Gun barrel sequence

The gun barrel sequence is a signature device featured in nearly every James Bond film.^[1] Shot from the point of view of a presumed assassin, it features James Bond walking, turning, and then shooting directly at camera, causing blood to run down the screen. The visuals are usually accompanied by the "James Bond Theme", written by Monty Norman.

Originally designed by Maurice Binder, the sequence has been featured in every James Bond film produced by Eon Productions. While it has retained the same basic elements, it has noticeably evolved throughout the series.^[2] It is one of the most immediately recognizable elements of the franchise and is featured heavily in marketing material for the films and their spin-offs.

The British media historian James Chapman suggests that the sequence is a significant part of the James Bond mythos because it "foregrounds the motif of looking, which is central to the spy genre".^[3]