“My name is Bond, James Bond” we are not tired of listening to this from the spy every time he introduces himself to someone. But does the name James Bond requires any introduction to the viewers? I don’t think so, because the character is immensely popular to the people worldwide. This fictional character of James Bond, which was created by Ian Flemings in the early fifties, have become so popular that no matter who played the role of the character people have rushed to the theaters to watch this secret agent. Be it Sean Connery or Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton or Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig, everyone has tasted success, thanks to the popularity of the fictional character called James Bond.
‘Dr. No’ was the first James Bond film released in 1962 and with his 23rd film ‘Skyfall’ the spy celebrates his 50th year & what a way to celebrate. The latest film can easily be described as the best among Bond series so far due to various reasons. True, technology has taken many giant steps ahead that can make things look wonderful on screen but this time the visual aspects are not the only thing to appreciate, it’s the story & the way it is narrated that steals the show.
MI agent sent to Turkey has been killed and the hard drive containing information about terrorist organizations is stolen. The film opens with Bond on a mission in Turkey chasing a French national to recover the hard drive, is shot on shoulder by mistake, falls from the running train & is presumed dead. This brings the political pressure on departmental head ‘M’ (once again played by Judi Dench) asking for her early retirement. James Bond returns after an attack on MI6 office & is assigned the job, even though he failed the tests, which was mandatory.
Thereafter begins his journey begins from Shanghai where he confronts the French who escaped in Turkey to Macau to an island with abandoned houses where he meets another MI agent who served under ‘M’ & was captured by Chinese where he was tortured. He wants to kill ‘M’ but is trapped in Bond’s game, is arrested and brought to London. But was he really trapped? Did he play a game because very easily he managed to escape in a well-planned move?
Thus begins the game between the two agents, one wants to kill ‘M’ while the other wants to save her, which leads to a place called ‘Skyfall’ in Scotland where the stunning climax is executed.
There is no doubt that this is just another film on James Bond series but this time get ready to experience a film where the powerful spy had to reinvent himself & had to prove that he still has in it what it needs to be James Bond. It was like a test he needs to pass because the next boss in line had his doubts in Bond’s ability & the agent against whom Bond was fighting, knew that he failed most of the tests. With all odds against him, Bond had a lot at stake.
Director Sam Mendes, who gave us a masterpiece ‘American Beauty’ is back with a bang and has taken the Bond series to a different level with his stylish narration & execution. But it is not just style that leaves the viewers in awe as the strong story with razor sharp dialogues plays important roles too.
The opening sequence of any Bond film has been the highlight so far as it sets the platform on which the rest of the film is based. And the opening sequence in ‘Skyfall’ doesn’t disappoint where Bond is chasing the French national, which is so stylishly executed that it can be categorized as the best chase seen so far, the speeding bikes on the roofs of houses, in the crowded bazaars & then on the running train is not only a visual treat but leaves the viewers stunned with the splendid action that takes place. Especially the fights on the train leave a big impact. If the film began with a stylishly shot sequence, director Sam Mendes presented an equally stylish and power packed climax that is icing on the cake, giving full entertainment to the viewers.
The combination of John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade has come up with a script that has success written all over it. Their efforts as writers are commendable. Stuart Baird’s editing is crisp.
Any action flick when stylishly shot becomes more watchable and cameraman Roger Deakins has done a wonderful job behind the camera. He might even get a nomination for academy award for his work.
Judi Dench as ‘M’ does a good job but looks old. Ralph Fiennes in a small role leaves a mark. Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny is adorable and has a wonderful smile, which is apt to trigger the naughty side of Bond.
Javier Bardem as the agent who wants to kill ‘M’ is excellent. His wrath is justified by deft writing, especially his confrontation with ‘M’ when he is arrested does show how helpless an agent can be at times. Bond undoubtedly had a tough mastermind to handle.
Daniel Craig as James Bond is fantastic. His character this time not that of the Bond we have been watching all these days as the writers have given his character a different shade that is of a person who has to prove himself or reinvent himself. Daniel Craig confirms that he is capable of delivering good performances besides doing stunning fight scenes. Top class performance by him.
If good scripts are not handled properly the end result would be very disappointing, but if it is handled by a talented director, it works wonders. Thankfully Sam Mendes took full advantage of the winner script and presented it stylishly making this 140 minutes entertainer a must watch for film lovers.
If anyone has lost interest in James Bond, then ’Skyfall’ will make him believe in the secret agent once again. Go for it.