Review of Skyfall (2012) by Paul K — 20 Nov 2016

James Bond is back and on his fiftieth anniversary, in a film that is smart, well-driven and dark, while also in a film that focuses on wonderfully on the idea of age, in particular with Bond and M.

Opening with a chase in Istanbul, which supposedly concludes with Bond's death, M is forced with retirement and the idea of failure. Falling an attack on MI6, Bond returns, and after several tests, returns into the field, to find the mysterious villain behind the attacks on M and MI6.

The film acts as a terrific homage toward the golden days of Bond, in particular the years of Sean Connery. Skyfall, in my opinion, stands as Craig's second best Bond film, right behind his debut Casino Royale. This film actually does at times feel like the kind of film that would have been released during the time of Connery.

As always, the casting is perfect. Daniel Craig still proves that he's Bond, as does Judi Dench as M. Naomi Harris is a welcome addition as Eve, her depicts her character with a real strong will, not acting as the usual damsel in distress. The same goes with Berenice Marlohe, who depicts Severine, an associate of the mysterious villain. Marlohe is wonderful in the film, also showing a sense of mystery with her character. Ralph Fiennes is also terrific as Mallory, a government representative. Ben Whishaw, in the role of Q, is outstanding, depicting the character in a different way from Desmond Llewelyn and John Cleese. Whishaw shows Q as a younger member of MI6, while this new timeline shows Q and Bond meeting for the first time, in a brilliant scene taking place in a museum. Q also has a larger part in this film, than he did when depicted by Llewelyn or Cleese, which adds to the plot of the film. The real standout is Javier Bardem, who depicts the villainous Raoul Silva. The character appears as a classic Bond villain, similar in style to say Dr. No, while the character mainly has the feel of a thriller villain, a villain with complete mystery who slowly unveils his true plan. Bardem is introduced in a wondrous monologue which starts in an elevator, slowly leading up to his encounter with Bond, tied in a chair. The monologue, probably one of the greatest villain monologues, features rats, oil drums and an island. Bardem and Craig work against each other perfectly, while Bardem also always does the unexpected. Ever since his Oscar winning turn in No Country for Old Men, has Bardem proven that he can depict a villain, and once again here is valuable proof.

Sam Mendes is a great choice as director, taking the franchise in a different direction. While Mendes is mostly known for his dramas, such as American Beauty and Road to Perdition, here he goes in a different direction with a full on action film. The film has drama, but Mendes still honors the legacy of what Bond is. The cinematography by Roger Deakins, a veteran of the Coen Brothers, is brilliant, both stylish and stark, something different for Bond. For England, the lighting is bleak, but for other countries, very light and colorful. Deakins supports the action, in particular a well thought out scene in Shanghai, which involves a neon jellyfish. The final action scene is also well staged. Thomas Newman takes over as composer, taking the score in a different direction, while also bringing something new to the franchise. Newman is a welcome successor to David Arnold. The theme song, Skyfall by Adele, is both dark and supportive of the film, having the feel of a song that would have appeared in one of the Sean Connery films. The theme plays over an outstanding opening credit sequence, which is both eclectic and brilliantly put together.

The film also at times feels like it has a great sense of mixing genres, which it does perfectly. Most of the film does appear like a spy film, but after the appearance of Bardem, it takes on the role of a thriller, almost to the point of a cyber thriller. The film also wonderfully handles its fiftieth anniversary, which is evident throughout the film. The Bond theme makes an appearance throughout most of the film, though it isn't overused, while the film also makes reference to a well-known car that Bond has used in early films. Judi Dench is also given a perfect sendoff, since she is treated as the main Bond girl.

The only issue that I have with the film is that Javier Bardem doesn't have a large role in the film. While Bardem could have been featured more, he is still a strong villain, with a clear goal and motive, which effectively plays out and seems realistic. When Bardem is onscreen he steals the film.

The film ends with the fact that the franchise is moving in a new direction and that Craig is still owning the role, while it is also evident that this franchise, the longest running franchise in history, hasn't lost steam. Job well done everyone.