Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Film Opening Analysis 3 - Quantum of Solace (2008)


Frame 1: This establishing shot embellishes the setting for the whole film. With the use of non-diegetic sound and panning shot getting closer and closer to the mountain, this entices the audience from 10seconds in. In typical bond style, the setting is set in an exotic location and in this case, Italy. This is interesting as Bond is known for its British tradition, and by having almost every film being set in these stunning location across the globe, it allows the audience to escape from reality and jump into the depths of wealth and glamour.

Frame 2: The second shot shows a road going through the mountains. At this stage all you can hear is loud car engines and fast moving pictures of the mountain. This is significant as it the audience instantly know that the scene is a car chase, due to the nature of James Bond. When we see Bond change the gear in his car, it is indicated to us that the scene has become more exciting and intense, due to cars moving faster and more action occurring.

Frame 3: This is the first time we encounter a character in the film. Due to the film being a franchise and people knowing who James Bond is, the audience can instantly recognises him. This means that, the director can afford to shoot a close up of the character. In addition to this, the lighting has helped the audience to focus on his eyes, which therefore suggests the significance of what he is looking at.

Frame 4: This is the first time where we are in the heart of the car chase. The use of camera shots increases tension and reality in the film. This particular shot shows a tracking shot of the car chase, which acts as a Point of View from the car. With the use of loud diegetic sound such as the engine from the cars, this adds to the effect and makes the audience know they are watching a James Bond film.

Frame 5: This is the first time where we see Bond is in serious danger. The use of fast paced shots increases the tension in this instance and highlights the speed he is driving at. Moreover, the use of mise-en-scene enhances the tension in this scenario. The fact that a large lorry is about to drive through a sports car is exciting within itself. The audience likes scenarios where Bond is in problematic and dangerous situations. 

Frame 6: This panning shot over Siena is the first time where the pace of the sequence dropping. The speed of shots slows down, and the introduction of slow moving shots takes place. In this instance we see Bond entering Siena while the camera focuses on his destroyed car and the breath taking landscape of Italy. In addition to this, the non-diegetic sound of the music cuts out as soon as the car chase abruptly ends, to emphasis the ending of the encounter between Bond and the villains. 

Frame 7: This clip shows the villain being strapped into the back of Bond’s sports car. This is the first time we physically come see a close up shot of one of the multiple villains. This is significant in the whole film as the audience will begin to picture an opinion about the character from this instance. The use of lighting also complements this, as the dark lighting portrays the villain as a hatred figure.

Frame 8: Throughout the opening sequence there has been no dialogue used, until this point. The fact that Bond starts the dialogue of the film with "It's time to get in", which indicates to the audience that the adventure has just begun; and with the use of having the Bond theme tune following this. 

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