OWF's BOND EXPERT MARK CLARK HAS SEEN QUANTUM OF SOLACE AT A SPECIAL SCREENING IN LONDON EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON.
HERE IS HIS SPOILER FREE REVIEW...
Im one of those strange characters that first came across James Bond through the pages of an Ian Fleming novel, rather than the pyrotechnics of the big screen. At 8 years old it was a purloined copy of MOONRAKER from the folks bookcase that ensured that 007 would be indelibly burned on my brain. Not long after I got my first glimpse of him on the TV, and at that point Fleming Bond and Hollywood Bond went their separate ways. Ive loved both and sometimes theyve briefly inhabited the same space but in general theyve stayed happily in their own universes. Pretty much until now. Dont get me wrong, the world of Fleming and the world of 007s current incarnation are generations apart in terms of technology, society, and the international stage but its the current film-makers intent, and in particular the man himself as personified by Daniel Craig that have brought the author and the celluloid spy to such close proximity.
You dont have to worry about me., James Bond
In QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the first direct sequel in four and a half decade series, the story screams out of the blocks some moments after Bonds encounter with Mr White (Jesper Christensen) at the end of CASINO ROYALE, and when I say scream I mean it, but were talking about the screaming tyres and metal of a high-octane car chase, not the pitiable sounds of human emotion. Craigs 007 has no room for anything so vulnerable, or if he does its buried so deep in his desire for revenge over Vesper Lynds death that itll need C4 to get it out. And that, in amongst the geo-political twists and turns, is the through-line of this latest installment. From Italy, to Haiti, Austria, the UK, and Bolivia the main motivation is to find out who or what destroyed something he actually loved. Naturally this brings him into conflict with the shadowy group known as Quantum, MI6s erstwhile allies the CIA, and eventually M and MI6 themselves. Along for the vengeance ride is the equally damaged Bolivian/Russian mystery Camille (Olga Kurylenko), first encountered by 007 in Port-au-Prince and in the company of main bad guy Dominick Greene (a wonderfully ruthless Mathieu Amalric). Greene, heading an eco-foundation, is apparently a cog in the shadowy Quantums global wheel, with nothing less than capitalism and western government friendly regime change on the cards. Its Bonds and Camilles sphere of revenge surrounded by the greater treachery of 21st century geo-political ambition. Along the way Bond manages to drag an MI6 pen pusher (Agent Fields, in the shape of Gemma Arterton), and Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini) from the last movie into the mix, and puts himself, them and Camille through some harrowing moments and set-pieces. When the producers said that there was twice as much action this time around they may have under-estimated. There are a couple of real jaw-droppers, and Craig throws himself around like a man possessed. Ill just mention car-door, scaffolding, and parachute and youll see what I mean. Craig has, in the space of just 2 films, taken the role as his own. Constantly on the move, to his enemies hes a cold, cruel weapon of choice, bloodily magnificent; to his matriarchal boss hes inevitably the only choice for any events end-game. Even with his trigger happy tendencies.
If you avoid killing every possible lead it would be greatly appreciated, M.
Marc Forster, taking the helm here after well received work in smaller fare such as MONSTER'S BALL and FINDING NEVERLAND, brings an understanding of human response to extreme circumstances but never forgets what kind of film hes making. He manages to add an artistic and balletic grace to the shoot-out at the Bregenz Opera House and has taken such a sure-footed step into dramatic action cinema that you can only hope hell give it another shot. However, you also cant under-estimate the assistance and influence of 2nd Unit Director Dan Bradley; his work on the BOURNE movies can be seen in one fight scene in particular in what can only be termed as the Bradley Effect. Still, when faced with sequences so kinetic you can hardly complain. They have crafted a fantastic, brilliant piece of entertainment; a sock to the solar-plexus. Ultimately Bonds and Camilles parallel course resolves itself in unison (at least partially) and a recognition and respect of each others damaged purpose. There is no dissuasion from Bond, no mention of higher morality, just the facts about killing. The classic set-piece finale has a coda however, for Bond, and Vesper, but thankfully were given no tidy ending. Theyve just peeled back and burned another layer. He may have put one or two demons to rest but the insidious organisation that is Quantum still exists. Replying to Ms request to have him back, Bond simply replies I never left. With Daniel Craig in his shoes, heres hoping he never does. QUANTUM OF SOLACE is on U.K. release from next Thursday or Nov. 14th in the U.S. Full worldwide dates here.