Analysis of the opening sequence of Skyfall

Ruba Islam

Shot Types & CinematographyThe opening of Skyfall (2012) directed by Sam Mendes unravels various signifiers which imply the genre and narrative of the film

The establishing, shot is of the protagonist (James Bond played by Daniel Craig) drowning. Firstly, we witness a low angle shot, which typically connotes power, however in this scene the audience are only shown the back on the protagonist as he gradually sinks deeper into the ocean. This suggests the protagonists vulnerability and loss of control. Secondly, a tracking long shot is used, followed by a medium long shot which enables us to see the protagonists facial expression. Here we see a close up shot of a women's hand grasping onto the protagonists wrist and hauling him further down into the water. This illustrates that the protagonist may have enemies who are trying to pull him down with them

A high angle is used here as the protagonist plummets into a black hole. This again implies his vulnerability, and the fact that he ends up plunging into a black hole suggests that he has come to the end of his journey.

This mid shot of a cardboard cut-out of the protagonist with blood flowing out of his shoulder suggests that he has been shot, the red blood also implies danger. The cut-out is in the form of a gun target which connotes that he is the main person that everyone is after.

A medium close-up of a woman is used here which highlights the protagonists relationship with woman and foreshadows romance within the film. A panning shot is then used to show the silhouette of her entire body.

An extreme close-up of the protagonists eye is used to end the opening sequence. The camera zooms into his pupils which suggests to the audience that the film is portrayed through the protagonists point of view. The close up shots add more depth and emotion in terms of the audiences understanding of the film.

Mise En Scene

The use of mirrors and silhouettes in this shot allows us to see the protagonist in action. The fact that it essentially shows him shooting himself has possible connotations that his problems/situations are self inflicted.

This shot is of falling knives which turn into gravestones. This is significant as it foreshadows upcoming events in the film. For example Raoul Silva played by Javier Bardem who is also a main character is killed in a graveyard using a knife.

The protagonist is shown to be wearing a formal suit throughout the entire opening sequence. This is an indication of power, authority and professionalism. It also highlights his significance and potentially serious character.

Editing & Lighting • The opening sequence of Sky fall contains fast pace editing, to keep the

audience engaged and interested from the beginning of the film , as they will not want to look away in case they miss something.

• There is also black screens, which have been used to distinguish between the different scenes.

• The opening consists of CGI editing, for example when knives turn into gravestones, and when we witness James Bond entering a black hole.

• The lighting that is used in the opening sequence is dim low key lighting which is used in order to add a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. However some areas of high key lighting is also included.

High key lighting: Low key lighting:

Sound • Firstly, we hear classic James Bond themed music,

this is easily identifiable as Sky fall is the 23rd James Bond film. The tune starts of quiet then gradually builds up into a crescendo as the protagonist is being pulled further down, this has a dramatic effect and adds tension to increase the climax that is being built up.

• The non-diegetic soundtrack used in the opening sequence is ‘Sky fall’ by Adele. It begins with the lyrics “this is the end” which corresponds with the shot of the protagonist drowning as he has essentially been shot, this creates an enigma code as he could possibly be dead however that is unlikely as the opening sequence has just begun. This is followed by the line “hold your breath and count to ten” which relates to the shots of the protagonist being plunged into the black hole. The soundtrack reflects the overall narrative which leaves the audience intrigued as to what the film has in store for them.

• The opening also includes some diegetic sound e.g. gun shots and crashes which are typically expected in an action themed film.

Iconography Iconography has been used when it is appropriate . For example guns, knives, gravestones, skulls and blood. They are used in order to highlight the themes of conflict, mystery, betrayal, unstable relationships and death.

Narrative Theory Roland Barthes's theory of enigma codes is presented throughout the opening sequence. For example: • Why is he drowning?• Is he dead or alive?• How did he get there?• Is the graveyard symbolic of the protagonists death or the death of

others?

Levi Strauss's theory of binary oppositions is also illustrated. For example:• Hero vs. Villain • Good vs. Evil• Friend Vs. Foe

In addition Vladimir Props theory of identifying characters as narrative functions is demonstrated. In this case the protagonist will be regarded as 'the hero’ since the film will revolve mainly around him trying to achieve a certain objective. We also identify Raoul Silva's character as the antagonist therefore he would be seen as the villain who opposes or actively blocks the hero's quest.