Skyfall: Opening Scene Analysis

In this post, I will demonstrate how the use of the '4 Technical Codes' (camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene) explain how genre, character and narrative are represented in the opening sequence of Sam Mendes' 'Skyfall' (2012). 

Firstly, the opening scene introduces the hero of the film, whom we know is James Bond, through the tracking shot that follows him as he enters a dismantled room, exposing himself to a wounded agent. The non-diegetic sound at this particular moment of the scene signifies the seriousness of the situation and creates great tension.

We then hear diegetic sound through Bond's earpiece, revealing the narrative of this scene being to restore a hard-drive from a computer which contains some sort of "list". A clear eyeline match from Bond to the computer draws attention to the audience that this hard-drive has been stolen and it is of great importance. Serious non-diegetic music begins to surround the scene, creating dramatic tension. This enables the audience to identify Bond as the main protagonist and hero of the scene, as it shows his expected mission is about to begin. From this already, the audience is aware that the genre of the film is a hybrid genre of action, crime, mystery and thriller.

As the scene progresses, the audience is introduced to the mise-en-scene of a bright city packed with people. The sound is non-diegetic middle eastern, with a glamorous sense of chaos and culture. This sets the scene being in a busy middle eastern city. The camera pans and tracks Bond into a car which introduces the character of the 'helper'. Cross-cutting then introduces two scenes in different locations happening at the same time, linking them together. This editing technique presents the differences between a dark, grey office and a bright city. This is important to the scene as the office scene introduces the donor, 'Q', and father/mother figure, 'M'. 

The sound shifts into non-diegetic chase music, giving the scene its narrative. The camera is hand held in the car and shows a close up of expression. Quick cuts from the helper, to Bond, to the outside of the car helps the chase become fast paced and thrilling. Also, the busy area makes the car chase ever so dramatic as it is perceived to the audience that innocent civilians are not going to run out of the way in time. When the cars crash, gunfire begins, giving an action sequence, and wide shots of Bond outside the car gives him power and status when shooting.