Codes and Conventions of Skyfall

By:Victor Scarabelli

Mise-en-Scene

The costume used in the film was perfect picked as it matches the story line of the film, for example the protagonist wears a suit, this gives the audience the idea of professionalism, authority and potentially a serious character. Also the props and setting was perfectly picked as it help present the film, for example the knife and guns then after they fall to the ground and turn into grave stones, this effects give the audience an idea of action scenes and the gravestone help to Connote death. The low-key lighting and shadows used in the title sequence also add more tension and darkness to the title sequence  for example the scene where the protagonist shoots the shadows which emphasize the audience to believe that there is a lot of unknown characters which are more likely to be the antagonists in the film.

Editing

In the film they decided to use fast pace editing in the action scenes as this way the film can keep the audience engaged to the film and don't get bored with the long scenes. They also used decided to use black screen transition between some scenes as it gives the audience the feeling of mystery.

Sound

The only sound we get  through the title sequence is the soundtrack "Adele - Skyfall" which is the theme song for this Bond film. The theme song is very iconic to a bond film and is a large form of advertisement for the franchise, it is also  a necessity for the title of the theme song to be the same as the actual film e.g. "Skyfall", "Spectre". The soundtrack also often reflects the theme/storyline of the rest of the film in its lyrics for example "This is the end" signifying the end of the MI6 James is used to.

Camera/Cinematography

No consistent pattern, wide variety. Low and high angles (medium long shots, extreme long shots, extreme close-ups, mediums close-ups) of protagonist – James Bond.  Conventionally someone in a placement of power and control, would be shown through low angle shots. Where as someone who is considered weak, would be shown through high angled shots, as if you as the audience are looking down on them.