Contextual Thriller Analysis: 'From Russia With Love'

'From Russia With Love' Film Poster

The opening sequence of the clip began with an establishing shot of a city port. There are boats on the water next to some buildings; the building in the background stands out. This connotes that the clip takes place at a pier in what appears to be Istanbul, Turkey – the location is exotic which indicates that the film is an espionage thriller because they tend to take place in foreign locations.

The asynchronous sound of a boat horn can be heard and is used as a sound bridge between the cut. This connotes that it is a busy port with boats constantly being used. This is further supported by the ambient sound of murmuring from the many people in the next shot.

A cut introduces a long shot of a woman walking up the stairs and being followed by a man. She stands out from the crowd because she is the only one wearing white unlike the others who are wearing grey and blend in, whilst he is the only one person to go up the stairs shortly after her. This connotes that he is a spy of some sort. This has been done not just because it is an espionage thriller sub-genre but to make use of dramatic irony which creates suspense.

This shot fades to a extreme long shot of the woman walking next to a large building. This connotes that she is small and vulnerable. This has been done so that the audience will think she is an easy target which is likely to be ambushed, therefore creating tension. Also, the editing technique was made use of to convey a shift in time from when she was at the pier to where she is now. As well as this, we can hear the asynchronous sound of birds chirping which connotes a sense of peace. This has been shown as an enigma mainly through the fact that we don’t know the identity of the stalker and also through the fact that the audience are deliberating about what could happen to this mysterious woman in such a peaceful setting. 

   

The interior of the building contains low key lighting. The fact that this is an espionage thriller, connotes that somebody could be looming in the shadows waiting. This sets the tone of a thriller as the audience are waiting in anticipation. This is further supported by the long shots which are portrayed because it shows that the building is large and therefore connotes that there are plenty places to hide.

A mid shot of the blonde Bond woman starts the shot reverse shot. They have taken notice of one another which is evident when Bond makes a pointing gesture with his glasses. This connotes that they have something to converse about without drawing attention to themselves. Moreover, the actor appearance of her is an element which pastiches the other James Bond films in the series in which there is usually a (blonde) girl like a femme fatal.

Fast editing shows that the spy has discovered the spy has discovered another spy is after the Bond woman. This connotes that he is trying to put her life out of danger before it is too late. This builds suspense as the audience have yet to find out her fate.

The sound/score of church bells is synchronised with the actions and it can be heard throughout the rest of the clip. This connotes that the object she has placed (which is shown by a tilt shot) is important and what the spy is looking for. This now builds anticipation and suspense because it is now a race between the two spies to get the object.

There is a close up of a pocketwatch/case. He is opening it to reveal a schematic of a building. This connotes that this clue will assist him in his mission and shows that it is a key prop. 

Below is the analysed sequence of 'From Russia With Love' (1963): 

In terms of when I do my short film, I will integrate the codes and conventions of the thriller genre that are used in this espionage thriller. Such as the low key lighting inside the mosque which sets the scene for a typical thriller as the audience are unaware of what will happen but they know that something likely will occur. Another technique I plan on using in my own film from this is the sounds/score which can build tension if used properly e.g. something has or will happen. However, the silence portrayed when the Bond girl was followed can be as equally powerful due to the fact that nothing is happening and the audience are waiting in anxiety which is a key element to what the audience should feel in a thriller film. As well as this, enigmas are an important part of espionage thrillers which is important to consider for my own work as it will keep the audience guessing and therefore creating certain thrills when something is revealed, especially considering my short film is just the opening sequence.