Film Review: Skyfall

Directed by: Sam Mendes. Staring Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes. Written by Robert Wade, John Logan and Neal Purvis; inspired by the novels of Sir Ian Fleming. Released: November 2012.

With it being fifty years since Sean Connery first donned the tux as the iconic British Spy, the question of how to keep James Bond relevant and fresh cannot have escaped the minds to all those involved with the twenty-third film in the franchise-Skyfall.

The theme of relevance and old vs. new was prevalent throughout the film, from the start with the classic opening credits to Adel’s theme song of the same name. Does James Bond still have what it takes to get the bad guy? Is Bond still relevant and his “old school” espionage style (originated during the Cold War era) capable of outsmarting this new world of cyber hacking or cyber terrorism, and not the traditional bad guy out for world domination.  There was hardly a scene where this was not brought up to some degree; whether it was Bond’s physical (and mental) health and capability to go up against Silva (Bardem) to the importance of MI6 in the twenty-first century.

One personal favourite example is when Q tells Bond that he can do more damage while on his computer in his pajamas before he finishes his first cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning. Ending the scene with Bond looking unimpressed with his new gun and a radio/tracking device, Q responds “What did you expect, exploding pens? We don’t really go for that anymore.”

Continuing with the old vs. new theme and at the heart of the story and plot is the relationship between M (Dench) and Bond. I can’t think of another Bond film that places such importance on this and explores it as deeply as Skyfall does.  It was a smart move that adds an emotional pull for the audience and adds a depth of character and adds to the characterization and history of Bond and M where we thought we knew everything already.  It makes it more than a regular Bond/action/spy film.  

You can’t have a Bond film without a villain. I’ll admit that when the first photo of Javier Bardem as Silva was released I was a little worried. Here he was again, a bad guy with bad hair. Where they trying to go for another Anton Chigurh? Fortunately that is where the similarities end.  On top of the characterization being different, Bardem’s talent shines through. His physical mannerisms, voice and overall demeanour is all different. DUH! It’s called acting. Not that I ever thought Bardem was a bad actor (watch The Sea Inside and Biutiful for further confirmation).You can tell that Bardem had fun with this. Silva is a great blend of classic Bond villain with a modern edge.

Director Sam Mendes was a bit of a gamble by MGM to direct, but it paid off, literally, with Bond’s biggest opening. Mendes is a genre and character driven director and it is noticeable throughout the film. MGM whose recent financial troubles nearly bankrupt the studio and almost sold the rights to Bond put the film on hold, but once their troubles were over, they fast-tracked the production. MGM also recently announced that Daniel Craig (who once again is a great Bond) has signed on for two more films down the line before he gives up the tux (ending his reign as Bond not long before his 50^th birthday). It’s all full circle in the end, isn’t it?

A Bond fan or not, Skyfall is an entertaining film from start to finish.