How is gender represented positively and stereotypically in the opening sequence from Skyfall?

Gender is represented both positively and stereotypically in the opening sequence of Skyfall. This is done through the use of mies-en-scene For example we see the wing-mirror smash while Moneypenny is driving which presents the stereotype that women are bad drivers. In contrast we see Bond as the action hero as the lighting is dark to start with which evokes suspense, combined with the smart clothing which is conventional for an action film. The stereotype of men being in control and women being at their service is seen where Moneypenny is waiting outside the building Bond comes out of and picks him up in the car, she is at service to him. Women being stereotypically useless and in need of protection is portrayed where Moneypenny is constantly in the car which protects her on all sides with bullet proof windows whereas bond follows the unknown antagonist on a bike which renders him defenceless. However gender roles are challenged when we see Moneypenny punch out the shattered window of the car as it suggests that she still maintains some control and she is not a fragile being that gender stereotypes proclaim her to be.

Furthermore sound is used effectively to represent certain aspects of gender role while also challenging them. There is the constant diegetic sound of the voice over of M, which suggests that she is the boss, therefore challenging the social perception of men being in power. However the diegetic voice over sounds quite cold-hearted and masculine, meaning that in order for women to be in charge they have to be like men and therefore proving the stereotype of women who are feminine cannot be in charge. The opening sequence constantly uses the diegetic sound of Moneypenny asking for instructions, this reinforces the gender stereotype of men being in power as it is often the office man who instructs her, while also portraying women as useless. Whereas the non-diegetic sound of the music combined with the synchronous sound of the motorbike in the bike chase scene strengthens the idea of Bond being “The man” as motorbikes are perceived as masculine.

The use of camera techniques also portray gender stereotypes and positivities. The sequence begins with a tracking shot of Bond which gives the impression of someone always following him, therefore complying with the action conventions, this portrays Bond to be the action hero of the film. We also see a wide shot of the headquarters which is shot from behind the back of M, which gives the impression that M is in control of everything in the building, therefore contrasting from general gender role receptions of the man being in charge. 

Gender roles are once more fulfilled by the editing techniques used in the opening sequence. W first see an eye line match towards the computer in bonds vision, which suggests that Bond is of main importance, just like an action hero as this complies to the action/thriller conventions. The use of cross-cutting, which cuts between Bond and Moneypenny in Istanbul and M in England contrasts from stereotypical gender role perceptions as it shows that M still holds importance when in a completely different continent to the action, therefore it challenges the idea of men being the most important. Quick cuts are used to reinforce James Bond as the action hero as it makes the scene extremely fast paced.