An emphasis on character and motivation makes the 'new' Bond film into something altogether revisionist. Deeply indebted to the style, punch and topicality of the Bourne films - all that hand-to-hand combat in close quarters and urgent existentialism - Casino Royale feels remarkably fresh and worthwhile, thanks largely to the brutish but noble performance of Daniel Craig as the first working-class Bond (at least the first one can imagine having been a squaddie) and the intriguing, tense chemistry with the sublime Judi Dench as M. Few frills in terms of gadgets or throwaway gags - and even the classic theme is notably absent until the character earns it for the closing credits - but a solid, action-packed and serious reinvention of an icon.Bond figures as an icon in discussions of British cinema on the module Movements: A History of European Film at Swansea.
4 comments:
Was Bond supposed to have been a squaddie in an earlier life then?
Well, I suppose he was a navy cadet if you're being literal (and pedantic!). Thing is, he looks and acts as if he could hold his own without gadgets due to boot camp, basic training and occasional leave in the red light districts of various cities. Point is, out of all the Bonds, who would you want beside you in a fight?
No no neither literal or pedantic, I just didn't know. Sean Connery seemed fairly useful, but as for Roger or Tim, eh, no, I see your point :c)
An excellent Bond experience! The story holds together well, there's a real sense of setting up the character (and, perhaps, a whole new pathway for the franchise) and a grittier 007 in Craig. I agree the scenes between him and M are fantastic and he's really won me (a true Brosnan fan!) over. The flowery opening titles arguably do not present the right atmosphere but I did like the house of cards effect to the killings. Main drawback? - the terrorists are a little toothless and Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen) not enough of a baddie!!!
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