The opening scene of 'Casino Royale' is another example of a good thriller opening. It incorporates flashbacks of action to break up the present day narrative. This is different to the analysis of 'The Dark Knight' which maintains a present day narrative where all the action takes place. I am analysing Casino Royale because in our thriller, I would like to incorporate flashbacks running alongside a present day narrative.
The scene is shot in black and white, whilst the use of a lower-third title introduces the location. As an audience who would typically associate present day James Bond films as being shot in colour, we can assume that this opening scene is part of a flashback, however we later interpret it as an establishing scene, reflecting on the James Bond sequel. (We are then acquainted with present day during the Uganda scene after the credits). During this opening scene the use of limited lighting is crucial and the setting is made eerie by the diegetic sound of the blowing wind. The car pulling up outside the establishment signifies that the passenger may come in to contact with more people, i.e. a meeting of some sort.
This long-shot is then followed by two low-angle shots of a man (Dryden) exiting a vehicle and entering the building via an ascending elevator. Here we are introduced to our first character. The use of these angles puts the character in a powerful position and reflects on the man's, perhaps middle/upper class status that is represented by the estate car and his shirt and tie. The use of slowly ascending violins during the shot of the elevator creates more of an enigmatic feel to our introduction so far.
The elevator scene is then followed by an interesting use of a high-angle shot of Dryden. Typically high-angles are used to display the vulnerability of a character and this could suggest that Dryden will encounter trouble when entering the building. Here we learn that he may not be as powerful as we first thought. Following this, a close up of the floor number in the elevator is displayed. As the floor number slowly ascends, this adds suspense, as if this is a count down to something that will take place when Dryden exits the elevator.
When exiting the elevator, a mid-angle shot of the character walking across the building is seen. The camera follows slowly behind, panning in, which we can assume was used either by a track or dolly to create this clean movement. Having the echoing footsteps as diegetic sound, provides the shot with more of an enigma. This perhaps infers that the destination that the character is heading to, is where action will take place or we will learn more about the story.
When entering the office, an interesting use of a slight tracking across to the open door is used following by an elevation of the camera. This is a shot I find particularly effective because it emphasizes Dryden's entrance into the room.
After moving over to the desk and switching the light on, a close-up shot is used to express Dryden's fear and surprise. This further adds suspense for the audience, by wanting to know what it is that has taken him off guard.
Following the shot of the safe, we hear James Bond's voice before sitting in a chair behind Dryden. This is altogether an effective introduction to bringing in the second character. The use of chiaroscuro lighting on Bond's face is particularly strong here. This has mixed connotations of a split-personality and suggests he may have bad intentions of what will come of Dryden. This also adheres to the violent flashbacks that are to follow. At this point, it may leave the audience questioning what moral character James Bond will now play for the duration of the film.
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