Bond then travels to the key location in which the scene is further set, with further establishing shots which are important in giving the audience a clearer pictur of where the action will take place and who will be involved. This suspense and danger is signified mainly by the people who Bond shares a jeep with all with shaven heads, wearing dark overalls, portraying of course an evil darkness. The changing of the music further emphasises this point in which it increases in pace and adds to the present situation by the special effects of explosions in the vicinity, and faster cutting to add speed to the sequence. There is a lot of non-verbal communication going on here, to begin with showing evil signs of danger and authority. Thus the narrative is starting to be built up.
As we see a laboratory, the music transforms to more intricate, computer - like music. It is well lit with people wearing white suits. This connotes that this will be a key location, adding to our knowledge and stirring at our curiosity levels. It also signifies a place of delicacy in comparison to the previous fast and loud scene, hereby adding to the connoted level of meaning within the scene.
A wide shot establishes the next scene as Bond enters an important 'nuclear facility'. We recognise this from the mise-en-scene with people moving about, their clothing, the explosions, warning signs, alarms, etc. These aspects all contribute to a sense of danger. As it cuts to the star - Bond, we can basically understand that he is in a dangerous position, adding to the effect of us as an audience, feeling the danger. This is further signified by Bond being met by a burly, uniformed man with a Russian accent and the juxtaposition of shots from 'below the ground' of warheads being taken from the bunker.
The next key location involves the meeting between Bond and Dr Christmas Jones (Denise Richards). She stands out as a star and her importance is demonstrated within the the scene by being shot removing a clinical, white radiation suit. The camera then tilts to reveal a stunning body drawing a positive reaction from Bond, possibly signifying a possible interest. This encounter with the 'Bond girl is common', however this is the first time in which Bond reaches the nemesis. Whilst they meet and interact, there are many cu's, this connotes that they are both key characters and the 'star' is clearly shown. NVC is important particularly here as Jones' shows no interest in Bond, this perhaps signifies a non-conformist 'Bond girl' who has adapted more to the social beliefs of the late 90's. However, as expected, Bond stays cool throughout, for example when he is questioned by Jones on his Russian, he replies in russian; 'I studied at Oxford', signifying his coolness and his position as our hero is is secured by Jones' double-take as he walks away. The signifiers of 'glamour' further support the 'star quality' of Jones, she is always shot with soft lighting and wears make-up, with a necklace that somehow contrasts with her 'working' clothes of tight shorts and vest. She is portrayed as a strong woman presumably this has been developed through the political changes within society, so in fact she is demonstrating an attitude of the expected 'new 90's woman'. These things are key in connoting 'sexiness' and a love interest.
Throughout this scene, mise-en-scene was very important - a 'spark' was established between two main characters, we learn much about them and also the surroundings that they are both working in.
The next scene begins with Bond entering the bunker. Effects are used here as Bond is travelling downwards, the FX are accompanying him into what is signified as an abyss. There various signifiers at this point, he is shot from a high angle, losing his normal position of authority. He then enters the darkness followed by random, eerie sfx, all connoting danger and risk.
As we are introduced to the setting from Bond's point of view, adding to our empathy, we see low lighting, smoke, controls and explosives. The scene is set with these shots and the audience is quite easily able to gain meaning from the various signifiers.
Our next focus is at the end of a tunnel in which sparks are flying. The scene, again is established through the use of a long shot demonstrating to the audience that they are experiencing a key location of the scene. Following Bond's approach, suspense is added as the mystical Bond music increases pace and we are left to wonder what lies through the tunnel. However, this information is slowly revealed as Bond sees some me working on a nuclear warhead. At this point, we are shown at the same time as Bond, creating a sense of realism and timing. There is a sudden change in the music at this point signifying the presence of Renard whose nvc can be immediately interpreted as villainous. He has a shaven head, wearing a completely dark outfit and is shouting whilst being approached from a high angle. This connotes his power and his sense of evil, being mainly shotin darkness.
Throughout the sequence, the music increases the intensity with the action.This is mainly demonstrated when Bond confronts Renard. As the shot is from Renard's POV at a high angle, this perhaps suggests that Bond is still not on top of things. However, the main focus is on Bond's gun and his 'good' figure is signified by the blue tint of lighting surrounding his face, in comparison to Renard's face of 'darkness'.
Whilst the two of them exchange remarks, the pace is signified through the use of hand-held camera shots with increased cuts, signifying again the 'star status' , although more importantly to the audience, these being the key characters within the film. As the narrative develops, again we learn more about the characters, much of this can in fact be learnt through the signifiers such as, Bond's white shirt in comparison to Renard's fully zipped, dark uniform. Also, Renard's voice connotes an eastern villain, linking to previous Bond sagas. Music does, however play a key part throughout the entire scene.
The iconography does play a large part all through the film, it does not fail to live up to the audiences expectations, for example, the commonly known Bond catchphrase is included 'The names Bond....James Bond' etc. as usual, this is mentioned mid-action on an elevator, whilst saving Dr Christmas Jones whilst Renard escapes. As Bond films have been going for such a long time, it has become easier to distinguish the advance in the technology used over time and how the representaions of this have developed, according to its era. The action is ongoing and Bond doesn't stop until he's achieved his victory. The amazing quality of each Bond film demonstrates just how much effort and money has been put into it, it is completely obvious that it has had a huge budget by just focusing on the use of actors, special effects, cuts and angles, etc.
