The opening scene of ‘Casino Royale’ is set in Prague in the Czech
Republic. The first scene shows a large office block at night,
during a calm and relaxed and typical evening. This creates an
atmosphere of suspense, as the audience is forced to anticipate
an abrupt interruption to the peaceful equilibrium that is iconic
throughout both the Thriller genre and also the Bond films. The
darkness compliments the narrative and characterisation within
the film, as ‘Dryden’ is a traitor selling secrets, therefore he is a
dark character, and ‘Bond’ is a spy therefore lurks undercover in
the shadows.
Sure enough, the equilibrium does change to a more threatening
atmosphere when ‘Dryden’ reaches his office and is confronted
by ‘Bond’ who accuses him of selling secrets to enemies.
However, during the confrontation, the characters begin to
discuss ‘Bond’s’ first kill, which is then shown to the audience.
This is a juxtaposition the calm setting that we are first shown, as
the fight scene for Bond’s first kill is very action-packed and
chaotic.
The opening scene starts with just black and white colouring, which
might be a reference to the fact that many Bond fans wanted the films
to return to the original styling of the 1960’s films and the black and
white effect could have been simply to express that the narrative of
‘Casino Royale’ does contain the 1960’s Bond era elements.
However, it could also be used to create tension and a darker
atmosphere. The dim lights and sickly yellow lighting is also featured,
which might be to contribute to expressing ‘Dryden’s’ character, as he
is a traitor to MI6.
Juxtaposed to this, when ‘Bond’ is remembering his first kill, the
lighting is a very bright white, which is a contrast to the action that
‘Bond’ is performing, as bright, pure white often signifies purity and
innocence.
‘Dryden is shown wearing a very smart, typical business
outfit, which shows his professionalism, even though he is
a traitor to MI6, he still presents himself smartly.
Bond is wearing very dark clothing that keeps him well
hidden in the shadows, which expresses to the audience
the nature of his work as an undercover spy.
The most significant prop within the opening scenes of ‘Casino
Royale’, in my opinion would be the guns that are shown to be
possessed by each character. Within the Thriller genre and also
the Bond collection, guns play a huge part as a piece of
iconography.
Guns are dangerous and have negative connotations and
therefore the characters who possess them are usually
associated to crime and underworld activity.
Bond uses a gun to kill both ‘Dryden’ and his contact.
The confrontation between ‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’ is very
calm and cool, with both actors showing a very relaxed
figure expression and barely blink. When they speak to
each other, they use soft tones that are very calm, yet
serious.
The performance of the characters superbly compliment
the narrative of the film and the mise-en-scene within the
frame; because the cool yet threatening atmosphere that
is created.
However, the fight scene between ‘Bond’ and ‘Dryden’s’
contact breaks the calm figure expressions that the
characters are showing during the conversation, as it
shows the two characters battling for their lives.
‘Casino Royale’ features a variety of typical camera shots and angles
that are used within the Thriller genre. Each shot compliments the
narrative precisely and allows the audience to feel as though they are
part of the action that is unfolding in front of them.
For example, there are close-up shots of the numbers on the lift that
‘Dryden’ is travelling in, this might be to reveal the routine that he
goes through every day and that he is not expecting to be confronted.
Medium Close-up shots are also used, in order to show figure
expression on ‘Dryden’s’ face when he realises that he is not alone in
his office. This allows the audience to become more emotionally
attached with the characters.
Pov shots are also used within the opening scene, in order to feel more
connected with what the character is seeing within the frame, for
example: ‘Dryden’ sees his safe has been opened and there is a pov
shot from his perspective showing the safe open.
There is also the shot reverse shot technique in order to show the
conversation between ‘Bond’ and ‘Dryden’, this allows the
conversation to flow before the audience.
Match on action is also used during the fight scene between ‘Bond’ and
‘Dryden’s’ contact, as the camera movements and angles brilliantly
follow the action to allow the audience to be in the moment.
The editing during the opening scenes of ‘Casino
Royale’ begin with slow paced continuity editing
which keeps the audience calm and relaxed while
watching these scenes, this is increased by the
mise-en-scene that is shown before them, as it is
dark yet peaceful. However, the peace is then
broken when ‘Bond’ is remembering his first kill
and the fight scene between the two characters is
shown through different camera angles that still
use continuity editing, however it is much faster
paced in order to allow the audience to feel more
connected to the action that is on the screen.
The opening scenes of ‘Casino Royale’ contains both diegetic
sound and non-diegetic sound. For example there is eerie, low
volume music playing during the confrontation between
‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’, this example of non-diegetic sound
contributes into creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
Music is also used during the fight scene, in which the volume is
much louder and the music is much more fast paced and
energetic in order to match the scenes shown.
An example of diegetic sound within the opening scene would
be the dialogue between ‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’, which is slow and
relaxed in order to match the music and mise-en-scene. E.g.
Dryden: “To reach double o status it takes…” Bond: “two”
Another example of diegetic sound within the opening scenes,
would be the enhanced sounds of gun shots when Bond shoots
Dryden; this allows the audience to empathise with the actions
within the scene as it is louder so they can almost feel it.