James Bond In Skyfall - - Part 11

[A Necessary Evil]

One last thing. How could I forget to mention the cinematography? Amazingly gorgeous. Deakins outdid himself. Bond films have always been pretty, but this one stunned me in several locations and scenes.

The scene in shanghai with the jellyfish..easily one of the most beautiful scenes ever put on film.

 

[TheGuy]

Not to start fanboy debates, but which do you think of TDKR and Skyfall has better cinematography? You could probably throw in The Master(did not saw). I'm currently leaning on Skyfall.

 

[Liam_H]

Skyfall easily. I was surprised there weren't more shots in TDKR that amazed me. Even the one with Batman overlooking the city felt shoved in there randomly which lessened the impact.

 

[Slushy]

Whoa this is nuts, a feature length supercut of moments from all of the Bond films showing the evolution of the franchise!

That is amazing!

 

[Dark Raven]

I'm not sure this is the best Bond movie ever but it is definitely top 5 I'd say. Daniel Craig though is without a doubt my favorite Bond.

Here are some thoughts I had:

Spoiler

- Disappointed nothing happened with Quantum. Would've liked some reference of some sort.

- I was glad to see everything come sort of full circle and this movie full re-establishes Craig as the Bond and his Bond-verse and circle of characters. Q, Moneypenny, and now a new male M are all there now.

- Severine was kind of a pointless character. I was a bit underwhelmed with what they did to her. I think what happened on the island should've been a ruse and she would've helped Silva escape or something.

- Harris didn't really have much to do other than become Moneypenny. Now that she's Moneypenny I don't see how they can really explore this relationship very much and establish that they sort of had this casual or holiday romance but just sort of resolved things with her being M's secretary and always having that flirty type of relationship. I think they should've consummated all the flirtations and then end things on the note they did at the end.

- Fantastic music. A lot of great themes between the new Bond theme, the old one, the type of fanfare they made for M and the dead agents, and the Skyfall theme used in the score that if you listen sort of mixes in the classic Bond theme tune into it. It's really neat.

- Adele's theme song is awesome. It's classic old school Bond.

- I was a little underwhelmed there was no big fight with Bond and Silva, but at the same time, Bond's sort of weak and off his game. Having a fist fight I'm not sure if it would've fit the tone of this movie. Like Kincade and Harris pointed out, sometimes the old ways are still the best. Bond stabbed him in the back from close range, pretty much the best and most opportunistic way he could. Bond might not have survived a fist fight with Silva.

Looking forward to the next two movies with this cast. I hope Tanner stays with MI6 and becomes the new Colin Salmon character.

Also FYI, I've seen it twice for free already. Once at the media screening and again at AFI Fest .

Well Tanner can't be the Colin Salmon character, because in the Pierce Brosnan films, Tanner existed alongside Charles Robinson anyway. They got Salmon in for TND when Tanner couldn't reprise his role from GE, but then they had both of them for TWINE. So two separate characters. If they want to bring in Salmon's character, that's fine.

As for Bond and Silva, I think they could've still fought even with Bond in a weakened state. That would've made it more dramatic because he would be the underdog and not able to hold his own properly. Then he could beat Silva by the skin of his teeth, just like Bond would do with these henchmen who outmatched him in old Bond films - eg electrocuting Oddjob. Bond could've found a way by using his wits and defeating him in an unusual way. That's sorely lacking from these current Bonds where he normallyl triumphs by brawn alone.

 

[marvelman2006]

I certainly enjoyed the movie and the action actually helped the movie move along I thought. Javier was great as silva and he was more a combination of heaths joker/ hannibal lecter. Craig was great as always and all the supporitng actors brought there A-game and no one really phoned it in. I will say though I thought it was a big risk with that they did for the last 30 minutes of the movie and it paid off greatly. I do think however the hype for this movie may be a bit over board because while it is a solid and great action movie it is far from the best bond movie.

 

[CConn]

Personally, I didn't think it was nearly as good as everyone is saying. The obvious flaws that stick out to me:

- The plotting was kind of uneven. Not that that's particularly new to James Bond movies, but I'm never a fan of Bond movies were the pacing, structure, and overall meaning of the film changes halfway though the movie.

- Silva bounced back and forth between being a really awesome Ledger-esque villain, to a ridiculously over the top and almost comedic one. Which, I think, was mainly due to poor dialogue moreso than Bardom's performance.

- The dialogue was pretty spotty at times in general. It pretty consistently crossed the line between clever and campy, which definitely kind of disengaged me from an otherwise serious film.

- All of the references to the Connery Bond films were absolutely terrible. Not a single one of them felt natural or organic to the film itself. They all played off as if the writers and director were simply going "Hey guys, look what we're doing! We're tying everything to together, isn't that awesome?!" It wasn't. As most of it was unneeded, and, again, disengaged me while watching it.

- This is more of a personal preference, but I honestly don't like how much they revealed about James Bond's origins. Not because it should be a secret, or because no other movie has done it before, but rather, these Craig movies have done SUCH a great job of characterizing Bond as a really tough, angry and mysterious figure, that I honestly spent most of his three films trying to decipher what it was that made this guy so cold and psychotic, so hardened and resolute, and I think they should've left us guessing as an audience.

Early on in the film, I thought I heard Bond's accent in one scene slip to a more cockney, lower-class British accent, and I loved that. It instantly made me start wondering if all of Bond's sophistication and style was covering up a core that was nothing more than an Everyman, a commoner. And rather than have that mystery continue to exist, we found out everything, and for no real reason outside of needing a place to finish the final act.

Some things I'm okay with, but still not entirely sold on:

- We've known since Casino Royale that Craig's Bond was resolutely different from any of the other Bonds. As I said above, harder and colder than he's ever been before. But I can't help but wonder if what was revealed and what transpired in Skyfall really definitively stated that this is very much a different character from the Bond of the previous films. I can't imagine him ever growing into Sean Connery's Bond. Which, really, isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it certainly is different, and you can feel that stark contrast through most of the film. Even moreso than in CR or QOS.

- The younger and the more expanded supporting cast for Bond also surprised me. In some cases, I think they were a bit too unbelievably young, in others, they merely felt unnecessarily and really distracted from who Craig's Bond is - again, merely more lip service to classic Bond films. Again, not technically bad, but the movie didnt quite sell me on any of it.

Things I did like:

- The action was great, of course. Particularly the first action sequence was one of the best of any Bond movie - and just visually, the entire film was veryin kinetic and engaging.

- All of the actors really did do a nice job with what they had to work with. Craig, Bardom, Dench, etc. we're all great, and definitely added to the quality of the film.

- The score was phenomenal. It really dictated the tone and emotion of the movie in nearly every single scene. And while it might not be as memorable a score as, say, a Stae Wars or Batman, the actual music actually made me FEEL a lot more an those other scores ever did.

- The direction. Sam Mendes is an extremely good director, and it was plainly obviously throughout the entire movie. From the underlying emotional themes he conveyed through imagery and his actors performances, to just the brutal and emotional feeling that he injected into every scene, you could tell he was really putting his all into the film, and trying to make it something massive, meaningful, and definitive.

So yeah, essentially, I think the overall issue with the movie was the script. To me, it seemed like the screenwriters were by far the least talented and skilled people involved in the movie, and that kind of dragged what could've easy been something great - maybe even the greatest - down to merely good.

 

[Marvolo]

I dont think Craig cares much for being Bond. He had this to say to entertainment weekly.

I’ve been trying to get out of this from the very moment I got into it,” Craig said, “but they won’t let me go, and I’ve agreed to do a couple more, but let’s see how this one does, because business is business and if the sh– goes down, I’ve got a contract that somebody will happily wipe their ass with.

Read the rest of the interview here.

popwatch.ew.com/2012/11/09/daniel-craig-007-regret/

 

[A Necessary Evil]

What?! I thought he loved being Bond.

Well that puts a damper on things.

 

[Marvolo]

What?! I thought he loved being Bond.

Well that puts a damper on things.

Based on another bit in the interview where he talks about street urchins calling him the white mans porn and him taking it to heart it seems he may be going through the same Bond blues that Connery did.

“Your privacy disappears. It has a major effect on your life.” He denied any real regret, but Skyfall director Sam Mendes, a longtime friend, said “My insight is that he sacrificed a normal life. And I think there have to be times when he wonders if it was the right thing to do”

Idk folks but it seems craig isnt as thrilled with his tenure as Bond as we are. I understand having seen what connery went through but this definitely isnt what i wanted to read right before goiny to the theater.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Based on another bit in the interview where he talks about street urchins calling him the white mans porn and him taking it to heart it seems he may be going through the same Bond blues that Connery didm

Yeah, but regardless. Other than Layer cake & Girl W/Dragon Tattoo, I don't think he's made that great of films outside of Bond.

Regardless, he shouldn't be complaining, he's getting paid alot of money to do something millions of people (including myself) would love to do.

Hopefully he finds solace (no pun intended) in all the money, fame, and support from his fans.

Also, I gotta call BS on the privacy. Like, okay yeah I get it, don't get me wrong, fame sucks as much as it is good, but he knew Bond was this diverse and culturally significant character.

 

[Marvolo]

Yeah, but regardless. Other than Layer cake & Girl W/Dragon Tattoo, I don't think he's made that great of films outside of Bond.

Regardless, he shouldn't be complaining, he's getting paid alot of money to do something millions of people (including myself) would love to do.

Hopefully he finds solace (no pun intended) in all the money, fame, and support from his fans.

Money isnt the most important thing. I dont really blame him. He has always done more low key films and then bond came along. Now he is hounded by the media and he will always be Bond. He is pretty much type cast but can never live up to that type cast after Bond. He cant be Bond after he quits Bond but neither does he want to be Bond forever. He also seems like a person that might get down and out. Heck he could have some issues with depression. But either way regardless of money or our love of his Bond he is a person and if he wants out or isnt happy with the path he is own who are we to say otherwise, you know?

I do think he should have kept this to himself. He knows the fans are at boiling point and to do this is a gut punch. Then again maybe he is trying to piss Broccoli off so she kicks him out of his contract.

Ive never been able to figure Craig out. Sometimes he seems really sincere and lighthearted then other times he comes across like this. Which makes me think this is the real Craig and the other Craig is him putting on a show because his contract requires him to do media and marketing. Or like i said he suffers mood swings. **** maybe he is fickle like that. Craig has me confused damnit.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

I understand, and I'm not saying Craig does things for the money. I know he's like Bale in the sense of "I hate fame, I just wanna do what I wanna do", and If he hates being 007, that's fine, but also his problem. He knew the risks of signing on for these kinds of movies, let's be fair. It'd be like Radcliffe complaining about Potter, Garfield on Spider-Man, or Ewan as Obi-Wan [though I think I've seen him complain in an interview.]

If he wanted to be relatively low-key, I get that. But don't take the big name & money blockbuster if you don't want what comes with it.

 

[Marvolo]

I understand, and I'm not saying Craig does things for the money. I know he's like Bale in the sense of "I hate fame, I just wanna do what I wanna do", and If he hates being 007, that's fine, but also his problem. He knew the risks of signing on for these kinds of movies, let's be fair. It'd be like Radcliffe complaining about Potter, Garfield on Spider-Man, or Ewan as Obi-Wan [though I think I've seen him complain in an interview.]

If he wanted to be relatively low-key, I get that. But don't take the big name & money blockbuster if you don't want what comes with it.

Yeah all that is true, and maybe it started out well, but now he is having a change of heart. And we really dont know how Craig makes decisions. He doesnt seem to take contracts seriously so when Broccoli asked of he would do two more he said sure why not but not because he wanted to but because he thought 'well that gets them off my back about that and lines up two films and if i change my mind ill just hit the road.' Like i said i think he is just fickle that way.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Possibly. I agree with you that I've never been able to get a solid read on Daniel. It's like you said, sometimes he seems very lighthearted, and kind, and others, just about as cold as Bond can be.

 

[ThreadPool]

Not to start fanboy debates, but which do you think of TDKR and Skyfall has better cinematography? You could probably throw in The Master(did not saw). I'm currently leaning on Skyfall.

No fanboy bs from me. I have not yet seen Skyfall but I could tell just from the tv spots and trailers it was nicely filmed.
While I was a huge fan of TDKR, The Master does trump it in terms of cinematography. (to me anyway) So I can't wait to see Skyfall for a full comparison.

 

[DACrowe]

While I prefer TDKR overall to Skyfall in level of entertainment and engrossment, Skyfall wins handily in terms of cinematography. It is phenomenally amazing.

As for Craig. I am not surprised. A year or so ago while promoting Cowboys and Aliens (gag) I recall him making an off-handed remark about how he didn't like Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan's acting. He doesn't seem a fan of the series and views it more as a stepping stone to getting more prolific work. That is fine. It does not change he is great in the role and does the character tremendously well.

 

[craigdbfan]

I'm on-call today so hopefully when I call in they don't need me at work so I can go watch this bad boy.

 

[Marvolo]

I'm on-call today so hopefully when I call in they don't need me at work so I can go watch this bad boy.

Good luck.

 

[craigdbfan]

Good luck.

Thanks man.

 

[marvelman2006]

Craig should be thankful and not bite the hand that feeds on this one. Before casino royale all he really did was laura croft. And to be honest not alot of his movies are big hits. If I could act I would happily take the bond role and all the fame that comes with it. It reminds me of shia lately bashing his past blockbusters, cant take the money then turn around and complain about it. especially in this economy.

 

[bullets]

I dont think Craig cares much for being Bond. He had this to say to entertainment weekly.

Read the rest of the interview here.

popwatch.ew.com/2012/11/09/daniel-craig-007-regret/

He was drunk in that Rolling Stone interview. I would take those comments with a grain of salt. I'm sure he's afraid of being typecast though. I'm just happy we got him for two more films. It will be incredible if they can maintain the same level of quality.

Not to start fanboy debates, but which do you think of TDKR and Skyfall has better cinematography? You could probably throw in The Master(did not saw). I'm currently leaning on Skyfall.

I would say Skyfall as well. It's a beautiful film.

 

[ThreadPool]

While it doesn't really dampen my enjoyment of a film, it's always nice when the cast and crew involved feel wholly invested in their work.
Ulike how some of the main actors felt about Spider-Man 3 when they were on the press tour. You could tell they were over it. They even outright said it.
My best example would be Nolan's Batman films. I only heard how much they loved the characters and everyone they worked with.
Well, besides Eric Roberts.

 

[THUNDERSTRIKE]

ok, some questions now that I've seen the film about some subtle things that were mentioned about James and his youth...

oh, and I don't know if these points and observations were made earlier, but if so, my apologies... wanted to get these observations down since I got back from the movie... didn't want to forget any points...

[blackout]in the word association segment of the film, obviously the name Skyfall disturbed James and he walked out of the session[/blackout]...

later on, it was said that [blackout]James had a traumatic experience in his childhood[/blackout]...

when M asked James about how old was he when his parents died, James remarked to M that [blackout] she knows everything about what happened at Skyfall with James' traumatic experience [/blackout]

earlier in the film when James was [blackout] Silva's prisoner and Silva was doing his gayplay touchy-feely on James and then had his hands on James' thighs and said that "there's always a first time" to which James replied "how do you know THIS is?" [/blackout]

then later in the film, Kinkaid, the Bond's groundskeeper, mentioned to M that [blackout]James had hid in the tunnel while something happened to his parents[/blackout]

am I reading something here or am I getting the impression and feeling that possibly James [blackout]was abused in his youth?... hence the traumatic experience?... is it possible that James may have been abused by his father Andrew and perhaps his mother Monique may have killed her husband to protect James? [/blackout]

it COULD explain why James can be so detached from the things he does in his job and how he can be such a cruel and cold-hearted bastard when a situation warrants it...

all of these bits of information was brought up but never elaborated on...

hence a possible [blackout]daddy issue with James that was subtly hinted at, but not made overly obvious?...

where in the case of M, on two instances, Silva referred to M as "mother"... was he being facetious or was he being truthful?...

the first instance he called her "mother" was when he removed his false teeth to show her the cyanide scars in his mouth and the second was when he told James it was time to say goodbye to "mother" at the chapel...

earlier in the movie, Silva told M to tell everyone who he really was... minutes later, M told James that he was Tiago Rodriguez... is there more to it than just his true name?... IS M Silva's mother somehow?...

when Silva approached the chapel in his showdown with M, he remarked that "of course, it HAS to be here"... what was THAT remark allabout?

and then a moment later, he sees the graves of Bond's parents and for some reason, he gives a little chuckle like he's enjoying a private joke... strange...

when he saw that M was wounded, he showed honest and genuine concern for her...

and why would Silva put the gun freely in M's hand and put his head next to hers and tell her to use the same bullet to kill the both of them?...

his hatred of M just seems like there's more to it than the "sins" of allowing him to be captured, tortured and then being forced commit suicide when he was a prisoner in the past...

so whereas there's possibly a subtle daddy issue involving James, there seems to be an obvious mommy issue involving M...[/blackout]

just seems like there's more to James' and M's backstory than what was given in the movie... a few comments and remarks in the film, leading to suppositions and assumptions on the viewer's part...

or am I reading something that's not there?...

 

[Matt Mortem]

Just saw Skyfall. I loved every second of it. The homages to the old films put a huge smile on my face and as it ended I was terribly excited about what comes next for Bond. I'm going to see it again tomorrow!!