Analysis of Casino Royale opening sequence

The action slowly ramps up and flashbacks are used to reveal how James Bond managed to get into Chief Dryden's office, The violent flashbacks contrast heavily with the slow and calculated conversation that goes on between them, the drastic and rapid changes of pace keeps the audience interested. The film noir styling fits with the espionage and violence themes in the opening and accentuates them.

During the conversation the camera shots are all medium or long shots, this makes the conversation seem like a standoff. Medium shots are used in the flashback sequence to keep the viewer close to the action and increases their immersion and the brutal realism of the events.

Distubing music is used in the flashback to make it louder and more hectic, reflecting james's thoughts as he kills the contact, the music becomes quiet as we return to the present.

When the gun is pulled on James the audience feels sympathy to him since he is in danger and when the gun clicks, revealing the magazine has been removed, the audience will be impressed at james's abilities. Both of these help to create a bond between him and the audience making him a better and more likeable character.

When the chief is about to shoot james a close up is used so the viewer can see first his smugness at having apparently beaten James and then his fustration and worry as he realises his gun has no ammunition. As the chief attempts to shoot james the music stops temporarily and changes pitch, this reflects his suprise.

The flashbacks however show a much more brutal and violent James which make the audience aware of how dangerous he can be. He is also shown feeling regret at having to kill for the first time, this makes him seem more human and slightly more relatable to.

The scene ends with james shooting the chief after he was about to say that the second kill is easier than the first. James responds by saying "Yes, considerably", this shows how becoming an agent can dehumanise people.

The titles roll after James shoots the apparently already dead contact. The camera is looking out of a gun barrel (presumably the contact's) at James, after he shoots blood runs down the screen. This effect has been used in almost every bond film to start the credits, this helps to familiarise viewers. The red also represents athe danger of James's job and helps to blend the action with the credits sequence.

The graphics in the credit sequence are themed around playing cards and other gambling games in casinos, this is a reference to 'Casino Royale' which is a major setting in the film and in fact the basis for a large amount of the plot. The song also references to James and his job, highlighting the danger.

From Mrs Dobbs

This is a really good start Chris. You have asked some great questions. To improve, add some writing to include what you have learnt from the data and how this will help you in your planning. Have a look at other blogs for ideas.

Second Questionnaire Results

This questionnaire is aimed at my target audience based on the results of my previous questionnaire and my own decision to make an action movie. The results will help me to make my opening film sequence better for my target audience.

These are the results for my second questionnaire:

1) Do you prefer action films that start slowly and build up pace or start very quickly, with a bang?



The results show that my target audience likes action movies to start quickly rather than slowly build up the action.

2) Do you like the initial credits sequence to come at the very beginning of a film or after a short sequence?



The results show that my target audience prefers action films to have the initial titles start after a short introductory sequence.

3) In an action movie, which is your favorite action sequence?



My results show that a car chase is the prefered action sequence.

4) Who is your favorite action movie actor?



The results show that Will Smith is my target audience's favorite action movie actor. I will try to make my film similar to those which starred Will Smith.

5) If you answered Other to the last question can you please write their name below.

The only other actor who was entered in question 5 was Samuel. L. Jackson.

6) Who is your favorite action movie director?



The results show that both Ridley Scott and Clint Eastwood are my target audience's favorite action movie directors. I will try to make my film similar to their's.

7) If you answered Other to the last question can you please write their name below.

The only other director who was entered in question 7 was Stephen Sommers.

8) Are flashbacks a good way to establish a character’s back story and history?



My results show that flashbacks are a good way to establish a characters back story.

9) What font would be good to use in the credit sequence?



The results show that BankGothic Md BT is the prefered font for my movie's titles.

Questionnaire Results

These are the results of my first questionnaire:

1) Are you male or female?

This result represents the sex of the people I asked. Since I'm planning to make an action/thriller film which is aimed more at males I decided to ask more of them so as to get results that accurately reflected my target audience.

2) How old are you?

My film will be aimed at people in my age range (16-20) which is why I asked more people of that age.

3) What is your favorite film genre?

This shows me what the most popular film genres are, comedy comes in first but I believe that I could make a better action/thriller film (these genres came joint second in popularity) which is why I have decided to make a film in that genre.

4) Do you prefer films which are animated or live action?

This question allows me to see which type of film people prefer - Live action or Animated - and decide which one to use for my film, live action comes first.

5) Where do you most enjoy watching films?

This shows me where people prefer to watch films; at home or at a cinema, most people like watching films at home.