Quantum of Solace
Every time a new James Bond film is released the publicity machine goes into overdrive, proclaiming the latest movie “The Best Bond ever.” Of course this claim has been disproved multiple times, most recently by the appalling Halle Berry co-starrer, Die Another Day. Now, Quantum of Solace, the latest 007 outing, has been slapped with the same tag. So the big question is whether the film tops the superb Casino Royale, which, frankly, was always going to be difficult to do. Unfortunately, Quantum of Solace doesn’t.
I was always worried about the choice of Marc Forster as Quantum’s director. Forster’s filmography is dominated by thoughtful, character-driven dramas like Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner. None of those films suggested that Forster had the qualities needed to deliver an intense, action-packed Bond film.
As it turns out, in Quantum of Solace, Forster’s pedigree comes through strongly. He handles the character interactions well, and there is plenty of arty, interesting cross-cutting between events. However, for these strengths, he has no clue whatsoever how to handle action sequences. With the exception of an exciting aerial combat sequence, the action is the weakest part of Quantum of Solace – which is a massive failing in a Bond film.
Action scenes are horribly over-edited to the point where it is nearly impossible to work out what is going on. This choppy treatment is frustrating, and robs the action sequences of their exhilaration, as well as the desire of the audience to engage with what they’re seeing. This is in stark contrast to Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale, where long takes and a refusal to film in extreme close-up filled viewers with awe at the impressiveness of Bond’s feats. In that film you really felt the punishment Britain’s top secret agent dished out, and took himself.
The action in Quantum of Solace then is soulless and strangely uninvolving, which perhaps is appropriate given the film’s title. However this lack of emotion extends throughout the whole film. Most of the characters are one dimensional and undeveloped, with only Bond’s interactions with retired European operative René Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini) and sexy agent Fields (Gemma Arterton) providing a spark of heart and humour.
Although it’s understandable given her character’s revenge obsession, Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko), who serves as 007’s main female companion in Quantum, doesn’t get to share any fiery exchanges with James Bond – which Royale’s Vesper Lynd did.
Speaking of which, Quantum of Solace follows on directly from Casino Royale, so if you haven’t seen that film don’t even bother going to see Quantum because you won’t have a clue what is going on, or who many characters are. Quantum of Solace is not a standalone Bond film!
Although it sounds like I’m slamming the film, Quantum of Solace does have its positives. Daniel Craig is still fantastic as James Bond, and the title song (Another Way to Die, by Jack White and Alicia Keys), when accompanied by stylish opening credit visuals, actually works. The film is also refreshingly free of silly gadgets, while keeping the all-important 5-star opulence and exotic locations – which I personally believe are much more important Bond movie components.
It’s just that although fine, Quantum of Solace is ultimately a bit uninvolving and largely forgettable. With this opening chapter in the rebooted Bond franchise finally complete, it’s time to bury Bond’s grief and have him return as the cocky rule breaker who provided audiences with so much thrilling fun in Casino Royale.
I was always worried about the choice of Marc Forster as Quantum’s director. Forster’s filmography is dominated by thoughtful, character-driven dramas like Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner. None of those films suggested that Forster had the qualities needed to deliver an intense, action-packed Bond film.
As it turns out, in Quantum of Solace, Forster’s pedigree comes through strongly. He handles the character interactions well, and there is plenty of arty, interesting cross-cutting between events. However, for these strengths, he has no clue whatsoever how to handle action sequences. With the exception of an exciting aerial combat sequence, the action is the weakest part of Quantum of Solace – which is a massive failing in a Bond film.
Action scenes are horribly over-edited to the point where it is nearly impossible to work out what is going on. This choppy treatment is frustrating, and robs the action sequences of their exhilaration, as well as the desire of the audience to engage with what they’re seeing. This is in stark contrast to Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale, where long takes and a refusal to film in extreme close-up filled viewers with awe at the impressiveness of Bond’s feats. In that film you really felt the punishment Britain’s top secret agent dished out, and took himself.
The action in Quantum of Solace then is soulless and strangely uninvolving, which perhaps is appropriate given the film’s title. However this lack of emotion extends throughout the whole film. Most of the characters are one dimensional and undeveloped, with only Bond’s interactions with retired European operative René Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini) and sexy agent Fields (Gemma Arterton) providing a spark of heart and humour.
Although it’s understandable given her character’s revenge obsession, Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko), who serves as 007’s main female companion in Quantum, doesn’t get to share any fiery exchanges with James Bond – which Royale’s Vesper Lynd did.
Speaking of which, Quantum of Solace follows on directly from Casino Royale, so if you haven’t seen that film don’t even bother going to see Quantum because you won’t have a clue what is going on, or who many characters are. Quantum of Solace is not a standalone Bond film!
Although it sounds like I’m slamming the film, Quantum of Solace does have its positives. Daniel Craig is still fantastic as James Bond, and the title song (Another Way to Die, by Jack White and Alicia Keys), when accompanied by stylish opening credit visuals, actually works. The film is also refreshingly free of silly gadgets, while keeping the all-important 5-star opulence and exotic locations – which I personally believe are much more important Bond movie components.
It’s just that although fine, Quantum of Solace is ultimately a bit uninvolving and largely forgettable. With this opening chapter in the rebooted Bond franchise finally complete, it’s time to bury Bond’s grief and have him return as the cocky rule breaker who provided audiences with so much thrilling fun in Casino Royale.
Comments
However, everyone saying that the movie is crap is, in my opinion (I love the internet) fuck tarts :)
I thought it was a good sum up to the first movie and ties up a lot of loose ends which otherwise go unanswered. I really do suggest knowing fairly well (or watching it again) the first movie.
this wasn't a bond film, it was a action flick. it could have been called "the revenge of mr.white" for all i care.
pathetic.