- Film : Skyfall
- Producer : Eon Productions
- Director : am Mendes
- Star Cast : Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Ben Whishaw...
- Music Director : Thomas Newman
4.5
Daniel Craig, frankly speaking, in the earlier episodes of the movie, has not established himself as “The James Bond” people craved for. Casino Royale had some impressive action for a debutant but Quantam of Solace was an utter disaster for a Bond movie. However, this time, he has come closest to the Bond we all aspire to see on screen. This is by far his best Bond movie without a saying and also one of the finest in the history of the secret agent series. However, he still has to work a little more to be put in the class of other classic Bonds like Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan. How close has he come with Skyfall? Read on and you will have your answer!
Other Ratings
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Deccan
4 Well done, James -
The Times of India
4 The first thing.. -
BharatStudent
Not Yet Rated -
Rediff
4 The new James..
Story
Marking the 50th Anniversary of the hit series by Ian Flemming, Skyfall is a story that is based in Istanbul as agent 007 (Daniel Craig) chases an assassin who has gained top secret information of the identities of all the secret agents based in terrorist organizations. Several action scenes that capture the beauty of Istanbul, an opening scene where oranges are toppled, adrenaline rushing chases and many more do not disappoint. Judi Dench plays the ruthless assassin M and gets Mr Bond killed after he orders a blind shot. The dramatic scene where Bond falls down a tall bridge is sheer brilliance of the cinematography. However, like you all would guess this isn't the end of Bond; he just lays low out of shame, agony and with an intent to escape the eyes of the MI6.
With Bond gone and potential information regarding all the secret agents in his hands, you can only guess what M would do. He blows up their cover and the MI6 headquarters. Bond who was fixed on an early retirement is forced to come out in the light again. M realizes Bond is still behind him as more chases take you to the breathtaking sights of Shangai and London. Bond Girls make their appearance (Bérénice Marlohe and Naomie Harris).
Silva is the one you are looking for the whole movie. Silva (Javier Bardem) is an ex-agent, and like all ex-agents he is evil yet genius. The devilish psychopath is Bond's only nemesis. Finally they have to face each other when Silva tell him more about his past with M and MI6 and the plot gets more labyrinthine, not confusing but deeper.
Bond's history and Silva's thirst to get M and MI6 forms the rest of the plot, discussion of which would only ruin your show without the visuals.
Analysis :
Bond is back and with a bang too! However, you still don't feel the richness and the completeness of a Bond movie. There is something lacking, a nuance but still irritating. Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan have done a commendable job. The debonaire Bond is here, sexier, thoughtful and witty too but he should have been smoother. The nuanced Bond is still not here.
The plot is pretty thorough and labyrinthine to keep you engaged for a little more than two hours. A few times you just feel that the villains go easy on Bond. Childhood nostalgia for Bond seems contrived and forced onto the audience. Bond girls have no role in the movie but to please your eyes. Other than that this would have scored a 5.
Sam Mendes is a genius with his directional skills. There are a few scenes that slack off but at most points you are on the edge of your seats. The underwater part where Bond suffocates was excellent just as a few chase sequences and fights. Roger Denkins brings out the life in the movie with his cinematography. Dapper editing skills from Stuart Baird. The music from Thomas Newman makes the action more fast paced than it is actually. A few references from the old Bond movies and the iconic Aston Martin DB5 are appreciated. The last thing you would complain is about the Special Effects. “Mind-blowing” is a literally possible phenomenon; watch out people!
Humor, British style, terrific action and the perfect villain you wouldn't mind teaming up with (Javier) are perfect reasons you should not even think of letting this movie pass.
Performance :
Daniel Craig is just at his best. Re-read that, 'his' best. Don't compare him with Brosnan or Connery which would only leave you wishing for more, at least for now. Judi Dench as M is neat. Javier Bardem should impress the most critical critics on earth for his performance as the evil genius Silva was earth-shattering. Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe as beautiful as Bond girls but nothing of importance in their characterizations makes you feel a little disappointed. Q does just what he was supposed to do.
Final Word: Get all the gadgets, action, bad villains, bond girls, chases and a little contrived emotion with this episode of the franchise, Skyfall but only if you forget that there were other bonds before this movie.
(AW- Anil)
