Skyfall

How is gender portrayed through the opening sequence of Skyfall?

In the beginning of the sequence, we are immediately aware of the genre of the film., which is mostly an action film, but also thriller which is involved. It is also made obvious that there are editing skills, many camera techniques, sound and mise-en- seen. 

People automatically assume that men are dominant compared to women and overall have more power, which is stereotypical. Although it is made clear in the opening sequence  that James Bond is not the one in power because there is a diegetic voice over by women, of which he is taking orders from; this is counter typical. As viewers we can tell that M is an older woman, in an office where she is safe due to the security, which tells us of her importance. As well as this M is in suit and her position of power in the film reflects that the roles are reverse. It is also clear that she is the most important as she is in front of everyone within her office and a wide shot allows us to see this. The continuous dialogue that keeps being ordered to Bond is reminding us of her power over Bond as he is doing everything that she is saying.  This shows that this example of gender in Sky-fall is a counter type as the woman is the most powerful character.

However, Bond is in the category of being one of the main characters because of his masculinity of wearing a suit to highlight his role.  The tracking shot behind Bond shows he is a leader, whilst the over the shoulder shot shows he is compassionate, whilst he tries to save his partners life, even when M tells him to go. Although Bond is told what to do by a woman, he is the archetypal male due to his power and his heroic status, which is shown by non-diegetic sound. Also, the diegetic dialogue of Bond saying “keeps your head down” which reinforces his superiority and control over his female assistant. It also reinforces his protective nature and his care for others. Also, there is a medium close up to sow his posture to present him authority as being a well prepared agent. This represents gender in Skyfall because we are aware that it is counter typical due to Bond being instructed by a women, however it is also stereotypical due to Bond telling his assistant (who is a women) what to do and is a heroic, archetypal male. 

Moneypenny who plays as the sidekick for Bond has a sterotypical role within her character. This is evident because she lets Bond take control and also waits for him in the car, which makes it obvious that he is the one in charge in their relationship. 

 Moneypenny as a character is stereotypical and Conforms to gender expectations by letting the man take control, but does demonstrate some power through a match on action shot and cross cutting to signify the women in control of the situation when she is driving and knocks off a wing mirror, which shows the female gender as counter typical. This also reduces her status of power, because there was a sarcastic comment from Bond when she does this action.