4 replies to this topic

[jaguar007]

Last night the Broadway Theater in Portland decided to do a Bond double feature and show Casino Royale at 9PM followed by the midnight showing of Quantum of Solace. Seeing Casino Royale again on the big screen gave me some new thoughts on the movie, but more about that later.

Quantum of Solace is certainly a different movie. As many have stated, it does not feel like a James Bond movie. Not only does it not feel like a James Bond movie, it does not feel like a big budget Hollywood blockbuster film at all. It feels like a European independent action film. More like La Femme Nikita or The Professional than Bond, or Bourne for that matter. Many people have called this movie "a mess". I can see how someone who likes mainstream Hollywood films would feel that way, however if you enjoy foreign films or more arthouse type films, you will enjoy Quantum of Solace. It does follow the James Bond formula, it is just filmed and edited differently.

The first 1/2 hour or so does seem a bit rushed, but the remainder of the film flows very well. Olfa Kurylenko is attractive but Gemma Arterton certainly has more screen charisma. It is too bad her role was so small. Daniel Craig once again proves that he has what it takes to be a fantastic 007. I had heard some some people complain that Bond was a stone faced killer with no humor or personality and nothing could be further from the truth.

Had Quantum of Solace been released as a non-Bond film, it would not be doing huge box office, but the reviews would be much better. It would find a cult following and many critics would be calling this an artistic film as opposed to straightforward Bond movies.

As for my new thoughts on Casino Royale. Since the first time I saw CR two years ago, I placed it in my top 5 Bond movies. I think it was probably the best Bond film since OHMSS, certainly the best since TSWLM. I have seen it several times over the last two years but seeing it again last night on the big screen, I never wanted to get up to use the restroom. Every scene has something to offer in this film. The story was so fleshed out and the characters and performances were so 3 dimensional that you really felt what the characters were feeling. I compared the emotional impact of the death of Vesper to the killing of Electra King in TWINE and it just leaves TWINE feeling non existant. By reevaluating CR, I have to say that it is not just in my top 5 Bond movies, I seriously have to say I now think CR is the best James Bond movie EVER. Above my beloved FRWL and OHMSS. It is a shame that the US has trouble looking at action movies as good movies. BAFTA recognized CR as a great movie and nominated it for Best Picture. I wish The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences would get off its high horse and have recognized Casino Royale as well. It is a much better movie than some of the films that did get Oscar nods 2 years ago.

[jaguar007]

Just to add, I just spoke with my 69 year old mother, she went to see it today and loved it.

[.0.0.7.]

Hey Jaguar,

Just read this. I agree completely with many of your points. This is very much like "arthouse action." This is apparent from the first moments/opening shots: the long shot moving across the lake toward the tunnel, the close-up flashes of the Aston Martin, and then we are thrown into the chase. And not a traditional car chase, but the emotional and perceptual experience of being in a car chase. Though I did find myself wanting for more clarity and coherence in the action scenes, I do appreciate that this was a choice on the part of the director to present it in this way. And I think it is a very bold and interesting choice.

In a way, following the trauma of Casino Royale, this is a bit of a trip into a freshly-traumatized Bond's head. This is how he is processing his grief. Feverish and fast-paced, and moving so fast you can only just keep track of what's going on. Slower moments of reflective, emotional moments are deep and occasionally drunk, but not very satisfying -- at least until the end, which is sadder, but a completion. These emotional experiences are had both by Bond and the audience. Kudos to Marc Forster for taking these risks.

And I'm glad to see you did end up catching the CR-QOS double feature downtown!

Edited by .0.0.7., 01 December 2008 - 05:16 AM.

[ImTheMoneypenny]

I'm jealous you were able to get a double feature! Glad you enjoy the movie. It has great style which is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

[HildebrandRarity]

I obviously don't share your view. For sure CR is way above FRWL and OHMSS. But I put Q0S above CR. But that's just my view.

Further, I certainly think that the idea that Q0S does 'not feel' like a James Bond movie, is a completely flawed notion.

And to think it that it doesn't feel like a Hollywood movie, well that's actually a GOOD thing! The only thing James Bond and Hollywood have in common, anyway, is MGM and Sony having an office in Southern California and that's about it.

These are opinions and each to their own.

And o, I have also re-evaluated CR and I feel that it's just a little bit on the long side with padding that could be better edited down to make it leaner. Not hugely so, but it's pacing feels "off".