42 replies to this topic

[kaloushilabops]

yeah, that makes sense. i forgot to keep in mind how long the camera stays on a certain character. I thought James would know who Felix was and vice versa and hence my confusion.

I like the scene where James orders his drink and everyone else does too, ending with Felis saying, keep the fruit, friend or something.

[bond_girl_double07]

I don't think Felix is on the other side obviously, but I also don't think he trusts Bond at this point in the game.. was Bond supposed to know Felix would be there? or at least that a CIA agent would be there? If so, he's doing pretty shady reconnaissance by not seeking him out and going over the details.. I realize some things are "not for brotherhood" but at least discussing Le Chiffre doesn't seem like a bad idea..

kaloushilabops, I love the scene with the "fruit" as well.. Sigh, gotta love Felix

[Stephenson]

My lame take on this:

1. Felix and Bond don't know about each other at the start, but their respective superiors know that both CIA and MI6 have men in the game. Why not tell the agents? Maybe because Le Chiffre, being an experienced poker player, would have been able to tell that they were working together, no matter how subtle they tried to be.

When Felix loses, he contacts his superiors in Washington to report, and then they tell him that MI6 has a man at the table and that he should contact him. Hence the deal he makes with Bond.

2. On the steps, I don't think Felix knows that Bond has a knife or what he was planning to do with it (I don't think Bond really knows either, he's just out for blood . The only reason Felix stopped him was to tell him about the deal and giving him the money to keep playing. It was just dumb luck that Felix stopped Bond from attacking Le Chiffre.

[bond_girl_double07]

2. On the steps, I don't think Felix knows that Bond has a knife or what he was planning to do with it (I don't think Bond really knows either, he's just out for blood . The only reason Felix stopped him was to tell him about the deal and giving him the money to keep playing. It was just dumb luck that Felix stopped Bond from attacking Le Chiffre.

1 and 2 are possible, but the lines in this scene pretty much point to the fact that Felix sees the knife:

Felix Leiter: I should have introduced myself, seeing as we're related. I'm Felix Leiter, your brother from Langley.
[sees that Bond has a knife]
Felix Leiter: You should have faith. As long as you keep your head about you, I think you could have him.


Doesn't he sort of grab his arm as well?

[Stephenson]

Yes, you're right, but I don't believe that Felix knew what Bond was planning until he saw the knife. He could understand why Bond would be desperate at that point, but (being the cool man that he is) he let it go without really mentioning it and moved straight into the deal.

Thinking about it a little more, Felix could have known about Bond before the game. Felix does come across as a slightly more "seasoned" agent, so maybe the CIA told him about MI6's man.

[Gri007]

I have always wondered about this. This thread has explanied a lot of things. But could there have been a deleted scene to back some of thoughts said.

IMO I always thought he was going to threaten Velenka or kill her as the camera captures her first.

[Four Aces]

...Felix and Bond don't know about each other at the start, but their respective superiors know that both CIA and MI6 have men in the game. Why not tell the agents? Maybe because Le Chiffre, being an experienced poker player, would have been able to tell that they were working together, no matter how subtle they tried to be.

When Felix loses, he contacts his superiors in Washington to report, and then they tell him that MI6 has a man at the table and that he should contact him. Hence the deal he makes with Bond...

Yes, but that would assume that the CIA is competent. And I think we know IRL that is not the case, eh?

[Flash1087]

Their track record is hit-and-miss, sure, but to give them some credit, I don't think the fate of the free world would ever realistically be placed on a poker game, either.

[DamnCoffee]

Maybe Bond didn't want Vesper to witness the stabbing, i mean she didn't take the aftermath of the stairwell fight too well did she?

[Four Aces]

Their track record is hit-and-miss, sure, but to give them some credit, I don't think the fate of the free world would ever realistically be placed on a poker game, either.

Don't be so sure, you'd be surprised at what goes on out there

[Remmert007]

About Le Chiffre and Mathis: I thought it was clear that they worked together, when Le Chiffre says: "Your friend Mathis really is ... my friend Mathis", and the proof is that his henchmen know where the tracing bug is hidden. Or... ?

[HildebrandRarity]

About Le Chiffre and Mathis: I thought it was clear that they worked together, when Le Chiffre says: "Your friend Mathis really is ... my friend Mathis", and the proof is that his henchmen know where the tracing bug is hidden. Or... ?

It's left open ended and the film-makers have done this time and time again since the 1960s with Blofeld in the volcano and in OHMSS and Baron Samedi in the very last shot of Live And Let Die.

I think it's been done this way to maintain a sense of continous danger out there in the world with the film-makers knowing that James Bond Will Return.

Edited by HildebrandRarity, 21 January 2007 - 03:44 PM.

[bill007]

About Le Chiffre and Mathis: I thought it was clear that they worked together, when Le Chiffre says: "Your friend Mathis really is ... my friend Mathis", and the proof is that his henchmen know where the tracing bug is hidden. Or... ?

I know this is a dead thread, let it sink if un-interested.....

Just coming back from a fresh viewing (# 5), CR returning to my town on the discount screen. Late afternoon show. About 30 adults, no kids. Several 1st time viewers judging by their reactions.

Felix definitely sees the knife in Bond's hand when he stops him on the lobby stairwell.

By the time Bond is poisoned during the poker game, Eva is definately working for the enemy (the boyfriend thing). I'm sure she is beside Valenka when she (Valenka) puts the poison in Bonds' drink at the bar. I believe Vesper then quickly went to Mr. White to convince him that she could get the password from Bond if he were allowed to live. Mr. White, displeased with Le Chiffre's anxiousness to eliminate Bond, agrees. Vesper then rushes to Bond's aide to save him in his Aston Martin (one just doesn't say "car" here). Thus, explaining Le Chiffre's suprise at Bond's return to the table. As Vesper works for MI6, she would have better access to know about Bond's implant. Something I don't think Bond would be eager to share with anyone, including Mathis.

Odd detail: Le Chiffre whacks Bond 5 times during the torture scene.