The latest James Bond film released this November celebrates the 50th anniversary of the entire Bond franchise. Skyfall, directed by Sam Mendes, aids in honoring fifty years of MI6, fascinating villains, and countless “Bond Girls.” Many, myself included, will always hold a special spot for Sean Connery’s role, however Daniel Craig puts up a fierce competition in Skyfall for the best 007.
(Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Although the plot had multiple levels, the movie was fairly predictable, yet this is not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to a classic film adaptation. Fans desire the original glamour and grit that comes with Bond and the missions he is sent on. However the twist that Skyfall possessed was that the mission delved further into his organization of employment than ever before. Exciting incidents and hazardous men and women surround Craig’s Bond at all times, however the main antagonist seems to know M and MI6 a little too well. All spoilers aside, the highlight of the story line was the ease of transition that every occurrence fell into. This installment gave a new meaning to “Everything happens for a reason.”
Apart from the smooth plot, the images and shots in the film were aesthetically pleasing and entranced the viewers with the colors and angles. During the scenes where 007 ventures to the East, the entire set is gorgeous. Extraordinary detail and realism were implemented to highlight the moods of the scenes.
Ask anyone who stood out the most in Skyfall, and it will be Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Vicky Christine Barcelona). His
Silva monologues about his plans to Bond.
depiction of the abandoned insane agent, Silva, is both frightening and realistic. Bardem, who is smiling and charming in his recent GQ article, morphed into a 21st century villain who is equally terrifying as he is so blatantly off his rocker. The most powerful scene in the movie is towards the end of the film between Silva and the almighty M (Judi Dench).
Dench, who has remained with Craig through his three Bond films and brags a total of seven herself, is spectacular as per usual. Her ability to portray nobility and other powerful women make her a perfect M. This film is no exception to her wit and authority as the head of MI6.
Miss Moneypenny is introduced in this film as well. Naomie Harris (Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest/At World’s End) plays Eve Moneypenny, a former field agent suspended from that type of work since she caused 007 to disappear at the beginning of the film.Although she is not considered to be the main Bond girl, she upholds a certain sexual tension between Bond and herself.
Severine and Bond exchange banter at a bar in Skyfall.
The main Bond girl, despite having a limited amount of screen time and purpose, Bérénice Marlohe plays an exotic woman who works for Silva named Sévérine. She leads Bond to her boss and from there she is hardly noticed or missed.
Daniel Craig as James Bond hardly needs an introduction in this film. He emerges as the Bond we know and love. Sure he is haunted by his past a bit, but after all, is there a hero who is not? Besides, Bond finally gets a bit of closure in this film.
Skyfall did the 50th anniversary justice after all. For many it will be a must buy to add to the collection. Out of ten, this twenty-third Bond film earns an 9 for stunning cinematography, an easily followed plot, classic characters and Javier Bardem.
