I have long been a fan of the James Bond 007 franchise. I think the first film of the series I saw was 'A View To A Kill'. I remember loving the film and finding it exciting. Then came the Timothy Dalton phase which I did not see until later. So it was not until the Pierce Brosnan era that I really got into Bond. Many people ask you 'what is your favourite Bond?' To me that is like asking who your favourite Dr. Who is. It is not a question that I can answer. While I like Pierce, I like the character and think he is great who ever is playing him. Each actor brings their own qualities to the character and makes him so diverse and such an endearing figure in cinema history. I think it is a testament to Eon Productions once headed by Cubby Broccoli and now lead by Barbara Broccoli and Michael J. Wilson that the character has managed to survive so long. They have fought many hard battles to keep the integrity of the character intact and they have to be admired for that. While I admit that sometimes the series has gotten silly and out of control, they have generally been able to steer it back to sensible waters.
I may not be the best person to judge a James Bond film. Whatever the film I always love it the first time I see it. I get so caught up in the thrill of seeing a James Bond film that I over look any flaws the film may have. But I do think that there are very few flaws in 'Skyfall'. On reflection there is just so much going on in the film with the story having so many layers and themes being touched on. The opening action scene certainly sets the pace for the rest of the film. It has one of the best moments in the film, which is in the trailer, when Bond lands on the back of a train and adjusts his cuffs before continuing the chase. For me that moment encapsulates the entire character of James Bond. Despite all the crazy stuff going on around him he is so swave and sophisticated to make sure he looks good while doing it. What I also loved was a greater involvement of M in this film. While M's bosses in British parliament have always been a normally unseen presence in previous films they have a greater influence now. M is under pressure not just politically but personally as well. Other Bond films have tackled personal issues with Bond but this one has him helping out someone else. A someone who is like a surrogate parent to Bond. We then also have the villain reeking havoc on MI6 with his maniacal plans. Perhaps because of MGM's financial woes the writers Neal Pervis, Robert Wade and John Logan had time to work on the script and get it right. Sam Mendes I think is one of those directors that can do no wrong. All his films have been great. He was the perfect choice to direct this film and has the skill to not only make spectacular action but to develop the characters so you care for them more. This is especially true of Bond as we learn more about his history and origins.
As mentioned above I am a fan of Pierce Brosman's version of James Bond, but I do have respect for Daniel Craig's interpretation. It is true what they say that he is more gritty and raw and does not go in for some of the silliness that other Bond's have had to go through. So while he comes across as a killing machine, 'Skyfall' has given Daniel more to work with. He is no longer just a man on a mission but one with a history that shapes who he is. Judi Dench is an actress of such skill and grace that she adds dignity to any film she is in. That is certainly true here and finally she is given more material to work with. Dench encapsulates the role of M so perfectly here with her toughness when she needs to be, as evidenced by a tough decision she needs to make in the beginning of the film. To the soft side when she must put her life in the hands of the man who she possibly unconsciously sees as her son. Javier Bardem has proven before what a skilled actor he can be at playing villains. He is so menacing and evil. Without giving too much away he plays that evil so well once again but with a slightly more flamboyant touch. His opening scene would have to go down as one of the best entrances of a villain in Bond history. Ralph Fiennes makes an excellent introduction as M's boss. He is very good at playing the tough boss role as well as being one who is sympathetic as well. Ben Wishaw is excellent as the new Q. Making the role younger was a wise choice. Also wise was introducing another Bond regular. Although I felt the reveal was a bit forced.
It might be a brilliant Bond film but it is a brilliant film. I plan on seeing it several times in cinemas to fully digest all that is going on. I don't think you need to be a Bond fan to appreciate the greatness.
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