How is gender represented in the opening sequence of Skyfall through the use of camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene?

Gender is represented both positively and negatively in the opening sequence of Skyfall. This is shown through the use of sound, camera, editing and mise-en-scene.

Firstly positivity is shown with James Bond when we hear a non-diegetic sound in the background to re-enforce Bond as a hero and that he is determined. We also hear a diegetic sound when M is speaking to Bond instructing him on what to do, this diegetic sound creates a more diverse atmosphere as the woman is controlling the man. The music also symbolises where Bond is, when he gets into the car there is change in the music from when he is chasing the man he is trying to shoot from a softer tone to a more intense tone. Another positive way Bond acts is when he is shown to be more powerful as he controls Money Penny but in a positive way by directing her and telling her to keep down from being shot. But negativity is shown in sound when Bond is being patronising to Money Penny when she is telling him to do something he doesn’t agree with.

Secondly the camera is following Bond from behind which is positive as it shows his attributes as being important and as if he is being protective. On the other hand we see a wide shot of M which shows a deep focus of the room to show that M is extremely important which is why a medium shot is taken of M when she starts to control Bond.

Thirdly there are many editing techniques used, we see at the start a positivity of James Bond when there is a shot reverse shot of Bond caring for the man who has just been shot even though M is telling him to leave it as they don’t have time. A key technique used is cross cutting this happens between 2 scenes that are happening at the same time which reveals gender stereotypes of a woman in a clean office and a man out in the field with the woman being M and the man being Bond. There is a close up of Bond when he is out the car firing bullets, there is also an eye line match shown here to show his power and initiative. There are also quick cuts in the scene to emphasise on the violence.

Lastly the clothing is shown to be negative and positive. M is dressed more masculine, she is wearing a suit and the office she works in is quite masculine of grey and blue colours, which are also cold colours. Bond is dressed very smart in a suit, which shows his hierarchy level.  Furthermore at the start there is dark lighting which creates a more mysterious atmosphere. There are props used such as guns and phones. As part of mise-en-scene the actors show stereotypes as the woman driving closes the wing mirrors highlights how woman are bad drivers which is a negative of gender for woman. It also shows another negative when Money Penny is waiting on James Bond, she is represented as James Bonds assistant.

Overall there is more positivity shown than negatively, however in Skyfall men are represented of a hierarchy level than woman.