Narrative assessment
1) Give 3 examples of the use of action codes are used the film Skyfall and explain how these help to tell the story. (3 marks)
- The relationship between M and James Bond - When M finds out that Bond had been shot (the thought of him being killed) connotations of M being upset are shown, as she turns to look out of the window in sadness
- Silva's sexuality - When Bond is captured, Silva showing suggestive connotations of him being gay, this being shown through Silva stroking Bond's leg, along with caressing his face and chin.
- The relationship between James Bond and Moneypenny - Throughout the film suggestive romantic behaviour is shown through their encounters and work together. One aspect in which this is shown is through a scene towards the end of the film when Bond says "I feel safer now" as Moneypenny appears. Just after this scene Moneypenny reveals her name as throughout the film they had never been formally introduced.
2) Give 3 examples of the use of enigma codes in Skyfall and explain how these keep the audience engaged. (3 marks)
- Agent Hard-drive - When we are first introduced to the film we are shown chase scenes between Bond and the enemy over a hard drive, its not until later in the scene when we uncover why it is actually taking place (The information of other MI6 agents). Throughout the chase scene enigma codes are used to keep the audience guessing and intrigued to see how the scene turns out
- Psycho analysis - 'Skyfall' - When Bond returns after being presumably dead, he has to go through a series of physical and psychological tests. During the Psychological test, one word that is mentioned is "Skyfall" of which triggers something within bond. It isn't till later on in the film, we begin to uncover the play where bond grew up, of which was a place named "Skyfall". As we learn about Bond's upbringing, we realise why he reacts the way he did, also linking to the films name.
- Why Silva is targeting MI6, 'M' in particular - Throughout the film the story follows 'Silva' targeting MI6, in particular 'M'. During the film the audience are left wondering the story behind his hatred towards 'M', its not until later in the film where we discover that 'Silva' is a former MI6 agent who was formally mentored by 'M'. At the time when 'Silva' worked with MI6, 'Silva' was presumably dead, 'M' then dropping him as an agent.
3) Analyse the film's narrative structure using a narrative theory, and argue which event in the film corresponds with each stage of the theory. (8 marks)
- Although 'Skyfall' has some aspects of 'Todorov's Equilibrium Theory', the narrative of the film closely follows 'Robert McKee's Classic Five Part Narrative Theory'. In McKee's theory there are 5 stages for how the narrative is presented, following the stages of 'The Inciting Incident', 'Progressive Complications', 'Crisis', 'Climax' and 'Resolution'. Each of these stages are shown throughout the plot of 'Skyfall', of which follows the storyline of 'James Bond' who is currently played by Daniel Craig.
The stages of this theory are:
- The Inciting Incident - For this part of the theory, this is where something takes place to set things going. As we are first introduced to the film, we are immediately introduced to Bond and Moneypenny, who of which begin to chase Patrice to retrieve the hard-drive which contains information about other MI6 agents. In this scene Moneypenny attempts to shoot Patrice, but accidentally shoots bond instead. As he falls into the river he is presumed dead.
- Progressive Complications - For this part of the theory, this is where the story deepens. A short time after returning to MI6, Bond sets out on the mission to find Patrice. After fighting Bond doesn't have chance to get the names of Patrice's employer before he falls to his death, although he does find a gambling chip. Whilst at the casino he faces a fight scene with some of Silva's employees but he makes it out alive and travels to an abandoned island with Selevine, this is when he first encounters Silva.
- Crisis - For this part of the theory, this is where things become worse and come to a head. As Silva escapes from MI6, he attacks M during a Public Inquiry, luckily M and Bond manage to get away. Bond and M then set off to find cover at his old home at "Skyfall", allowing Q to leave clues for Silva to follow so that he can track down Bond and M, but leaving them enough time to prepare for his attack.
- Climax - For this part of the theory, this is where the opposing forces come head to head. Bond and Silva become head to head at 'Skyfall', Silva puts M's life in the balance. Bond makes it in time to kill Silva, but shortly after M dies in his arms.
- Resolution - For this part of the theory, this is where the main issue is resolved, but the normality may be different from how it was previously. Following M's funeral, Moneypenny is finally formally introduced to to James Bond as "Eve Moneypenny". Of which he discoveres she has retired from field work and has now become Mallory (M)'s secretary. Bond the receives a 'Top Secret' folder ready for his next mission with MI6.
4) Besides the narrative how is the audience engaged by the film? (6 marks)
(clue - you will need to explore the film's content as well as the devices outlines above)
- Lifestyle - Some people dream of being able to have the lifestyle and live the life of James Bond. The way he mixes work and pleasure, the adventures that he experiences and
- Daniel Craig - Some people tend to watch or read certain things due to the appearance of a celebrity. In this case some members of the audience on actually watched the film due to Daniel Craig starring in it.
- Exotic Locations - London, Scotland, Surrey, Berkshire, China, Turkey and Japan.
- James Bond franchise/association -
- The relationship between M and James Bond - When M finds out that Bond had been shot (the thought of him being killed) connotations of M being upset are shown, as she turns to look out of the window in sadness
- Silva's sexuality - When Bond is captured, Silva showing suggestive connotations of him being gay, this being shown through Silva stroking Bond's leg, along with caressing his face and chin.
- The relationship between James Bond and Moneypenny - Throughout the film suggestive romantic behaviour is shown through their encounters and work together. One aspect in which this is shown is through a scene towards the end of the film when Bond says "I feel safer now" as Moneypenny appears. Just after this scene Moneypenny reveals her name as throughout the film they had never been formally introduced.
2) Give 3 examples of the use of enigma codes in Skyfall and explain how these keep the audience engaged. (3 marks)
- Agent Hard-drive - When we are first introduced to the film we are shown chase scenes between Bond and the enemy over a hard drive, its not until later in the scene when we uncover why it is actually taking place (The information of other MI6 agents). Throughout the chase scene enigma codes are used to keep the audience guessing and intrigued to see how the scene turns out
- Psycho analysis - 'Skyfall' - When Bond returns after being presumably dead, he has to go through a series of physical and psychological tests. During the Psychological test, one word that is mentioned is "Skyfall" of which triggers something within bond. It isn't till later on in the film, we begin to uncover the play where bond grew up, of which was a place named "Skyfall". As we learn about Bond's upbringing, we realise why he reacts the way he did, also linking to the films name.
- Why Silva is targeting MI6, 'M' in particular - Throughout the film the story follows 'Silva' targeting MI6, in particular 'M'. During the film the audience are left wondering the story behind his hatred towards 'M', its not until later in the film where we discover that 'Silva' is a former MI6 agent who was formally mentored by 'M'. At the time when 'Silva' worked with MI6, 'Silva' was presumably dead, 'M' then dropping him as an agent.
3) Analyse the film's narrative structure using a narrative theory, and argue which event in the film corresponds with each stage of the theory. (8 marks)
- Although 'Skyfall' has some aspects of 'Todorov's Equilibrium Theory', the narrative of the film closely follows 'Robert McKee's Classic Five Part Narrative Theory'. In McKee's theory there are 5 stages for how the narrative is presented, following the stages of 'The Inciting Incident', 'Progressive Complications', 'Crisis', 'Climax' and 'Resolution'. Each of these stages are shown throughout the plot of 'Skyfall', of which follows the storyline of 'James Bond' who is currently played by Daniel Craig.
The stages of this theory are:
- The Inciting Incident - For this part of the theory, this is where something takes place to set things going. As we are first introduced to the film, we are immediately introduced to Bond and Moneypenny, who of which begin to chase Patrice to retrieve the hard-drive which contains information about other MI6 agents. In this scene Moneypenny attempts to shoot Patrice, but accidentally shoots bond instead. As he falls into the river he is presumed dead.
- Progressive Complications - For this part of the theory, this is where the story deepens. A short time after returning to MI6, Bond sets out on the mission to find Patrice. After fighting Bond doesn't have chance to get the names of Patrice's employer before he falls to his death, although he does find a gambling chip. Whilst at the casino he faces a fight scene with some of Silva's employees but he makes it out alive and travels to an abandoned island with Selevine, this is when he first encounters Silva.
- Crisis - For this part of the theory, this is where things become worse and come to a head. As Silva escapes from MI6, he attacks M during a Public Inquiry, luckily M and Bond manage to get away. Bond and M then set off to find cover at his old home at "Skyfall", allowing Q to leave clues for Silva to follow so that he can track down Bond and M, but leaving them enough time to prepare for his attack.
- Climax - For this part of the theory, this is where the opposing forces come head to head. Bond and Silva become head to head at 'Skyfall', Silva puts M's life in the balance. Bond makes it in time to kill Silva, but shortly after M dies in his arms.
- Resolution - For this part of the theory, this is where the main issue is resolved, but the normality may be different from how it was previously. Following M's funeral, Moneypenny is finally formally introduced to to James Bond as "Eve Moneypenny". Of which he discoveres she has retired from field work and has now become Mallory (M)'s secretary. Bond the receives a 'Top Secret' folder ready for his next mission with MI6.
4) Besides the narrative how is the audience engaged by the film? (6 marks)
(clue - you will need to explore the film's content as well as the devices outlines above)
- Lifestyle - Some people dream of being able to have the lifestyle and live the life of James Bond. The way he mixes work and pleasure, the adventures that he experiences and
- Daniel Craig - Some people tend to watch or read certain things due to the appearance of a celebrity. In this case some members of the audience on actually watched the film due to Daniel Craig starring in it.
- Exotic Locations - London, Scotland, Surrey, Berkshire, China, Turkey and Japan.
- James Bond franchise/association -
Q1- Not bad Emily but I think a more convincing answer on action codes wil in an action film include at least one reference to a specific piece of 'action' such as the nature of Bond and Patrice's relationship shown through the actions of fighting and chasing etc. Your examples are all subtle movements which informs us about the characters' personalities rather than driving the narrative forward. (2)
ReplyDeleteQ2- A good answer Emily, no issues here at all. Good understanding shown (3)
Q3- Quite well argues Emily and I think it's correct that you acknowledge that there are elements of Todorov's theory that you could use. The final section is also debatable- the resolution comes with the death of Silva and the final scene is a kind of epilogue which reminds the audience that there are more Bond adventures to come. (6)
Q4- These are all valid points but you could also consider the genre and the fact that whether it is a Bond film or not, there are high production values which audiences appreciate and also the intertextuality with other Bond films from the franchise which this film features and which regular aficionados of the franchise will appreciate. (4)
15/20 Grade B- in line with your minimum target Emily. Well done