Skyfall

Skyfall represents the 50th anniversary of James Bond (at the movies) and the team responsible for this new adventure have clearly set out to celebrate the occasion.

With Quantum of Solace following Bonds exploits immediately after Casino Royale, Skyfall instead focusses on a solo mission (with no mention of the dastardly threat that is Quantum). There is also a suggestion that much has happened since the end of Quantum and the beginning of Skyfall. This is only Daniel Craigs third outing as Bond, yet recurring knocks at his age and his physical prowess are scattered throughout.

There's been a four year gap between Quantum and Skyfall, due in no small part to MGM's bankruptcy problems. Despite the gap, more time has been given to the preparation of this particular entry - with some high-profile cast and crew joining the ranks of the James Bond alumni.

Most notable is director, Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition). Mendes collaborator Roger Deakins joins the crew as cinematographer - while Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem join the eclectic cast.

Mendes and his crew have included everything that's been integral to Bonds universe since Dr. No. There's the globe-trotting element for one. Deakins excels here, with many a beautiful and often contrasting vista. I've never really discussed cinematographers before, despite some stunning looking films (Prometheus springs to mind). The visuals in Skyfall are breath-taking however - and certainly one of the main attributes of the film.

Sam Mendes appears to approach his projects with a classical sense of film-making. With Skyfall, he returns Bond to his roots, both literally and figuratively. There is nostalgia seeping from every poor of this movie - with nods to previous incarnations of the character, vehicles and props and an overall sense of (60's) style.

The plot itself is just as engaging as one has come to expect from Bond - with a little more digging in to the characters past, specifically his upbringing. 

Bardem plays Silva - a more formidable foe than Quantums, Dominic Greene. Like the best Bond villains, he has a physical impairment! The inclusion of a couple of killer reptiles is also a welcome addition!

There are a few additions that don't quite work of course. The humour for one is a bit hit and miss. Interestingly the nods to a more light-hearted era fall flat - which leads us to the action beats in the movie. 

Gone is the gritty/close-quarters approach of Casino Royale (undoubtedly inspired by the Bourne series), replaced this time with a sense of sophistication. As thrilling as the action scenes are, it seems the film-makers are endeavouring to reinvigorate Bonds signature style, rather than replicate more modern techniques. Mendes compromises with this film and finds an appropriate middle-ground. If the emphasis is on a lighter tone for forth-coming adventures however, I fear we may lose a harder-edged Bond.

The lasting impression of Skyfall is that of a stand-alone adventure. The film-makers have successfully celebrated Bonds 50th anniversary with this film - and have thrown in an engaging story to boot. Ironically the ending of Skyfall represents that of new beginnings. Craig has apparently signed on for two more Bond adventures (the aforementioned knocks to his health and age somewhat premature then?). 

Here's hoping whoever's involved next time continues in this quest to encapsulate Bond, but with a tad more emphasis on the here and now!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: http://www.empireonline.com