Skyfall, 2012.
Directed by Sam Mendes.
Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Albert Finney, Bérénice Marlohe, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinnear, Ola Rapace and Ben Wishaw.
SYNOPSIS:
Things get personal for Bond and M as a dark shadow from her past returns seeking revenge for what is perceived as ill treatment.
Upon first viewing I walked out of the cinema feeling deflated, a little underwhelmed by what I had just seen. It was good, but I didn’t see what all the fuss was about, and for that I was disappointed in myself that I wasn’t “getting it”. This had happened to me before, with another film that I anticipated like no other and has since gone on to be my favourite film. Strange coincidence then, since that film also happened to be an inspiration for Sam Mendes when making Skyfall. And so on my second viewing I left feeling what most others had: Skyfall is brilliant.
Action-wise – let’s get that out of the way first – it doesn’t quite live up to Casino Royale’s numerous pulsating action set pieces, but that’s not to say it falters The pre-credits sequence is mightily impressive in its ingenuity as Bond races across the rooftops of Istanbul on a motorbike, and the final action piece of the film matches the emotional stakes in a fiery showdown on personal ground for Bond.
Not living up to the breathtaking action of Casino Royale is not a criticism, not all sequels have to go bigger and bolder, not when you ramp up the personal stakes and focus on character. Which in this case is Bond and M. Judi Dench has been nothing short of fabulous as M, and since the reboot of the franchise in 2006 she has had a bigger role, having a relationship of mutual respect and admiration with Bond. She shines in this outing, given a very central role as her perceived sins come back to haunt her. Fear, determination and a symbolic stiff upper British lip encompass M throughout this film, all wonderfully encapsulated by Dench.
Bond of course is, after an incident during a mission, worn out and played out, wondering why he came back at all. Craig has without a doubt had the greatest range to play with as Bond; from 00 rookie, newly qualified know it all, infatuated lover and broken man, the emotional spectrum of his character has been wide and that trend continues with a very personal performance in which Craig delivers on every level.
As for the rest of the cast there are some worthy performances befitting of the movie and its main characters; Ben Whishaw brings Q back to life with a performance that opens up many doors for a great dynamic with Bond, and Ralph Fiennes, without giving too much away, will be a great addition to Bond lore. Of course I would be remiss if I did not mention Javier Bardem, there is nothing I could say about his performance or his character that has not already been said, and lacking the vocabulary to come up with some fancy words to describe the slivering, disturbing character he creates, I’ll simply say you’ll wish there was more of him on screen than there is, as when he is it’s electrifying.
Something that will stand out immediately is how beautiful this film is with Roger Deakins’ breathtaking cinematography; from the electronically lit netherworld of Shanghai to the glowing fiery hue of Macau the film is a visual feast, and that’s not mentioning the exquisite shots of London which is shown in all her glory. And along with a sequence in the Scottish Highlands, it’s great to see the UK getting pride of place in this most special of Bond years.
In closing, Skyfall reminds me of From Russia with Love in its old school approach; no gadgets, no absurd plot, just a raw and captivating story about the personal cost and burdens of life on the front line of our secret and now undefinable wars in the 21st century. And this is Skyfall’s secret, its force majeure – watching Bond and M endure such trials and strength of character is where the film stands out above all.
I’m not sure many people need persuading to see a Bond movie, but if you do, this is not one you want to miss. Bond is back, and it was worth the wait.
Flickering Myth Rating: Film ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Martin Deer
Originally published October 31, 2012. Updated April 11, 2018.
