The twenty third instalment in the
James Bond franchise (or, rather, the third in this continuity) is a film like
no other. Smart, slick and serious, it delivers on various dramatic levels. Marking
the Fiftieth anniversary of 1962’s Dr.
No, the film is substantially more successful as a celebration than the
Fourtieth; indeed, it is hard to believe that this is in the same series as the
convoluted, garish and plotless Die
Another Day ten years ago. The visual thrills are there, of course, but we
are given a story which is dynamic and consistently engaging from the outset.
Whilst the pre-credit sequence set
amongst the rooftops and railways of Turkey is rather predictable, the action
is brilliantly done and the narrative merges into the opening titles with such
skilful fluidity that the audience remains attentive as ever, the initial bars
of Adele’s vocals setting the mood perfectly.
Nonetheless, it is only with the
introduction of Javier Bardem as the sadistic Raoul Silva that the film really
gets going. Here we have an antagonist who is clever, theatrical and
vindictive, possessing a dark sense of humour; in short everything one would
expect from a Bond villain and more. His Hannibal Lector-esque scene in an MI6
secure prison room is especially brilliant, as is the revelation of a physical
defect which is completely unexpected and all the more unsettling.
M (Judi Dench in what is by far her
best ever performance in the role) is the centrepiece of the story, involving a
vengeful Silva whose threats to eliminate her at all costs pave the way for the
inevitable tragic denouement. She is, for the first time, the lead role in a
plotline which refers back to her past and provokes an anxious 007 to protect
her at all costs. Daniel Craig has built on the emotional and physical
integrity which he began in his first two outings, and appears to be much more
comfortable in the role. It is wonderful that he has now established himself enough
to play Bond with such considerable ease.
This is also the first film in the
entire Bond series in which London is given considerable prominence, as we see
007 sliding down escalators on the Underground and hanging onto Tube trains in
a chase sequence worthy of , which reaches a terrific climax in a Whitehall
meeting room.
The final third of the movie is set
up in rural Highlands of Scotland (perhaps the least likely location in a film
series which has boasted so much exotic scenery over the years) where we are,
for the first time in his fifty year cinematic history, provided with some
family background on James Bond himself, as well as an explanation for the
film’s title. We are introduced to Albert Finney as the gamekeeper Kincade, a
wonderful character whose appearance in any future Bond film would be most
welcome.
Indeed, characterisation is very much
the order of the day in this film, and it will be appreciated by die-hard Bond
fans that the producers have recognised the need to expand on what was missing
from the franchise for so long. So successful it is in this regard, that the few
weaknesses are all too apparent; the interplay between Bond and Eve (Naomi
Harris), for instance, is not expanded upon enough to warrant much affection
from the audience. Nonetheless, the revelation of her true identity at the very
end suggests this will be developed further in future, and we are, thankfully,
spared too much frivolity. Ben Wishaw proves to be an excellent choice as Q,
his scenes retaining the light hearted tone of the classic sequences with
much-missed Desmond Llewellyn, whilst very much making the character his own. The
last scene set in M’s office ties in nicely with the original films in a way
which bookends the rebooted storyline whilst commemorating a worthy milestone.
Skyfall is a superb piece of filmmaking, not
least because of Sam Mendes’ inspired direction on all fronts. This is James
Bond back-to-basics, yet refreshingly different; gritty, realistic, touching, and
highly entertaining from start to finish.
In short, just how Ian Fleming would
have wanted it.
Liam Elvish
27 October 2012
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