9 Frame Analysis - Casino Royale

For my 9 Frame Analysis, I looked into the opening sequence of the 007 film, Casino Royale (2006). The action/crime film stars Daniel Craig, as James Bond, as well as Eva Green and Judi Dench. Directed by Martin Campbell.

In my 9 Frame Analysis, I'm going to decipher the techniques the director has used to tell us what the story is about.

*Frame 1*

In this first frame, we can see a man (we do not know who this is yet) picking up a gun from the floor. Our first question is "Who is he?" and also "What is he doing?" This uncertainty creates mystery right from the beginning, which is very effective.

*Frame 2*

As the mysterious man turns around, the classical "Bond" circle camera appears on 007. This signature camera shot is easy to identify and link to a bond film, as it represents the barrel of a gun, which indicates there is going to be a lot of action in the film. 

*Frame 3*

As a shot is heard, the circular camera shrinks and begins to zoom out. As this is happening, the effect of blood runs down, implying that Bond has got his victim. This is the first bit of colour in the sequence, as so far it has been shot as "Film Noir". 

*Frame 4*

This is the Title part of the sequence, of which gives us the first indication of what the film is about. The use of card symbols; diamonds, clubs, hearts and spades suggest that the film is related to gambling/poker or some sort. This looks like a very simplistic frame, but it is very effective.

*Frame 5*

This Frame has a lot of animation going on in the background. We can see a silhouette of James Bond sitting on part of the animation. This shows the effectiveness of the editing, as it is perfectly aligned.

*Frame 6*

In this frame, we can see Bond firing his gun as well as a king. The animation of a heart as a bullet is quite effective, as it could represent love and that he would kill for it, perhaps? However, the animations graceful transact into the next shots.

*Frame 7*

This Frame is a dead give away for what to expect. As the animated figure moves across the screen, the targets in the background change into roulette tables, suggesting that there is going to be conflict with Bond on his mission.

*Frame 8*

In this frame, we witness 3 figures fall to the ground with card symbols stabbed into their bodies. The use of these symbols and the composition of the bodies tells us, again, that there is going to be a lot of deaths to do with the poker game.

*Frame 9*

This final frame, to me, sums the aspect of the film up. First of all, we see a card(s), which represents a game of some sort. The target and bullet holes represent that there is action involved, and the the use of 2 bullet holes beside the "7" to say "007"  is a pretty effective way to end the title sequence.