Casino Royale opening macro analysis:

Casino Royale’s opening starts up with a low angled long shot of an office block with text informing us the film is set in Prague. Soon we are inside the building with a full interior camera shot of the desk, chairs and a single source of light from a lamp. This shot brings about a shadowy, dark space which is a convection of a thriller film as when the first character we are exposed to is alone which leads our expectation that there is a risk of danger. After we are unexpectedly shown the second character which creates suspiciousness and tension between the two. Continuing through the opening sequence we are then shown a flashback, this scene is in a black and white filter to exaggerate the flash back scene, the picture quality is deliberately blurry emphasises the effect of a flash back. In this scene two characters are fighting with a low angle shots to emphasis violence and high angle shots to showing us the full scale of the battle in the bathroom. Casino Royale is likely to be an action/ fighting/violent film.

After we are shown the first scene of the film we are then given pre credits about the film such as character names. The typography used in the title sequence is quite simple yet sophisticated; I believe this was done to keep focus on the images being shown in the background. However, James Bond is seen to be classy and prestige so the type of font is linked together. The style and size of the title graphics are capitals of the names to emphasis focus on characters with a plain white colour to stand out from the background animation. Animated stills and moving shots within the title sequence may be expected events within the film; James Bonds identity is usually associated with action, murder and lust.

Characterisation within the film is seen that James bond is the main focused and targeted character. James Bond is a British secret agent who enjoys the finer things in life, expensive clothes, champagne and fine food. He also loves to gamble as he is good at it, Bond’s appearance is sophisticated as he always wears a black smart tuxedo suit.

The cinematography in the movie has various angles and shot types to emphasize certain scenes and aspects of the film. At the very start of the opening scene we have a low angled long shot of a building which indicates suspicion and criminality. We also have a bird’s eye two shot showing the battle between the two opponents in the bathroom and the images being blurry, there is also increased contrast between black and white to highlight the flashback and attention of the scene. Moreover, camera angles frequently shift to low angles showing Bonds domination and power as a character, there is also a few close ups on Bonds victim and himself to show his determination to kill this man he is fighting. Along the scene we also see a two shot of Bond and this mystery man displaying importance between the two characters.

The codes indicate that this will be an action film because we see plenty shots of guns, overhead single sources of light, fighting and violence. The music is dramatic (upbeat) and high pitched and builds suspense in the audience. The close up shots of the guns displays the action genre in the opening scene. The pre credit sequence also features symbols from cards, fight scenes and victims that may prepare us for what is to come. The movie brings a combination of action, thriller and adventure crossing several genres.

Through the opening sequence we indentify Casino Royale has various themes such as victim, crime fighter, violence and suspense. All these listed themes are all conveyed through the characters and cinematography; this brings their relevance to the genres.