By Dave Worrall
I went to the media
screening of the new James Bond film SkyFall
last night at the "home" of 007 - the Odeon Leicester Square. All
1600 seats were taken, and the buzz of anticipation in the auditorium was
overwhelming. They were not disappointed, as this 23rd film in the series
unfolded in spectacular fashion.
I'm not one
for revealing story lines, and I'm not
about to change that habit here. However, press releases have disclosed the
story (a simple one at that) of Bond being sent in pursuit of a stolen hard
drive that contains the names of secret agents around the world who have
infiltrated terrorist organizations. We soon discover the nemesis behind the
plot, which leads to a vendetta against Mi6 and 'M' - and a scenario that Bond
has to resolve.
All the
"elements" of a big-scale James Bond film are here: stunning
locations, beautiful women, action set-pieces, grand sets, and gadgets and
gimmicks - oh, and characters from the past. This film is director Sam Mendes’
tribute to the 007 films he grew up with, and he delivers big time. For me,
after the disappointment of the lack lustre Quantum
Of Solace, it was a welcome back to the world of Bond of the past - but
only the 21st century past. You cannot compare this film to the Connery or
Moore eras; that would be ridiculous. Times have changed. Audiences have
changed - and so have expectations of a new generation of movie-goers - and
quite rightly so. Bond has changed, too, and is all the better for it.
Producers Broccoli
and Wilson have brought together a brilliant team of craftsmen for this
production, and everyone delivers. From the stunning photography of Roger
Deakins (probably the best-looking Bond film ever), to the superb pacing of editor
Stuart Baird (a joy to behold after the computer game- style cutting of Quantum) and the dazzling set designs of
Dennis Gassner, this really is the "David Lean" of Bond films. Daniel
Kleinman's titles are fantastic, and the Adele title song is the best since
Tina Turner's GoldenEye. The action
set-pieces are spectacular, and handled by past "Bond veterans" Gary
Powell (stunts) Alexander Witt (2nd unit director) and Chris Corbould (special
effects).
The stellar cast is impeccable. Craig is in top form, as is Judi Dench. Javier Bardem makes for
a menacing and memorable villain, and co-supporters Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw,
Naomie Harris and Rory Kinnear come together as a believable "team"
who assist Bond with his mission. Bérénice Marlohe, who looks stunning, is
under-used (when you see the film you will see why). However, that is due to
the script and not a reflection on her ability as an actress.
Which brings me
around to the script. As I said earlier, the plot is fairly simple, but the
dialogue is superb, and there are some excellent humorous one-liners that had
this audience laughing out loud. There are also some "nods to the
past" which the audience loved - with one scene getting a round of
applause and cheering. The violence is pretty full-on and dramatic. It's
definitely not a film for kids.
Are there any flaws?
Yes. But only noticeable to Bond die-hards, not a general audience of
movie-goers. Is it the best Bond film ever? No, but it's up there in the top
five. Would I see it again? I can't wait - and most Bond fans will feel the same after experiencing Skyfall.