Bond is known for its set pieces and immaculately-designed opening sequences. It is praise indeed when we say this one will find its way into the top three of the heap. You sit back, confident that however the film turns out, there will be this sequence that will be part of every ‘best of James Bond’ list.
A still from Spectre.( YouTube)
As always, Bond is pulled up for flattening up buildings in Mexico. And this time, an embattled M( Ralph Fiennes) has a special reason for being captious over 007’s methods: a young upstart C is trying to replace the double-0 programme with drones and big data, and Bond has just given him ammo.
C’s programme makes privacy a thing of the past and the fact that he is played by Sherlock’s Moriarty( Andrew Scott) doesn’t help matters. However, by making snide comments about the “prehistoric” double-0 programme, C actually pushes us in Bond’s corner. Yeah, Bond is a misogynist remnant of a bygone era but we don’t want Moriarty to say it!
A still from Spectre.( YouTube)
Past, meanwhile, is catching up with Bond in Spectre. Judi Dench’s former M sends him a message from the grave and asks him to go on a new mission. “She was not going to let death stop her from doing her duty, ” Craig’s Bond tells Moneypenny( Noamie Harris) with his characteristic dry wit.
This call of duty sends Bond on a chase across some of the most scenic spots in the world - from Rome’s cobbled streets to Swiss Alps to dreamy Tangier and back home to a lit-up London. As Bond blows stuff, goes on high speed chases - both ground and in air, and even fights Dave Bautista who is built on the lines of a tank, Hoyte van Hoytema( Interstellar, Her) captures everything stunningly.