Art of the title research - Skyfall

Skyfall - Codes of conventions


Sound
Throughout this opening sequence is plays quite a dramatic/ depressing song which connotes that something bad will happen in this film which may cause sadness. This fits in with Todorov's theory of equilibrium as it connotes that the equilibrium the film starts with may be disrupted and with cause sadness or despair as the music is quite dreary and sad. This also fits in with Barthes' theory of enigma code as it leaves the audience wondering why the film starts with a song that starts with 'This is the end' this will make the audience want to carry on watching to see what it means and why it is seen as the end at the start of the film.

Narrative to set the scene

At the start of the film it denotes James Bond floating about under water with a shot wound. This tells the viewers that this character is important and that this part of the film is important as James Bond is the main character. The shot wound connotes that this film will contain a lot of violence and may include death/serious injuries which may be a clue to the plot and what happens throughout this film helping the viewers decide what genre this will be.

Introduction to the main characters
In the opening of Skyfall you are only shown one character which connotes that he will be the main character and will be the main focus of the film. This also connotes that he will be in the middle of most drama/action. The main character had a shot wound which connotes that maybe someone is out to get him or that he has a very dangerous job that could lead to the death of him.

Mise-en-scene to set the scene
In this opening the main character is wearing a suit which connotes that he likes to wear smart things and cares about his appearance. This also connotes that he has an important job and may be quite an important character. This character also has a shot wound which connotes that he is involved in some sort of drama/fight that hasn't really worked out in his favour. This may also connote that he isn't a very lucky character as its the start of the film he has a shot wound. This connotes that he may get wound quite a lot during the film.

Location
 This film opening is set under water which connotes that there is a lot of dangerous situations in this film and that it is an action packed film. This also connotes that maybe the equilibrium has been disrupted and or ruined as it starts of in water where the main character is drowning and maybe dead. This fits in with Todorovs theory of equilibrium as it subverts and shows that the equilibrium has already been ruined. This also fits in with Barthes's theory of the enigma code as the viewers are left wondering why he is in water and why he has been shot. This will make the viewers want to watch the film and have their questions answered.


Opening credits
The film starts by showing that the film involves Albert.R.Broccoli's Eon Productions LTD. Then denotes the actors names that include Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Berenice Lim Marlohe, Ben Wishaw etc. This helps the viewers find out who is in the film and lets them know whether they will like any of the characters or not as it makes them more interested when they realise that an actor they like is in the film. This also connotes that Daniel Craig will definitely be the main focus of the film and will be in the middle of everything that happens.