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Textual Analysis of Scene One

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    James Bond and Vesper Lynd meet on the train

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    Over the shoulder shot is used to show a seatrepresenting the empty void of his much neededother half.

    The seat is then filled by a slim person in black.The colour connotes the mystery behind thisperson and if they are trustworthy or not. InPropps theory there are eight titles that make upevery character for example there is the hero, thevillain, the clown etc. We do not know what titlethis role will fill but Bond already has the positionof hero.

    As we do not see the face of the person in black,we as an audience rely on Bonds reaction of thisperson to help make our minds up. At themoment it is neutral so as the scene develops itwill become clearer.

    The slight track into the train makes us focus onour main character; James Bond. We now knowwhere the action will take place.

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    Here we have an identical close up shot of both the main characters, this connotes that they will have the

    same power. They are even dressed similarly to emphasis their mutual ambition and to convey that theyare both high ranked within their department with smart attire. It is unusual however that a Bond girlwould have such a plain and butch look and it is to represent her opinions of Bond as the majority of herbody is covered and off limits to him as he stares at her up and down. They are even positioned in thefurther part of the screen as if they were shot together in one frame and if put together again then theywould sit together like an item.

    She introduces herself as Vesper Lynd with a extreme close up of her business card. We are in theperspective of Bond and therefore have the need to also check her credentials . Our first initial

    thoughts of her are right and therefore we feel this character is more trustworthy.

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    Aiding humour to the film andthe spy genre, we see a glimpseof a convention of a Bond film.

    Humour is used here by thecontrast of Bonds facialexpressions.

    Here we see a convention ofBonds character. He is astrong drinker but has finetaste in what he drinks, thisis reflected in his clothes,gadgets and his women.

    After the shot of him drinking, the nextshot is taken further away from Vesper. Thisconnotes the lack of the relationship shehas with alcohol and the business mindthat she has.

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    This establishing shot sets the time andlocation which tells the audience that it has

    changed drastically. There is no more greeneryand light in the mise-en-scene but insteadevening in a dark and cold setting. The streetlamps that are visible are barely lit and gettingfurther away. This connotes the progressioninto the plot and the more serious journey thatthey are about to make together. The train

    tracks are also heading towards us as anaudience so there is lots more to come our way.

    As well as time and setting there is also a progression inrelationship and this is connoted through a two-shot. Inthe previous shots they were viewed as separate peoplehowever they are now a unit and their body language is

    more comfortable as they lean in further to another.

    In this shot we see Bond pour Vesper a glass of wine,they are now becoming more accepting and inclined toanother as previously Vesper seemed distant from hisdrinking. It is also notable that they are drinking thesame drink therefore have the same taste and qualityabout themselves.

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    For the next minute or sodialogue is exchanged between

    the pair with mutual bodylanguage and the samecontinuous two- shot.

    However when they start talking about truths and guessing each others back stories, the next sequenceof shots cuts between close ups of each others faces so the audience can see their reactions to what theopposing person is saying, like a voiceover. This was chosen to connote their secretive lives and howtheir defences come back up when they talk about themselves. This is a convention of a spy genre asevery character is very mysterious and it is too early in the plot to have any twists. Their mutualexpression reveals nothing.

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    The deep depth of field focuses on Vesper walking away from Bond. This shot was chosen to make sure

    the audience remember this character and that she is vital to the storyline. Bond is also featured in theshot out of focus, the cinematography makes it appear like Vesper is hovering above his shoulder like agood omen. The positioning also connotes that she is in his thoughts and his concentration is on her.

    When the camera cuts back to Bond, it is at a slight low angle representing Bond as powerful and incontrol still. His bemused reaction lightens the tone of the film and makes the audience feel like he is

    chuffed to meet his match.


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