[Quick Summary: Bond goes into Istanbul to retrieve a Russian defector and decoder machine.]
I find it difficult to maintain a story's rhythm and flow while intercutting between locations. I also loathe exposition dumps.
So I was quite impressed when I read the scene below, which does BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY. It is a marvel of craft and hard work.
NOTE:
- Watch closely as the scene moves from Istanbul ferry boat --> M's office --> Moneypenny's office --> Istanbul office.
- Notice how the taped conversation is the common thread between scenes.
- Also note how well this scene suits cinema in particular. The flow of dialogue + different locations = The audience sees the information is being transmitted to M without being told so.
ON THE FERRY BOAT
...Bond glances around then lowers the front flap of the camera case, revealing a tape recorder.
BOND: Talk into this. Answer my questions quietly but clearly. How long is the machine?
TANIA: Like...like a typewriter....
DISSOLVE TO:
A LARGE TAPE RECORDER
The reels are spinning. PULL BACK to reveal:
INT. 'M'S' OFFICE - DAY
The tape recorder is on "M's' desk and he sits listening. Moneypenny sits beside him taking notes. Across the desk sit a NAVAL OFFICER, an ARMY OFFICER and FOUR OTHER SUPERNUMERARIES. 'M' lights and puffs his pipe.
Bond and Tania's voices come through the speakers:
TANIA'S VOICE: There are twenty-four symbols, sixteen code keys. It is inserted in a slot. And the message comes out on a paper roll from another slot on the other side And the mechanism is...oh, James...James...will you make love to me all the time in England?
BOND'S VOICE: Day and night. Go on about the mechanism....
'M' shuts off the machine.
'M': Thank you, Miss Moneypenny. That's all, that's all.
She gets up and exits past the men. We hear a door close, then 'M' re-starts the tape recorder.
BOND'S VOICE: Later, later.
IN MISS MONEYPENNY'S OFFICE - SAME TIME
Miss Moneypenny flips on her intercom and sits down at her desk. She hears the tape playing in the other room.
...BOND'S VOICE: Go on with what you were telling me...No, not that! The mechanism!
'M's' VOICE (over intercom): Miss Moneypenny, as you're no doubt listening, perhaps you'd take this cable. Text reads...merchandise appears genuine...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. KERIM'S OFFICE - DAY
Bond sits across from Kerim's desk reading the telegram aloud
BOND (overlapping 'M'): '..merchandise appears genuine. Stop. Go ahead with deal. Signed "M".'
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I liked the use of the taped conversation as a common thread to "show, not tell" exposition while intercutting to locations.
From Russia with Love (1963)(undated)
by Richard Maibaum
Adapted by Johanna Harwood
Based on the novel by Ian Fleming
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