Quantum of Solace
I have just returned from seeing Quantum of Solace with friends, and, let me tell you, it was quite a movie. It definitely had some issues, but I think that the real reason a lot of reviewers didn’t like it was that it didn’t fit into the Bond mold. It broke all the rules. It was new and fresh and pretty damn good.
Quantum of Solace basically picks up where Casino Royale left off, with Bond infuriated and desperate for vengeance. He ditches the gadgets this time, using his physical strength and skills to get what he needs, and he pairs up with a smart, beautiful, athletically talented woman…but he doesn’t sleep with her. That’s right, kids, the Bond girl isn’t the Bond girl.
(But don’t worry, there’s a delightful nod to Goldfinger which I won’t spoil for you, in case you see the film. In fact, there are a lot of nods to older Bond films, and it’s kind of fun to pick through the movie afterwards with a Bond nerd going “oh yeah, and then in that scene…”)
One of the strongest critiques I read pointed out that the film felt a little bit like a trailer, and yeah, that was kind a problem, I’m not going to lie. The film wasn’t perfect, and it had some narrative and stylistic flaws. But there was some kickass cinematography going on, really great ways of presenting scenes and characters. I thought that the non-use of music was really interesting, with scenes speaking for themselves rather than being carried by music, and while I know that exotic locations are part of the allure for some people, I liked the bleak nature of this film. I think it spoke to Bond’s state of mind, and to our state of mind as a collective.
Which reminds me, I absolutely loved the evil plot that this film hinged upon. It was obvious to me within seconds of meeting the bad guy, but they still did a good job of unfolding it and explaining why it was so horrific. Again, no details, because I don’t want to spoil your fun, but I totally dug it.
When I see a Bond, I come for explosions, girls, and shooting things. I got all of those, so I came out happy. But this movie was also more of an emotional exploration and less of a romp, kind of like On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a darker and more real side of Bond’s character which was nice to see.
Tags: reviews
Quantum of Solace is entertaining at least… a fantastic job with the styling and picture quality, but the movie as a whole could stand to lose six or seven fewer chase scenes
i’m so glad you enjoyed this movie as well! and i have to disagree with losing the chase scenes–sure, there are other ways to explore cinematography, but i feel what was done with this movie was great.
and rock on for not sleeping with the Bond girl. that, i thought, was perfect.
Also, the key thing with chase scenes…is that they are integral to the Bond oeuvre. The whole point is watching Bond chase his target across a series of exotic locations!