Evaluation

1.  What were the aims of the script and 9 key frames?
2.  What codes and conventions identified in the textual analysis essay were used in the script and 9 key frames?
3. How was the location report used in the construction of the 9 key frames?
4. How successful was the script ad 9 key frames in achieving the aims?

 
Question 1:
The purpose of the script was to either create a disruption or resolution scene. I chose to do the resolution scene, which is meant to be the last scene from the remake of Skyfall. The script explores my macro study, as well as my hypothesis statement, which is “the representation of men through propaganda, with an element of weakness". Through many aspects, such as: dialogue and stage directions, I was able to convey my thesis statement and macro study within the script. The purpose of the nine keyframes that I created, was to choose the nine most important parts of the script to link with my macro study; the representation of men, through propaganda. I had to show this through the use of location, costume, props, actors, lighting (mise-en-scene) and cinematography (camera angles and shots).

Question 2:

The genre of action and representation of men through propaganda are typical in Bond films. My thesis statement went beyond this to identify the more current approach in films where the action hero is made more realistic by displaying some sort of weakness. In my textual analysis, I identified the strong masculine screen presence portrayed through mise- en- scene, camera angles (cinematography) and also phallic imagery. I used these techniques in my nine keyframes in an attempt to show Bond as very strong and appealing. I used the Gherkin Building as a form of phallic imagery, the lighting in the lab was used so that Bond was always in the lighter side and the camera angles varied to show Bond as both dominant and weak.

Costume wise, I had Bond dressed in smart attire; a black blazer, black tie and white shirt. He’s dressed in black while he’s investigating and killing. However, in the last keyframe as he walks away he takes off the black blazer and tie, leaving him in a plain white shirt. The plain white shirt in the last keyframe is representative of him getting rid of all the impurities (killing). The white shirt does not have the blood stains of killing; the white shirt is the metaphorical way to show that he is now pure.

Question 3:

The location report was an essential tool to influence the construction of my nine keyframes. This was more time-consuming than initially anticipated, as I had three geographically different locations. The location report allowed me to be better prepared for this, as I had to consider all aspects of location prior to taking the shots. In particular, I had to get to St Mary Axe - The Gherkin, with camera and props as well as ensuring that my actor was also there. The location was very busy and we had to be quite patient and allow extra time. I also needed to obtain permission, in order to use the lab for my snapshots. However, the location report allowed me to anticipate these issues in advance and make the necessary arrangements. Therefore I was able to use all three of my chosen locations to construct my nine keyframes.

I have mentioned in my script that Bond takes off his watch and gadgets and throws them in the river. In my location report this was meant to be the River Thames near the Gherkin. However, in reality this was not possible due to timing and loss of daylight. Therefore I had to use the river near my house.

Question 4:

The script was successful in establishing my macro study by focusing on Bond being shown very powerful and strong, through propaganda. The use of the London location and the Union Jack flag portrayed the propaganda I wanted to explore. These were contrasted with the second part of my hypothesis, as the script focused on how Olivia affects Bond, which makes him weak (as he cries after killing her). Therefore this clearly explores my macro and supports my hypothesis statement.

The nine stills that I've chosen are the most effective and essentials parts in the script, as each still highlights something different. Each still is supported by the micro analysis. I decided to create a resolution scene because it leaves a lasting impression in the minds of the audience. Since I wanted to show Bond really strong and powerful, I also wanted to challenge the way heroes are represented throughout an action thriller. This is why I showed Bond being stuck between love and duty, then finally choosing duty by sacrificing his love.   

9 Key Stills

The following images are the nine key stills that I have selected, to act as a visual aid for my screenplay. They capture the main events that occur throughout; incorporating costumes and the location to match, that are described in the screenplay. The scenes are of Bond and his Lady Bond confronting each other, with the death of Lady Bond and the birth of a new Bond, never seen before.

Key Still One

The first image is a close up of Bond juxtaposed against the Gherkin. This is a clear representation of masculinity and propaganda. The Gherkin symbolises the power of Britain and therefore helps portray this image of the country. The camera angle here is low, in order to show Bond as comparable to the tall skyscraper. This phallic imagery gives a strong sense of masculinity.  

Key Still Two

This close up photograph captures the moment when Bond reaches the lab and slowly and quietly closes the lab door behind him, with the gun in his hand. He's standing in the bright side of the lab (mise-en-scene), which is an example of him being a strong positive character. The partially visible yellow and black warning sign on the door is foreshadowing the shocking revelation he is about to experience.

Key Still Three

This is a still of when Lady Bond (Olivia) is introduced with her back faced towards Bond (Audience view) building up the suspense. It is also an example of the male gaze, showing Lady Bond as unprepared and unaware of his presence, giving him the upper hand. This is only temporary as he is the one to be surprised and this is why a medium close up shot is used.

Key Still Four

This is a medium close up shot of Bond frisking Olivia, to check if she has any weapons or gadgets. This happens after Bond finds out that Olivia is a traitor and has betrayed him as well as his country. The ferocious expression on Bond's face shows how confused he is and the dilemma, as to which love he will choose; his country or Olivia? The intimacy in this shot creates a sexual tension, remembering the closeness and passionate relationship that they once shared. As they are both looking into each others eyes, it gives a sense of suspense as well as an insight to the past, as to how romantic their relationship might have been. It also shows that they're both equal in this shot, since they're both looking eye to eye.

Key Still Five

In this photograph, Bond is twisting Olivia's arms in order to tie them up. This shot doesn't show much intimacy between them, as Bond has slightly distanced himself away from her. It clearly shows that Bond has chosen his country over her as he's restraining her to save his country from her clutches. In this still, Bond's dominance is regained as he has power over her. The visible pain on Olivia's face shows how she is contradicting her defiant character.

Key Still Six

This photograph captures the moment when Bond shoots Olivia. He has blind folded her with the British flag, and has tied her hands up. This close up shot is quite ironic, as the image clearly shows how Bond has chosen his duty over love by covering her eyes with the British flag. Also, the fact that she's on the floor and he's stood up, shows his dominance over her in this shot. This backs up my hypothesis about the representation of men, through propaganda. This shot shows how men are dominant over women in confrontations.

Key Still Seven

This is a low angle close up shot of Bond, which portrays his grief and emotions soon after after killing Olivia. This contradicts the usual image of Bond as strong and masculine. It shows that despite being James Bond, the undercover agent from the dark world of espionage, he has a softer side and emotions that are usually kept hidden. He has sacrificed his love for the sake of duty, which shows that duty is his first priority, whether he wants it to be or not. It is the empowerment of the dark world that he hails from, that comes between him and his conflicting emotions.

Key Still Eight

This is another close up shot, which shows Bond throwing away his accessories, such as his gadget watch and cuff links, which are followed by his tie and gun. He throws away everything that makes him the agent 007 - Bond. He is not just throwing away his accessories and gadgets, but his identity as an agent; he is ridding himself of the secret life which is clouded by darkness that prevents him from being an ordinary individual.

Key Still Nine

In this medium close up shot, it shows Bond walking away through the dark tunnel, with his back faced towards the camera. It is an ironic shot, as it shows Bond leaving the world of espionage behind and walking into the light. This is a complete opposite representation of Bond, as he is no longer the agent-007 but an ordinary individual. This image shows the rebirth of a new James Bond, who has left his sense of duty behind, and is moving on. The lighting is another aspect that adds to this, as the place that he's just left is dark, whereas the other side has light coming through, signifying something better. The tunnel also shows feminine empowerment through yonic imagery.

Bond Video: