Spring Break
Bond finds solace in revenge-tinged flick
Solid, but not spectacular, Quantum of Solace still entertains.
By: Ben Johnson
Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: News
Few characters in cinema today are as iconic as James Bond. Evincing a cool-handed toughness that ladies can't resist and men wish to emulate, Bond epitomizes the image of sophisticated masculinity. Spanning 12 novels, nine short stories, countless video games and 22 films, the James Bond franchise is one of the largest in the Western entertainment industry.
Picking up immediately after where the wildly popular "Casino Royale" left off, "Quantum of Solace" features Daniel Craig in his second role as the devilishly charming 007. After a brief and relatively unsuccessful interrogation of the villain Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), Bond discovers the existence of an enormous but underground criminal organization known as Quantum. What is known is that one of its prominent members is Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), the chairman of an ecological organization called Greene Planet. While matters of geopolitical struggle come to the forefront, it becomes obvious that Bond is more concerned with satisfying his own personal thirst for revenge than obeying orders from his organization.
The character of Bond has the unique quality of being portrayed by six different actors. While Sean Connery is widely regarded as the best Bond, Craig has solidified his position as an actor worthy of carrying the character's prestigious mantle. If "Casino Royale" is to be regarded as a "new" step in the Bond franchise, then it is fair to call "Quantum of Solace" a sequel to "Casino Royale."
In the tradition begun with "Casino Royale," Craig portrays a Bond that is not fully in his element yet. He still exhibits many rogue-ish qualities, and in many ways is still a bit rough around the edges. His technique is not nearly so refined and his most common modus operandi is simply killing. But he has undoubtedly evolved since the events of "Casino Royale," though he is still grievously haunted by the betrayal and death of Vesper Lynd. In regards to other Bond films, "Quantum of Solace" succeeds in making multiple references to the classic motifs and moments from other Bond films. Most notably, David Arnold's (who has scored Bond films since 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies") score for the film uses all the orchestral motifs associated with the classic Bond films. The music echoes strains of modern classical elements as well as pop-oriented themes. In a more direct reference to a previous Bond film, a somewhat unsettling scene depicts Bond discovering a girl he slept with covered in petroleum and lying facedown on a bed, dead and unclothed. The scene matches its "Goldfinger" counterpart in every detail.
A few things are to be noted in criticizing "Quantum of Solace." The first is some of the opening cinematography. The film begins with a car chase sequence that is nearly completely lost in frenzied camera work and jarring cuts. A chase that occurs on foot shortly thereafter is also sufficiently obscured by the chaotic camera work.
Overall, the film is also not quite as good as "Casino Royale," making it slightly disappointing in the light of its predecessor. Otherwise "Quantum of Solace" is an enjoyable action flick and a solid installment in the Bond franchise.
Picking up immediately after where the wildly popular "Casino Royale" left off, "Quantum of Solace" features Daniel Craig in his second role as the devilishly charming 007. After a brief and relatively unsuccessful interrogation of the villain Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), Bond discovers the existence of an enormous but underground criminal organization known as Quantum. What is known is that one of its prominent members is Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), the chairman of an ecological organization called Greene Planet. While matters of geopolitical struggle come to the forefront, it becomes obvious that Bond is more concerned with satisfying his own personal thirst for revenge than obeying orders from his organization.
The character of Bond has the unique quality of being portrayed by six different actors. While Sean Connery is widely regarded as the best Bond, Craig has solidified his position as an actor worthy of carrying the character's prestigious mantle. If "Casino Royale" is to be regarded as a "new" step in the Bond franchise, then it is fair to call "Quantum of Solace" a sequel to "Casino Royale."
In the tradition begun with "Casino Royale," Craig portrays a Bond that is not fully in his element yet. He still exhibits many rogue-ish qualities, and in many ways is still a bit rough around the edges. His technique is not nearly so refined and his most common modus operandi is simply killing. But he has undoubtedly evolved since the events of "Casino Royale," though he is still grievously haunted by the betrayal and death of Vesper Lynd. In regards to other Bond films, "Quantum of Solace" succeeds in making multiple references to the classic motifs and moments from other Bond films. Most notably, David Arnold's (who has scored Bond films since 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies") score for the film uses all the orchestral motifs associated with the classic Bond films. The music echoes strains of modern classical elements as well as pop-oriented themes. In a more direct reference to a previous Bond film, a somewhat unsettling scene depicts Bond discovering a girl he slept with covered in petroleum and lying facedown on a bed, dead and unclothed. The scene matches its "Goldfinger" counterpart in every detail.
A few things are to be noted in criticizing "Quantum of Solace." The first is some of the opening cinematography. The film begins with a car chase sequence that is nearly completely lost in frenzied camera work and jarring cuts. A chase that occurs on foot shortly thereafter is also sufficiently obscured by the chaotic camera work.
Overall, the film is also not quite as good as "Casino Royale," making it slightly disappointing in the light of its predecessor. Otherwise "Quantum of Solace" is an enjoyable action flick and a solid installment in the Bond franchise.
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