James Bond films are particularly famous for their flashy titles, but also for the scenes that precede them and set the tone for the big spectacle that follows. Today we return to one of the saga’s best opening sequences: Casino Royale, the feature film that marks Daniel Craig’s debut as Agent 007.
Which is immediately noticeable in this first scene Casino RoyaleA film that’s nearly two decades old (and one that you absolutely have to pause for 16 minutes and 23 seconds to spot the big mistake) is that it’s in black and white. Unprecedented visual choices in the franchise, received for illustration, evocative scenes of the beginnings of the secret agent. With its unsettling calmness interspersed with dazzling flashes of violence, the sequence is sure to captivate the mind.
This opening scene takes place in Prague, Czech Republic. We find Dryden, a high-ranking traitor, going to the sixth floor of a huge building. The atmosphere is icy and the audience seems to be immersed in a film noir. Phil Meheux’s photography is absolutely brilliant, brilliantly playing with the contrast of light and shadow, and Martin Campbell especially calmly captures the cold architecture of the buildings.
When Dryden enters his office, he finds that he is not alone. Lurking in the shadows, James Bond waits to be eliminated, earning the right to be named MI6 agent ’00’. He reveals to her that he killed one of his double agents, and then the audience finds out how he did it: in a crazy violent fight that takes place in the toilet. An ultra-tempo sequence, in saturated black and white, that contrasts the obsessive calm between Bond and Dryden’s face-to-face with the classic black and white.
You can watch the great opening scene of “Casino Royale” below:
After the audience witnesses this violent scene, the action returns to Prague, where James Bond shoots Dryden in the head. Then we find the hero in the toilets, from the back, grabs a pistol, then turns to fire at the double agent and offers fans the new legendary “gun barrel”, that famous shot taken inside a gun barrel.
Blood then runs down the black and white section of the “gun barrel”, then the credits begin. Casino Royalepunctuated by song you know my name By Chris Cornell. and Daniel Craigwho now has the number 007, begins a cinematic adventure that lasts fifteen years and six films.
Casino Royale Trailer:
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
