Quantum of Solace [DVD] [2008]

 

 

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Let's be honest, everyone has an opinion on what a Bond film should be like. In terms of 'I would have done it this way' or 'they shouldn't have done it like that' a Bond film ranks up there with how the country should be run or the management of the national football team where everyone is an expert. Too much sex, not enough glamour, ridiculous gadgets, not enough gadgets, the stunts are too far fetched, it's too realistic....and so on; whatever combination the producers put in their films they'd be criticised for any of the above.

Quantum of Solace is no different, whilst still hugely successful Marc Forster's film has split audiences and critics alike. The storyline sees Bond pursuing the organisation he holds responsible for the death of his love Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. It turns out that this organisation, Quantum, is unknown to MI6 yet is highly powerful and internationally connected and Bond stumbles on its plot to control Bolivia's water supply. Like M, we are never quite sure if Bond is on the mission or pursuing his personal agenda, as he gives little away whilst displaying his resourcefulness in following various leads around the world.

Quantum of Solace starts half an hour after Casino Royale and immediately you are into the film. An exhilarating car chase by Lake Garda is followed by an innovative title sequence and then we have a bit of exposition from M before another chase ensues, this time by foot and before you notice twenty minutes have passed and you haven't breathed. The plot proceeds more like a sequence of events as opposed to a structured build-up as Bond, hopping countries, goes from one chase (land, sea and air) or fight to the next, with just enough dialogue in between to balance the tempo. Following the predictably explosive third act the film's final scene lets the audience take stock and breathe out.

The reoccurring criticism levied at Quantum of Solace is its lack of build-up and depth, with Bond too solemn throughout. For me this misses the point, as producers were at pains to point out that this is a direct sequel to Casino Royale. I would go a step further and add that it's actually Act Two of one big film; where Casino Royale is the prelude and Quantum of Solace the finale where Bond, angry, lets loose. Viewing it this way will give you a different perspective.

There are a few downsides. The premise of a secret organisation whose evil aim is to up the price of water is, if not far fetched for today's audience, hardly blood-curdling stuff. And insisting on an explosive denouement is one thing, but to achieve it by having the enemies clash in a hotel powered by ultra flammable pressurised gas is, to say the least, a bit contrived.

The upsides though are many. The action is superb (if a little Bourne-juddery at times) as are the several fight sequences. You actually believe Bond is a highly trained killer and your expectancy doesn't let you blink when he gets into a clash (do you remember watching the Roger Moore fights slightly embarrassed?). The cinematography may not fully capture the pseudo glamour of the Bond countries of old, but you really feel you are in these places with Bond, sharing his claustrophobic world. And I loved the odd retro touch the film endows such as where Bond, all stealth and dressed like Steve McQueen, sneaks around a seedy Bolivian town in the dead of night and actually uses a public telephone.

The characters are mostly all well played too. The highlights being Gemma Arterton's breath of fresh air as Miss Fields and Jeffrey Wright's brooding Felix Leiter. But the plaudits have to go to Judy Dench and Daniel Craig who are both class acts. Whilst deadly serious, Craig delivers his witticisms with perfect timing and reassuring arrogance with a healthy disregard for authority. And the chemistry he shares with Dench's maternal, eternally reproachful M can't be faked.

All said and done Quantum of Solace is a hugely enjoyable film. It might not have the suave assuredness of the Connery films, nor the glamour of the some of the Moore's but what it has is Daniel Craig who, and this is coming from a lifelong Connery fan, is hands-down the best Bond of the series.

I have been a Bond fan from the age of 5 and can normally find something good to say about any of the Bond franchise whoever the leading actor or directors are.

I saw Quantum in a noisy, cramped West End cinema and came away feeling rather shortchanged by the film. I put it down to the cinema and figured that all would be well once I was able to watch the DVD in the comfort of my own home.
I managed to watch about 20 minutes before I gave up! The problem is mainly down to the direction and the lightning speed editing which renders the action into a blurred mess - I could not work out what was happening and continually had to re-wind the action scenes to work out what the hell was going on. Rather like watching a film on fast forward through a letter box during a storm!
Essentially the director/editor has not made a Bond movie but a flawed attempt at a Bourne film. This should be left to Matt Damon and crew - they get much better results!

Would it be too much to ask for a Bond movie next time?

Let's be honest, everyone has an opinion on what a Bond film should be like. In terms of 'I would have done it this way' or 'they shouldn't have done it like that' a Bond film ranks up there with how the country should be run or the management of the national football team where everyone is an expert. Too much sex, not enough glamour, ridiculous gadgets, not enough gadgets, the stunts are too far fetched, it's too realistic....and so on; whatever combination the producers put in their films they'd be criticised for any of the above.

Quantum of Solace is no different, whilst still hugely successful Marc Forster's film has split audiences and critics alike. The storyline sees Bond pursuing the organisation he holds responsible for the death of his love Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. It turns out that this organisation, Quantum, is unknown to MI6 yet is highly powerful and internationally connected and Bond stumbles on its plot to control Bolivia's water supply. Like M, we are never quite sure if Bond is on the mission or pursuing his personal agenda, as he gives little away whilst displaying his resourcefulness in following various leads around the world.

Quantum of Solace starts half an hour after Casino Royale and immediately you are into the film. A exhilarating car chase by Lake Garda is followed by an innovative title sequence and then we have a bit of exposition from M before another chase ensues, this time by foot and before you notice twenty minutes have passed and you haven't breathed. The plot proceeds more like a sequence of events as opposed to a structured build-up as Bond, hopping countries, goes from one chase (land, sea and air) or fight to the next, with just enough dialogue in between to balance the tempo. Following the predictably explosive third act the film's final scene lets the audience take stock and breathe out.

The reoccurring criticism levied at Quantum of Solace is its lack of build-up and depth, with Bond too solemn throughout. For me this misses the point, as producers were at pains to point out that this is a direct sequel to Casino Royale. I would go a step further and add that it's actually Act Two of one big film; where Casino Royale is the prelude and Quantum of Solace the finale where Bond, angry, lets loose. Viewing it this way will give you a different perspective.

There are a few downsides. The premise of a secret organisation whose evil aim is to up the price of water is, if not far fetched for today's audience, hardly blood-curdling stuff. And insisting on an explosive denouement is one thing, but to achieve it by having the enemies clash in a hotel powered by ultra flammable pressurised gas is, to say the least, a bit contrived.

The upsides though are many. The action is superb (if a little Bourne-juddery at times) as are the several fight sequences. You actually believe Bond is a highly trained killer and your expectancy doesn't let you blink when he gets into a clash (do you remember watching the Roger Moore fights slightly embarrassed?). The cinematography may not fully capture the pseudo glamour of the Bond countries of old, but you really feel you are in these places with Bond, sharing his claustrophobic world. And I loved the odd retro touch the film endows such as where Bond, all stealth and dressed like Steve McQueen, sneaks around a seedy Bolivian town in the dead of night and actually uses a public telephone.

The characters are mostly all well played too. The highlights being Gemma Arterton's breath of fresh air as Miss Fields and Jeffrey Wright's brooding Felix Leiter. But the plaudits have to go to Judy Dench and Daniel Craig who are both class acts. Whilst deadly serious, Craig delivers his witticisms with perfect timing and reassuring arrogance with a healthy disregard for authority. And the chemistry he shares with Dench's maternal, eternally reproachful M can't be faked.

All said and done Quantum of Solace is a hugely enjoyable film. It might not have the suave assuredness of the Connery films, nor the glamour of the some of the Moore's but what it has is Daniel Craig who, and this is coming from a lifelong Connery fan, is hands-down the best Bond of the series.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Below par Bond
After the shot in the arm that Casino Royale gave the franchise, this comes across as a muddled follow-up. The directing and editing is all over the place. Read more

Published 18 days ago by A. Sneddon

5.0 out of 5 stars quantum of solace
this is the best jame bond films ( Quantum of Solace )ever its got action, excetment,style, hope the next bond film will be the same .........

Published 1 month ago by chris

1.0 out of 5 stars Bond killed - SMERSH not involved
It takes an act of rare genius to mess-up the world's most successful film formula in a single show. Thus we must doff our hats to Marc Foster and his team. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Frank D

3.0 out of 5 stars I love James Bond but this one was, well...
So this Bond had a lot to live up to. Maybe too much. I still liked it but I was just expecting more. The first with this actor started slow and fast. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Alexander Walsh

5.0 out of 5 stars Bond,no gadgets,stripped & raw.
I went to see this at the cinema & I loved it,this is Daniel Craig's second outing in the role of James Bond 007 & i think he is brilliant in the role. Read more

Published 2 months ago by ANDREW1971

4.0 out of 5 stars Craig getting more comfortable playing Bond
I didn't find this movie particularly gripping, despite the fact it being the shortest in the franchise. Read more

Published 4 months ago by kurt's fan

3.0 out of 5 stars good action Movie but terrible bond film
as much as I liked it I can fully understand why some people didn't Marc Forster has truly screwed up direction ridiculous stunts,poor sound editing,poor visuals and too fast in... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Dhuw156

3.0 out of 5 stars Why 'Quantum...' failed to hit the target...
Let's put it on the line firstly- 'Casino Royale' was a masterpiece, not only the best Bond movie by a very wide margin, but the best and most defining action movie since 'Die... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Northern Star

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
As an avid Bond fan, I expected a high action continuation of this legendary series of films. What we got was in my opinion a BIG LET DOWN. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Chris

4.0 out of 5 stars Jake Olive
This film is very good and very action packed. I just think it was not as good as casino royale and I was a bit unsure about the rating. 4/5

Published 7 months ago by Jake Olive

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