James Bond: Why Casino Royale Rebooted The 007 Franchise

2. The Quest For "Grit"

When discussion around the movie arises, the term ‘gritty’ is thrown around more than Bond during a staircase fight scene. A great example of Casino Royale being a gritty movie is exemplified in none other than the first scene of the movie, which replaces the traditional gunbarrel sequence and opts for a pre-title sequence with a black and white filter.

The scene follows an MI6 informant, Dryden as he is interrogated by Bond, played by Daniel Craig. A back and forth conversation between the two details Bond’s motives. He has been sent to kill Dryden for selling valuable information. As this scene continues, quick camera cuts divert the viewers to flashbacks of a fight scene.

Bond is gasping for air as he grapples with an assailant. Grunts of pain echo throughout the bathroom as the two throw each other into cubicles. Bond’s suit is torn, and his shirt is unbuttoned whilst dripping with sweat. Shaky cam is a familiar face in this scene, following the fight meticulously. Mirrors are shattered, bones are broken and Bond stuffs the attacker’s head in a sink. The camera cuts back to Dryden.

‘Made you feel it, did he?’ He asks Bond.

As the scene continues, Bond cuts off his target’s words with a bullet. Emotionless, he holsters his weapon and walks away. The scene cuts back to the bathroom were Bond is gasping for air, staring down at the attacker who he has dispatched of. No one-liners from Craig, but a cold stare.

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