Words: Alex Woodhall
For the moment, at least, the incessant will he? Won’t he? Over whether Daniel Craig will continue for further ventures as 007 is silenced as fans flock to see Spectre. Released today, early reviews painted a mixed picture of the 24th Bond film amid a backdrop of consensus that Skyfall was always going to be hard to follow up.
My view? Spectre was a tour de force. Craig returned with the signature brutality he has brought to the role – alongside the impossibly impeccable tailoring, unyielding charm and enough explosions and high octane action to settle even the most thirsty of bloodlust. Set against a backdrop of a tug-of-war between new-age surveillance, drones and hacking, and old-age, in the field spying, 007 has gone rogue to uncover a sinister truth which tosses up past memories, near and distant. This was Bond at its best, just enough grit to bring a plain of reality to the adventure, nods to the past with references to the franchise’s most-loved films and witty quips weaved in for a winning mix that combined the best of the past and present. It all culminated in what is my favourite Bond film, just surpassing Skyfall to the mantle.
If that hasn’t quite sold it to you (how could it not?), these are the six definitive reasons you have to make the trip to the cinema sooner than later:
THE OPENING SEQUENCE
Teased in the trailer, the Day of the Dead opening scene in Mexico City is the best to date, hands down. In one seemingly uncut tracking shot of unrelenting action, there’s Helicopter barrel rolls, explosions and teetering on the brink of death hand-to-hand combat, all without a tie knot out of place. It, in many ways, sets the tone for the two hours ahead and you simply can’t keep your eyes off of it.
NOSTALGIA
The Bond reboot found an identity with Skyfall, it stopped trying to ape the Bourne franchise and instead embraced some of the flamboyancy that we all love the series for. Spectre is very different to Skyfall but it carries on the same track, there’s an ode to the past seemingly at every turn. For some this may become grating, for others it’s nothing short of endearing, raising more than a few wry smiles. We have a fight through an old-style glamorous train a la From Russia With Love, the visit to a space-age clinic – a nod to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a Brosnan-like moment of Bond roaring down the Thames and a white Persian cat to boot.
THE CARS
The DB10 makes a starring turn, although its screen time is cut remarkably short. It has all the gadgetry that’s been dispensed with of late, although with a twist that whips up a howl of laughter from the expectant audience. Aside from the Aston Martin, the gorgeous Jaguar C-X75 vies for attention as the vehicle of choice for Dave Bautista’s Mr Hinx. The high-speed of chase through Rome is a key scene in the film and one any that’ll enthral even the most cynical of petrolheads.
LEA SEYDOUX
Léa Seydoux is a Bond girl who is more than a match for the man himself, a new breed of the franchise’s female lead, a mixture of sexiness and strength who provides James with a partner rather than plaything. Whether she’s disassembling a handgun, ordering a “vodka martini, dirty” or whispering sweet nothings, she adds another dimension to a film that would be far poorer without her input.
CHRISTOPH WALTZ
Playing the central antagonist, his aim is not as wildly diabolical as those before him but Waltz is nothing short of brilliant in his role. We go a good 90 minutes before getting a real glimpse of him but when he is on screen, he’s threatening, maniacal and captivating, the epitome of an old-school Bond nemesis who is equal parts dangerous and playful; a man who takes pleasure from torturing whilst sockless in loafers.
THAT ENDING
By tomorrow morning the Internet and office water-colours around the country will be in fevered debate about the film’s climax. What does it mean for the future of Craig as Bond? And even more importantly, what does it mean for the franchise? It’s semi-ambiguous and whets the appetite for more. If this is Craig’s last appearance in the series, he’s leaving on a high note and is arguably, and in my opinion, the best Bond to date.
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