The opening scene of ‘Casino Royale’ is set in Prague in the Czech Republic. The first scene shows a large office block at night, during a calm and relaxed and typical evening. This creates an atmosphere of suspense, as the audience is forced to anticipate an abrupt interruption to the peaceful equilibrium that is iconic throughout both the Thriller genre and also the Bond films. The darkness compliments the narrative and characterisation within the film, as ‘Dryden’ is a traitor selling secrets, therefore he is a dark character, and ‘Bond’ is a spy therefore lurks undercover in the shadows. Sure enough, the equilibrium does change to a more threatening atmosphere when ‘Dryden’ reaches his office and is confronted by ‘Bond’ who accuses him of selling secrets to enemies. However, during the confrontation, the characters begin to discuss ‘Bond’s’ first kill, which is then shown to the audience. This is a juxtaposition the calm setting that we are first shown, as the fight scene for Bond’s first kill is very action-packed and chaotic.

The opening scene starts with just black and white colouring, which might be a reference to the fact that many Bond fans wanted the films to return to the original styling of the 1960’s films and the black and white effect could have been simply to express that the narrative of ‘Casino Royale’ does contain the 1960’s Bond era elements. However, it could also be used to create tension and a darker atmosphere. The dim lights and sickly yellow lighting is also featured, which might be to contribute to expressing ‘Dryden’s’ character, as he is a traitor to MI6. Juxtaposed to this, when ‘Bond’ is remembering his first kill, the lighting is a very bright white, which is a contrast to the action that ‘Bond’ is performing, as bright, pure white often signifies purity and innocence.

‘ Dryden is shown wearing a very smart, typical business outfit, which shows his professionalism, even though he is a traitor to MI6, he still presents himself smartly. Bond is wearing very dark clothing that keeps him well hidden in the shadows, which expresses to the audience the nature of his work as an undercover spy.

The most significant prop within the opening scenes of ‘Casino Royale’, in my opinion would be the guns that are shown to be possessed by each character. Within the Thriller genre and also the Bond collection, guns play a huge part as a piece of iconography. Guns are dangerous and have negative connotations and therefore the characters who possess them are usually associated to crime and underworld activity. Bond uses a gun to kill both ‘Dryden’ and his contact.

The confrontation between ‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’ is very calm and cool, with both actors showing a very relaxed figure expression and barely blink. When they speak to each other, they use soft tones that are very calm, yet serious. The performance of the characters superbly compliment the narrative of the film and the mise-en-scene within the frame; because the cool yet threatening atmosphere that is created. However, the fight scene between ‘Bond’ and ‘Dryden’s’ contact breaks the calm figure expressions that the characters are showing during the conversation, as it shows the two characters battling for their lives.

‘Casino Royale’ features a variety of typical camera shots and angles that are used within the Thriller genre. Each shot compliments the narrative precisely and allows the audience to feel as though they are part of the action that is unfolding in front of them. For example, there are close-up shots of the numbers on the lift that ‘Dryden’ is travelling in, this might be to reveal the routine that he goes through every day and that he is not expecting to be confronted. Medium Close-up shots are also used, in order to show figure expression on ‘Dryden’s’ face when he realises that he is not alone in his office. This allows the audience to become more emotionally attached with the characters. Pov shots are also used within the opening scene, in order to feel more connected with what the character is seeing within the frame, for example: ‘Dryden’ sees his safe has been opened and there is a pov shot from his perspective showing the safe open. There is also the shot reverse shot technique in order to show the conversation between ‘Bond’ and ‘Dryden’, this allows the conversation to flow before the audience. Match on action is also used during the fight scene between ‘Bond’ and ‘Dryden’s’ contact, as the camera movements and angles brilliantly follow the action to allow the audience to be in the moment.

The editing during the opening scenes of ‘Casino Royale’ begin with slow paced continuity editing which keeps the audience calm and relaxed while watching these scenes, this is increased by the mise-en-scene that is shown before them, as it is dark yet peaceful. However, the peace is then broken when ‘Bond’ is remembering his first kill and the fight scene between the two characters is shown through different camera angles that still use continuity editing, however it is much faster paced in order to allow the audience to feel more connected to the action that is on the screen.

The opening scenes of ‘Casino Royale’ contains both diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound. For example there is eerie, low volume music playing during the confrontation between ‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’, this example of non-diegetic sound contributes into creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Music is also used during the fight scene, in which the volume is much louder and the music is much more fast paced and energetic in order to match the scenes shown. An example of diegetic sound within the opening scene would be the dialogue between ‘Dryden’ and ‘Bond’, which is slow and relaxed in order to match the music and mise-en-scene. E.g. Dryden: “To reach double o status it takes…” Bond: “two” Another example of diegetic sound within the opening scenes, would be the enhanced sounds of gun shots when Bond shoots Dryden; this allows the audience to empathise with the actions within the scene as it is louder so they can almost feel it.