9 Lessons Bond 24 Must Learn From Skyfall

2. Creative Re-envisioning

The sense of a creative re-envisioning of Bond can be imagined on two levels. One is the level of the Bond franchise which, like any franchise, has the danger of becoming worn out by time. The end of the Judi Dench M-era is certainly a signal that Bond is undergoing significant transformation. Much like Star Trek, Bond has been due for a reboot€”which it received with Casino Royale and the first appearance of Craig as Bond. However, one danger with any reboot€”to return to Star Trek€”is the extent to which the new elements of the re-envisioning take the franchise in a direction that will alienate franchise loyalists and new fans. There has been significant discussion of J.J. Abrams' treatment of Star Trek€”especially Star Trek Into Darkness, which upset some diehard fans for its use of the Khan-Kirk-Spock backstory€”and clearly in the case of the Bond franchise, there is a delicate balance between innovation and the canon. One of the successes of Skyfall was the choice of a subdued and allegorical setting (of Skyfall Lodge) for the finale of the film. The location choice, its connection to Bond's life, and its role in the M, Silva, Bond triangle is more than effective. Contrast this vision with the Jason-Borne like sequences of close combat and excessive levels of violence in Quantum of Solace. Like Skyfall, Bond 24 should take renewed approaches to the franchise while not tampering with its most successful kernels. With Sam Mendes at the helm again, we may be lucky enough to see a vision of the franchise that mimics what Christopher Nolan did in the Dark Knight trilogy (save the final film in the series). The second level of creative re-envisioning takes place within the fictional world of Bond. A recurring theme of Skyfall was noted in the hearings that M endured and by comments offered by the soon-to-be M in Ralph Fiennes. Time and again, Judi Dench's M is told that she is "living in the ruins" of sentimentality (about James Bond) and old-fashioned notions about intelligence. What's clear is that Bond and his situation within MI6 have to change with the times. The themes of globalization, post-911 terrorism, and general culture change are reflected in both Quantum of Solace and Skyfall and will perhaps be the most dramatically explored in Bond 24. Because, presumably, Bond 24 cannot be as nostalgic as Skyfall€”one of the key points of the nostalgia was to bring Judi Dench's tenure as M to an end€”there will be a real need to offer further elaboration of the changing Bond world. The "living in the ruins" notions about MI6, old timey Bond gadgets (that the new Q in Skyfall mocks), and Bond's questionable psychological fortitude are all themes that could be further explored in Bond 24. Whatever the case may be, we are fortunate that both Craig and Mendes will be back for the next installment. Let us hope that Bond 24 will continue to grow and explore the theme and variations of Skyfall.