiterate the sense of danger. This reminds the audience of the difficulty and importance of his mission, emphasising his acquired set of skills, after all, he is James Bond. The camera is positioned behind Bond as he is leaving, suggesting someone is watching him. This is effective as it continues to build the tension because it suggests he may not be as in control as he seems, which leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
In the background, the James Bond sound motif is played. This is immediately recognisable to the audience and so catches their attention. As well as a recognisable theme tune, James Bond films are renowned for their fast paced opening scenes. This opening is symbolic of what people have come to expect of a Bond film in recent years; a euro-villain, glamorous, exotic locations as well as weapons and ever-present danger, and so this opening enables to audience to be engrossed in the dazzling but daring world of Bond. The scene is set in an unconventional location, again following the typical conventions of a James Bond film, creating an enigma. Numerous close ups are shown, revealing Bond's emotionless nature, however we are briefly shown a moment of relapse when he finds one of his agents down and debates disobeying M, making the audience feel a pang of empathy for him. Despite debating leaving his colleague, he reluctantly obeys and this is a massive shock to the audience. It is effective as it sets up the rest of the film, and his relationship with M, but also leaves a cliff-hanger which plays an important role in the rest of the plot.
Bond's silence entrance is effective as it allows the story to be told through his body language. He stands like a man on a mission, punctuated by the iconic sound motif showing his significance - he doesn't need words. This sets him up to be ruthless, showing strength and determination, making the audience believe and put their trust in him. Bond is impeccably dressed despite being on a mission, the suit giving him an air of authority, again emphasising his importance. This is unconventional for a spy film as they are normally dressed either in camouflage or black. This shows a lot about Bond's character as it suggests he is suave, sophisticated and not your average undercover agent, impressing the audience.
Following the first sighting of Bond in the deserted corridor, the hectic street is a surprising juxtaposition for the audience. The diegetic noises of screams from the Istanbul citizens further reiterate the sense of danger. This reminds the audience of the difficulty and importance of his mission, emphasising his acquired set of skills, after all, he is James Bond. The camera is positioned behind Bond as he is leaving, suggesting someone is watching him. This is effective as it continues to build the tension because it suggests he may not be as in control as he seems, which leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
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