Edition:
November 21, 2008
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Movie Reviewers
Who’d have thought the world’s foremost ecologist would be an evil power broker? No, it’s not Al Gore, but in the most successful movie franchise ever, Daniel Craig reprises his role in the 22nd official Bond film. The ill-fated enemies on Craig’s list get shaken and stirred by the agent seeking vengeance while carrying a license to over-kill.
As the first Bond sequel, “Quantum of Solace” continues where “Casino Royale” (2006) concluded. Both films can be viewed as stand-alone features, but together, they are a terrific set of action thrillers. Co-written by Paul Haggis (“Crash”) and Neal Purvis (“Casino Royale”), the plot doesn’t fully reveal itself until the third reel. However, the continuous and riveting action will hold your interest and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Writing the story, Haggis viewed Bond as a very human and flawed assassin navigating his way through a morally complex and often cynical world. In his re-assessment of right and wrong, Bond doesn’t always make the correct decision. His superior, M (Judi Dench, “Notes on a Scandal”), scolds Bond, “I think you’re so blinded by inconsolable rage that you don’t care who you hurt.” He coolly responds, “You don’t have to worry about me.”
Oh, but she should. Bond is executing his mission with cold shark-like precision. Driving his 500hp Aston Martin as if he stole it, the film begins with a breathtaking car chase, quickly followed by a parkour (urban street running) foot chase on the roofs of Siena, Italy. Doing almost all his own stunts, Craig was injured several times during the filming, which yielded various cuts and bruises plus six surgical screws in his shoulder and the loss of a finger tip.
Having captured the evil Mr. White in “Casino Royale,” it is learned Quantum, the organization that blackmailed Bond’s girlfriend Vesper is far more sinister. Clues lead to exotic Camille (Ukainian actress Olga Kurylenko “Max Payne”) who is seeking her own vendetta. When she learns Bond has not yet caught his foe, she offers, “Tell me when you do, I’d like to know how it feels.” She then leads him to Quantum’s leader.
Dominic Greene (French actor Matheiu Amalric) is a ruthless businessman posing as a tree-hugger. He’s working with the CIA as well as a Bolivian General planning a coup. Greene’s goal is acquisition of seemingly barren land. Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright, “W”) asks his partner, “You know who Greene is and want to put us in bed with him?” His partner sarcastically replies, “Yeah, you’re right; we should just deal with nice people.”
Greene spreads more lies than the California Proposition campaigns. Without physical villain traits, such as a scar or eye patch, Amalric based his portrayal as a cross between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime Minister Tony Blair of England. Greene’s idea of a green planet is making more money than a CEO of a failed bank.
The year 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of novelist Ian Fleming’s birth. Now, only four of his book titles have not been used in the movie series. In this film, only the title and no part of the storyline or characters were used. The peculiar title suggests a “measure of comfort,” which is what Bond sought after his emotional catastrophe in “Casino Royale.”
Craig has removed all doubt about his 007 credentials. In his 002nd film, he has truly become this generation’s Bond. Craig gets 11 costume changes requiring 420 pieces of clothing. No word yet on whether the wardrobe was funded by the Republican Party.
“Quantum of Solace” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, as well as sexual content. At 106 minutes and budget of $200 million, this is the shortest and most expensive Bond film ever. It was filmed on three continents in six different countries. To keep the action in motion, they used 200,000 rounds of blank bullets for the production.
German-born director Marc Forster (“The Kite Runner”) is the first Bond director not from the British Commonwealth. He splices action sequences into a “Bourne” feel, but not quite as effectively. Bitter Bond learns the heaviest thing to carry is a grudge. His enemies learn the Bond style of green peace will forever eliminate their carbon footprints.
Ron’s Rating: A- Leigh’s Rating: B+
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