When applied to the cinema, Mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears before the camera and its arrangement—composition, sets, props, actors, costumes, and lighting. Casino Royale is of course a 007 film; as you know the opening sequence in any Bond movie is important as it sets the mood and informs the viewers of where the film may be set what the film will be about. It is imperative to have a successful opening sequence and even more pinnacle to have one for James Bond. I believe this is a successful opening sequence and one of the best in Bond's history.
CGI Bond
We start the opening sequence in a old, gritty bathroom, which previously Bond has used this to torture a suspect. The bathroom is shown in black and white which is a brilliant effect as it symbolises the two characters choices in life write and wrong. It adds to the sombreness of the room too. Bond is classically dressed in a tuxedo but the shirt has been pulled out and stained by sweat and the grubbiness of the room. This shows Bonds determination as he doesn't care about anything except for the mission. The two props in this small section of the scene are pistols. These are important features as they both have connotations of death. The director has purposely chosen the pistol to be black in this scene as it matches Bonds tux, therefore it is as if the gun is part of Bonds persona. It is as if Bond is not Bond without his pistol. The lighting is dull but also bright at the same time. As the camera is in a point of view shot it seems as if the villain who is watching Bond may be close to death as he can see bright lights. In a last ditch attempt the close to death man pulls a gun on Bond, the actor who plays this man grunts as he uses a lot of effort to aim for Bond. We see the use of the classic point of view gun barrel which is digitally embedded into the clip, this displays the threat to bonds life and how close Bond was to dying.
Now we get the trademark blood smearing down the screen. Obviously symbolising the death of the criminal, we then hear the vintage theme tune hit out. Then the opening titles truly begin. We have now reached the stage in the sequence which is mostly virtual and not reality. We can tell from the title that the film will have some connection to casinos but by watching the opening sequence the viewers can see clearly that the film will have a heavy connection to it. The director Martin Carol uses the suits of cards in the opening sequence of the film as this displays foreshadowing or the thrilling poker match Bond plays during the film. The opening sequence is mostly made up of CGI however the director has cleverly digitally inputed Daniel Craig in to the sequence. By mixing CGI and the Bond it brings a new essence to the scene. We see here that the silencer has been added to the pistol which displays Bonds need for stealth as he is always on a secret mission. Bond is in silhouette form which also adds to the theme of stealth, there is a juxtaposition though because Bond in silhouette form doesn't blend in The director has made him stand out.
Today in class I analysed the actions on screen, sound, timing and camera angles used in the opening sequences of the TV show Covert Affairs. The opening credits are much shorter than Game of Thrones but there is effective use of filters and CGI. I believe that the opening sequence is appropriate for the viewers as it sets the tone of the television show; a thrilling, spy, romantic, action. My notes are below.
Today in class I analysed the actions on screen, sound, timing and camera angles used in the opening sequences of the hit TV show (a favourite of mine) Game Of Thrones. The opening credits are a unique identification of the television show. My notes are below.
Today in class we looked at the themes which are displayed in opening sequences of: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Juno and Pulp Fiction. Below are some images of our classwork. Opening sequences or credits are a classic part of American and British film making, it has become the model technique of beginning a film. We worked in groups to complete the task which explains why there are 5 post-it notes.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has an enthralling opening sequence; we can see from the title credits that the film is a gothic thriller. There was extensive use of dark colours, shadows and a metallic tones. I particularly liked how blood was displayed as ink to add to the theme of tattoos. The music has a strong beat to it, we can tell it is from the heavy metal genre. (Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song)
This is a clip of the opening sequence of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVLJkIZvFlo
Juno Juno is a light hearted comedy drama; it's a coming of age film which develops from a young girl walking down a street into a cartoon or imaginary world. This is the use of video filters on live action. The idea of using a cartoon in the opening sequence is almost a metaphor for the theme of the movie; it creates a sense of humour and displays that the film isn't very serious. The opening credits is just a simple tracking shot of a woman walking through her village. This may have been used to display what a simple life she has. The music used is folky and feel good which will entertain and prepare the viewers for the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20PQBtyfNZY
Pulp Fiction Pulp fiction is a well known action comedy it uses lots of strong language which sets the viewer up for the rest of the film, furthermore it is dialogue heavy but this is useful as we can see who the main characters are and what they are like! There are many effective camera angles used which enhance the communication between the two characters. I think it is effective how there is no use of music just diegetic sound as the viewer will pick up on this; it is a very serious start which catches the viewers attention and suddenly at the dramatic ending the beat drops and the opening credits begin! The use of retro music with a strong beat displays the time setting this is also backed up as the characters are in a classic diner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jomr9SAjcyw
