They plan to detonate a nuclear bomb inside the reactor of a submarine near to the city of Istanbul. This will stop the shipment of oil to other countries and so Electras’ company will be the only source of oil as she ships it overland by pipeline. Her company will be able to charge exorbitant prices. In a subplot she will also be able to have her revenge on M (played by Dame Judy Dench, famed for her roles in the films Iris, Mrs Brown and Chocolat), the head of Bonds’ section.
The film fits into the usual Bond criteria. It has explosions, guns, gadgets, girls (foreign girls of course), chases and cars. There are many close escapes; the best being when Bond escapes from the nuclear facility in Azabaizan. He is propelled out of the secret tunnels followed by a huge fireball.
The stunts and special effects are staggering. How did they get Bond to fall from an exploding balloon on to the Dome and bounce down as if was a perfectly normal activity? How did they blow up an entire mountain? At the climatic ending Bond escapes from the villains lair with a girl, whilst blowing the whole place up! The stunt people and special effects people must have seemingly magical powers. No other film character or secret agent can outclass Bond!
Director Michael Apted has created a film that proceeds at a good pace with a strong, straightforward story line, and yet also includes interesting and sometimes stunning locations. It is his first action/adventure film, previously making his name as director of ‘ Gorillas in the Mist’’ a true life, documentary style film. He directs the scenes well and controls them with skill, in turn bringing out the best in Pierce Brosnan, the cool ‘shaken, not stirred’ Bond and the evil Renard, (Robbie Carlyle).
Throughout the film, we are reminded that Brosnan portrays the main character. The words, “My name is Bond…James Bond”, is repeated. The high level of acting from Carlyle as the villain forced Brosnan to portray a stronger character. The villain from the outset of the film is dying and this influences the drama of the confrontations between Bond and Renard. From the beginning, the audience knows that the villain will die. Robert Carlyle has a reputation as a comic actor, (The Full Monty), which must have made it difficult for him to portray a ruthless, terminally ill villain and make him believable.
Two female characters are Electra King, played by Sophie Marceau and Dr. Christmas Jones played by Denise Richards. Dr Jones was an unbelievable character as she is supposed to be an expert on nuclear bombs and have an abundance of qualifications and experience, however the actress portraying her looks very young and not old enough to have gained a wealth of experience. If the two actresses had swapped roles it would be more convincing. Sophie Marceau is mature and could portray an experienced scientist and Denise Richards who is younger would be able to portray arrogance and the wish for revenge.
The music composed for the film is of a 1960’s style. This turns up many times to remind us that Bond is a classic, iconic character who can’t be touched and is indestructible. The film also contains the well-known Bond theme, which has been imitated in other spy films.
There are a few double entendres, especially from Miss Moneypenny and the female doctor who gives Bond a ‘clean bill of health’ after he gained a shoulder injury during the opening scene. M also has phrases such as “he’s full of stamina”. These two actresses portray their characters as efficient and in control whilst their usage of words to convey humour is a joy.
Bond films, like all adventure/action films in this genre are very much ‘tongue in cheek’. The words and action are not taken seriously, but the audience looks for a shock factor. In this film I think the most shocking/surprising scene was the ski chase. One of the skiers chasing Bond falls off a cliff, but not to his death, at the last moment he opens a parachute. At first viewing this is surprising because you expect the pursuer to fall and die on the rocks, accompanied by a large bond-style explosion!
As in all other Bond films there are elements of comedy. An example being the scene where the traffic wardens are featured. The director Michael Apted obtained realistic reactions from the wardens by failing to inform the actors portraying them, that they were to be soaked. This scene is very effective as it adds light relief from the intense chase scene. The quest by the director to achieve a successful combination of comedy and action greatly impressed me.
Like all the previous Bond films, this will very easily recoup the millions of pounds and dollars invested in the making of this feature film. Money will also be generated from ‘product placements’. Multinational companies pay the film companies for their products to be featured as they will be seen world-wide, this is a clever way of advertising. A Bond film is certain to be an economic success.
Prepare to enter the fantasy world of Bond…James Bond. Sit back, shake your Vodka Martini, sip and ENJOY!