36 replies to this topic

[avl]

The innovation, the art, in CR was the idea that Bond was a character who could change during the film. With the exception of a couple of tricks - the PTS in particular, - it didn't look or feel new or exceptional. What put it head and shoulders above the others was the film's ability to generate an emotional connection.

QoS continues that - though with a far more minimalist approach. But the look and the style of the film are, ahem, a quantum leap forward from CR. IMHO, of course

[Skudor]

Okay, taking Laz at his word that this is an inquisitive thread rather than another chance to say the same thing.


The answer is Yes. Very much so. In fact it surpasses Casino Royale in many aspects. Direction, pacing, art. Quantum of Solace mostly falls just short of Casino Royale because of Casino Royale’s tremendously emotional love story.

I think there's just as much "art" in CASINO ROYALE, indeed more so, and even better art. It certainly boasts more moments of striking visual beauty (to name but three, there's the B&W opening, the CU of the cocktail glasses in the casino, and that shot of Ivana Humpalot or whatever she's called staring out on the balcony of her suite). For me, CASINO ROYALE is the best-looking of all the Bonds, followed by YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and then probably OHMSS and DR. NO. I don't think QUANTUM OF SOLACE really comes close.

I think Forster is often assumed to be an arty, sophisticated auteur director (I mean, he's bald, European and well-spoken, so obviously he has to be an artiste), while Campbell is dismissed as a mere hack. But if you look at their Bond films....

I like QUANTUM OF SOLACE, but I do think CASINO ROYALE trumps it (and most other 007 outings) in every possible way.

I am a very thick and slow individual so I've only now realised that EON ditched one of their 'rules' - that is, to have commonwealth directors - for another: the directors must be completely hairless on top.

As to the question posed at the top... I loved Casino Royale - it was for me the best Bond film since OHMSS. Forgive me for being in Bond-fan heaven to again, a mere two years later, again see a Bond film that I could say the same for. Yes, I prefer QoS over CR. Not by much, but I think it's the one I'm more likely to pick out of my DVD cabinet when the time comes.

So QoS absolutely met my expectations, which were for a truly unique, revolutionary and brilliant Bond film. More than anything (and there are lot of anythings in QoS) it's a film that showcases Daniel Craig's Bond amazingly well.

[Publius]

It was slightly better than I expected (and I had high expectations to begin with, as much as I tried to not set myself up for disappointment), so yes. It helps that I enjoy the two as different films that make each other stronger, with CR being the OHMSS of our day and QOS being the sequel we deserved after OHMSS but never got (or, like the LTK of our day with a healthy dose of FRWL mixed in). CR was the sweeping romance, QOS the dirty tale of vengeance (or so it seems on the surface). Together, they're like peanut butter and jam.

[Judo chop]

CR was the sweeping romance, QOS the dirty tale of vengeance. Together, they're like peanut butter and jam.

Will B23 be the milk to wash it all down?

[avl]

It was slightly better than I expected (and I had high expectations to begin with, as much as I tried to not set myself up for disappointment), so yes. It helps that I enjoy the two as different films that make each other stronger, with CR being the OHMSS of our day and QOS being the sequel we deserved after OHMSS but never got (or, like the LTK of our day with a healthy dose of FRWL mixed in). CR was the sweeping romance, QOS the dirty tale of vengeance (or so it seems on the surface).

Nicely put!

[Mr. Blofeld]

Is Quantum of Solace another Casino Royale? No, that would be uninspired; instead, it is a continuation of Casino Royale, and that includes all of its awesomeness.

[Publius]

CR was the sweeping romance, QOS the dirty tale of vengeance. Together, they're like peanut butter and jam.

Will B23 be the milk to wash it all down?

That'd be one way to go, but personally I'm partial to ice cold water with my sandwiches, so here's hoping Craig's Bond finally gets to put his skiis on in Bond 23.