Media A2 film analysis Skyfall

Media A2 film analysis Skyfall

1. Directed by Sam Mendes

   • Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Eon Productions, Sony Pictures Entertainment
     • Cost $200,000,000 to make, grossed $980,000,000

2. Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller

3. Propp's character roles fit perfectly with Skyfall.

   • Narrative: Standalone film. Linear structure- Opening scene establishes action genre. Plot situations associate with the genre such as car chase
     • Setting: British codes, opening in Istanbul takes us to an exotic location, Silva's hideout on an island in Japan. London has iconic landmarks.
       • Technical and Audio codes: Fast paced editing and rapid cuts are conventional for the action genre
         • Lighting during the fighting in China makes it dramatic and tense
         • The use of the bond theme highlights the advent of action at key points in the film, the use of special effects demonstrate the high production value.

4. NARRATIVE

   • Equilibrium is unbalanced at the start with the shooting of bond (which is unexpected), the next second disruption is the cyber crime by Silvia. Reflects sociological context of the time
     • The quest is for Bond to return to active service and stop Silva from killing any more agents, the climax is done in a stereotypical action genre style with high drama and lots of effects. Equilibrium is restored at the end even with the death of M
       • It has a flexi-narrative structure due to Bond not necessarily always being the hero as he is flawed. The narrative is far more complex

5. Representation: The Role of Bond previously was a representation of masculinity

   • We watch Bond's arc of transformation throughout the film. At the start he's hiding,drinking and gambling, as the film progresses he overcomes his physical decline and proves himself
     • We emphasise with bond as he tackles old age, especially with the close ups of him with a tired expression and wrinkles. He has trouble shooting accurately and is reminded of his ageing throughout.
     • Bond's relationship with Silva (and particularly the "interrogation" scene)
       • Silva's unbuttoning of Bond's shirt was done to make Bond feel uncomfortable however Bond approaches it with a comedic sense.

6. SILVA'S REPRESENTATION:

   • Binary opposites theory LEVI STRAUSS shows bond and silva are opposites (hero and villain). But we have a villain who was once a hero (but feels betrayed)
     • WOMEN REPRESENTATION
       • Bond films traditionally portray women in a negative way.
         • M- Represented as powerful- not defined by her body image. Her control over bond shows her power. However her weakness of old age shows through (especially in Skyfall)
           • Severine- She is seduced by Bond, then Bond uses her to get the villain. Traditional of Bond films
             • Eve- shoots Bond, not only has a relationship with Bond briefly but also shown to be at the same level as Bond. Represents a modern twist on Bond women
               • British Codes- The coffins draped in the flags and the blowing up of MI6 shows the weakness of Britain- Bond's power, M's bulldog, and London shows the power of Britain

7. Audience- Fans of Bond films, Fans of Action, Fans of Daniel Craig, Ranges of ages, Women (strong representation of women)

   • Sam Mendes is a well known director - Uses and gratification theory - Its a high concept film - Challenging narrative

8. Marketing- Promotional tie ins such as the Heineken advert - Daniel Craig at the olympics - Posts/websites - Adele song