Skyfall is the twenty-third installment in the James Bond franchise and Daniel Craig’s third outing as Britain’s finest secret agent. In this epic addition to the iconic franchise, Bond must channel his inner demons and creaking ability to track down Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) a former MI6 operative who has a plot to disgrace, humiliate and kill M (Dame Judi Dench). But after a long absence and a formidable foe, the odds and risks are piling up against the aging Bond.
The James Bond series has cemented itself as the pin point for spy films for over fifty years. The character is one of the most beloved of all time and quintessentially a symbol of Britishness. Being a man in any generation, it is hard not to feel the influence of Bond. Every occasion I get to formally dress in a suit, I cannot resist to swiftly turn to the mirror, pretending to shoot a pistol… I promise/hope that I’m not the only one. Household name does not suffice in summing up the influence the renowned Mr Bond has had upon society. Therefore it is no surprise that one of the spy capers has made a place on my top ten.
Skyfall is my perfect James Bond film. Notice how I say my, as the Bond series has a film for everyone. Just for me Skyfall is the best rounded film that the series has spawned. It entails all the aspects that make Bond brilliant style, humour, action and a wonderful villain. However, Skyfall encompasses the Casino Royale realism that when shaken not stirred, with the expected features of any of the spy capers, what is presented is the perfect balance that will appeal to almost everyone.
The narrative is grand yet well realised (no jetpacks here) with the picture having a great self awareness to where it is aiming to propel the franchise. For instance, there is a tremendous scene in which the Bond’s new Quartermaster (Ben Whilshaw) replies to James’ disappointment at just a gun with “What did you expect, an exploding pen?”. This satire is well formulated and appeals to the fans of the more traditional Bond’s without, well a pen exploding. Sam Mendes here has adopted what can only be described as a ‘Nolanish’ style to his direction, This is no discredit to Mendes, as he has not straight out copied Nolan’s signature traits, but merely adopted and tweaked the relevant attributes to aid Skyfall excel on a cinematic level.
The new shade of Bond which seems is here to stay, has to be owed greatly to what Daniel Craig brings to the super spy role. Similar to Skyfall being strategically rounded, it’s hard not to credit Craig for perfectly balancing all the assets Bond as a character needs. He is sleek, whilst still being physically formidable. It is fair to say that if all the Bond’s were to fight, my money is on Craig. The actor, in his third outing, brings new emotional depth to what many would describe as a cold character. The audience are allowed to see Bond become broken and plunge into uncertainty. Despite there still being plenty of sleek moments that Craig can bite his teeth in to, Skyfall narratives allows him to define himself as the truly talented actor he is.
Skyfall also succeeds in the redefining of the Bond villain. What Javier Bardem brings to the role of Raoul SIlva is tremendous and will go down in Bond history as the iconic turning point, away from the stereotypical evil genius with the volcano layer. Silva as a character is well modernised: the Bond villain of a generation of cyber terrorism, bomb plots and disloyalty. Acted with a playful menace, Bardem secures our belief that this is a foe not to be taken lightly, despite his lack of volcano, choosing to locate in an abandoned island instead (better interest rates available in this tough economic climate). Surrounded by blinking hard drives instead of supermodels, Silva’s threat seems grounded in realism and therefore more relevant to this society.
The narrative sprouts many other gems that will have Bond fans excited, such as the reintroduction of the aforementioned Q (Ben Wilshaw) and Bond’s new interest Miss Moneypenny (Naomie Harris).
Skyfall does not just solely rely upon it’s gripping performances and tremendous story arcs, but also it’s ability to stand as a well crafted piece of art. Shot by the legend that is cinematographer Roger Deakins, there is no doubt that Skyfall is the most beautiful of all the bond films put together. The lighting is truly staggering. The set design flawless. This truly is a work of beauty, you need look no further than the wonderful scene in which Bond has to sneak up on an assassin in a high rise. The lighting and reflections of the many glass panes is jaw droppingly awe inspiring and proof that the action genre is not dead in dull cliche and gaudie violence.
To conclude, watch Skyfall. For all that is holy. This is a spectacle that redefines James Bond, and the future of the beloved franchise. It’s story is great, it’s witt hilarious and it’s action still brilliant. I love this addition and I have faith that if Bond keeps heading in this positive direction we will still be seeing 007 as the hallmark for cinema spies, for 50 years more.
My Rating: 9.4/10
IMDB: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Did You Know?: Skyfall obtained the most number of Academy Award nominations and wins a Bond film has ever earned. Winning two Oscars in Best song and Best Achievement In Sound Editing as well as being nominated in other categories such as best cinematography. This is the first Bond film in forty-seven years to warrant an Oscar and only the third film of the franchise to win an award.
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