50 years. It's almost astounding that Bond has made it this long, when Sean Connery first uttered those immortal words, "Bond. James Bond." That the series has now survived the bankruptcy of MGM is a testament to its lasting power. It's a part of our world culture now, as Bond stands as a representation of our ideal selves. Suave, sophisticated, Bond is the man we'd all like to be.
Until 1995's GoldenEye, Bond had never really been held to the fire regarding his ruthless killing streak. Bond has always killed in cold blood, but now we've arrived at a Bond who feels the consequences of his actions. He doesn't always come out of a firefight unscathed, and the deaths of those around him effect him even more.
Casino Royale (2006) laid the groundwork in what was a refreshing reboot of the Bond franchise, bringing a meaner, leaner Bond into the mix. But that was squandered in the problematic Quantum of Solace (2008) which forgot Bond's true roots, and instead imitated the Bourne films. After MGM declared bankruptcy, there was the threat that Bond might not return.
But now he's back, and Skyfall, the 23rd entry in the long running franchise, finally delivers on the promise established six years ago. Helmed by Sam Mendes, who proved he had a knack for action with 2002's Road to Perdition, this Bond delivers with several action sequences and one of the series best villains, who is less interested in global domination (which we've seen so many times) but instead carrying out a personal vendetta against MI6. It brings the fight to Bond in a way we've never seen in the series before, and M, played by the always astounding Judi Dench, is given the largest role we've seen for the character. She's essentially a co-star, not a supporting one.
The film, to my chagrin, does not open with the classic gun barrel, something Quantum of Solace surely should have done. Not to spoil to much but my worries that we might never see famous white dots again was put to rest at the end. What we do get are spectacular locations, including an opening chase scene that takes bond from a Jeep to motorcycle to the roof a train. It ranks up there with the best of them, and I was exhilarated during the entire event. It ends with a poor judgment call on M's part that leads to Bonds apparent death, but since we haven't seen the opening titles we know Bond will somehow survive.
The result is a Bond who, after 3 months away, returns when MI6 is bombed, and must return to the field of duty despite his less then prepared state. Many franchises have tried this before, most notably Pierce Brosnan's last foray as Bond Die Another Day (2002), which saw Bond held and tortured for a year. The hit TV show 24 also saw its hero Jack Bauer tortured for 18 months before returning the the fold. In both instances, though, they wave off the torture and perform some physically amazing stunts. And while Bond does do some spectacular things, there is a sense that he is wounded, that he's not always up the task. His poor aim spells death for one unfortunate character, where he might have saved her.
Even the final fight, which takes place in most unexpected location, is completely different from every Bond finale we've seen before. The stakes are higher, and the world is less threatened by the ensuing battle and its outcome. Bond fights for himself and other key players, and not for the safety of the world at large. It still manages to deliver on several fronts, as a satisfying action sequence and pulse-pounding thrill ride.
All of this is photographed by Roger Deakins, the Coen Bros.' go-to cinematographer, who brings a new look to Bond that fits the series well, Several fights are staged in darkened areas, as silhouettes against bright backdrops. The fact that this man has never won an Oscar is astonishing.
Bond is back. And hopefully the good will established in this film won't be squandered in the 24th entry. I should also mention the spectacular cast surrounding it all, including Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem as the villain, Ben Wishaw as the new Q, and Albert Finney.
