The movie begins with a shot of Daniel Craig in black and white; colour doesn’t appear in the film until Bond receives his license to kill from M (Judi Dench). This is to reflect the history of the Cold War, when Ian Fleming actually wrote the novel ‘Casino Royale’ in 1953; his first James Bond novel. It was near the start of the film, in the action scene set in Madagascar, which we first get to see this new “Bond” in action. In this new flick Bond looks pain free and has no facial expression whatsoever. Even at first appearances, it is obvious Craig is unfit for the role. Although he had obvious physical fitness, he lacks the spark and pure style of previous Bonds. However with the opening scene being a cluttered mess contrasting with suspense and action he creates a convincing role mainly showing Bond, as pursuer, as the heavy, inflexible agent he has to be.
Saying this, things aren’t all bad. Im pleased, and relieved, to say that the plot for ‘Casino Royale’ is as well made as those before it, thanks to the originality in the books which they were based on. Martin Campbell has gone for a more realistic side of an emotionless Bond, but still with feelings for a haughty treasury official with a hint of violence. The many action sequences are both satisfying and crafted from different camera angles so brilliantly, they seem not an add-on to the story, as many would suspect, but a key part to the story itself. Although ‘Casino Royale’ may have lacked in as much ongoing action as its predecessors, it more than makes up for it with brilliant directing and a superbly built storyline. The style was somehow integrated into the whole entourage, this being mainly focused upon Bonds relationship with intelligent lady Vesper Lynd during the second part of the film, showing two sides to the 007.
The action packed movie is filmed in numerous locations including the Bahamas, Madagascar, Venice and the UK. These locations show that Bond is action packed wherever he is. There is enough action in the movie, but on the other hand Martin Campbell has also included romance scenes. A beach scene that takes place in the Paradise Island; Bahamas previews a whole different side to the new Bond, the beach scene is full of romance, but is also realistic by confronting Bond and Solange (Caterina Murino) who have a short relationship affair during the film that later on lead to consequences.
The camera angles in ‘Casino Royale’ are well crafted including blurred shots to focus on main characters, close ups to take effect on facial expressions , in addition throughout action scenes the camera angles change towards high shots and long shots.
Another good point about ‘Casino Royale’ is the acting. All the actors did a brilliant job, including Eva Green, and Mads Mikklesen, not to mention Craig. Their wonderful performances look intense, inspired, and bring about the class plus the realism of the new Bond.
Together with an equally quirky and well thought out script, this brings out a great sense of personalities about the characters, something becoming ever rarer in modern day cinema.
The thing with ‘Casino Royale’ is that it shows Bond’s first serious mission, with his newly earned license to kill. Anyone who has seen any of the previous films would recognize a confident Bond throughout the film, cool, sure of himself and always one step ahead of the opposition. This, I’m afraid, is showing a slightly more vulnerable side to him, he makes mistakes, he isn’t always in control.
Compared to previous movies in the Bond series there are not enough gadgets, but this makes the movie more realistic. On the other hand for you die hard action fans the traditional gadget packed Aston Martin remains in the film along with new gadgets including a first aid kit and a high tech phone that’s capable of high tech spying. If you are going to watch this film, don’t be too happy about the outcome too soon.
Overall, ‘Casino Royale’ is a movie to watch, filled with great action and the occasional one-liner, it’s worth paying a fiver for. Fantastically made, Martin Campbell is nothing less than a genius with some of the scenes he has produced. Unfortunately, for all you die hard Bond fans, your favourite English spy may not be all you expected, but not to fret, just hope he improves by the sequel, if there is one of course.
Director: Martin Campbell
Writer: Ian Fleming
Main Actors: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelson, Judi Dench
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Thriller
Length: 144 mins
UK Release Date: 16 November 2006
Rating:
Review by Shuaib Akram
