(no subject)
Nov. 20th, 2008 12:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shapinglightSo much to say, so little time. I have a piece of meta I want to write about Buffy's character in season 7. Haven't managed it so far. I also want to write about BSG season 4. Haven't managed that either and now have the panicked feeling that I've already forgotten too much to say anything sensible.
Anyway, leave that aside. Went to see Quantum of Solace last night. Thoughts (spoilery, of course) behind cut.
The fact that I'm even bothering to write about it should tell you something. I'm not much of a James Bond fan. As he's previously been incarnated, I've found him an insufferable, sexist pig and all the gadgets and thrills and easily disposable characters just left me cold. The Roger Moore films were the worst, but I don't like the others much either.
However, with the Daniel Craig era, all that's changed. Suddenly, Bond is interesting. Yes, there are still impossibly glamorous women and car chases and so on - even a few gadgets, though no preposterous ones - but the grittier, more realistic ambience is a huge improvement. Plus, the minor characters, male and female, aren't disposable any more. When they die, their deaths aren't treated lightly. I approve of that.
As for Daniel Craig himself, he's just superb. Yes, Bond should have died a gazillion times in that movie, but Craig's physical presence is convincing enough to make his survival not too much of a suspension of disbelief - and he manages to be tough and yet give a hint of emotional vulnerability in a way that makes his version of the character far more appealing than all theobnoxious suave charm of previous Bonds put together. Needless to say, I love his relationship with M, which, to me, was the highlight of the movie. However, the female lead (can't remember her name, unfortunately) was also very good. Bond women are a lot tougher than they used to be all round.
I've picked up here and there that people were disappointed by this film after Casino Royale but I can't for the life of me think why. I've just seen both in quick succession, and I think it a worthy sequel, even bettering the first one. Maybe the people who didn't like it were just confused? I think I would have been a bit confused if I hadn't seen Casino Royale so recently, as Quantum of Solace really is the second part of a continuing story.
Great stuff - and the only James Bond film I've ever seen that I've actively wanted to watch again. As far as I'm concerned, Daniel Craig and the makeover of the franchise have saved it from the sorry joke it had become (or had always been, if you're me).
Anyway, leave that aside. Went to see Quantum of Solace last night. Thoughts (spoilery, of course) behind cut.
The fact that I'm even bothering to write about it should tell you something. I'm not much of a James Bond fan. As he's previously been incarnated, I've found him an insufferable, sexist pig and all the gadgets and thrills and easily disposable characters just left me cold. The Roger Moore films were the worst, but I don't like the others much either.
However, with the Daniel Craig era, all that's changed. Suddenly, Bond is interesting. Yes, there are still impossibly glamorous women and car chases and so on - even a few gadgets, though no preposterous ones - but the grittier, more realistic ambience is a huge improvement. Plus, the minor characters, male and female, aren't disposable any more. When they die, their deaths aren't treated lightly. I approve of that.
As for Daniel Craig himself, he's just superb. Yes, Bond should have died a gazillion times in that movie, but Craig's physical presence is convincing enough to make his survival not too much of a suspension of disbelief - and he manages to be tough and yet give a hint of emotional vulnerability in a way that makes his version of the character far more appealing than all the
I've picked up here and there that people were disappointed by this film after Casino Royale but I can't for the life of me think why. I've just seen both in quick succession, and I think it a worthy sequel, even bettering the first one. Maybe the people who didn't like it were just confused? I think I would have been a bit confused if I hadn't seen Casino Royale so recently, as Quantum of Solace really is the second part of a continuing story.
Great stuff - and the only James Bond film I've ever seen that I've actively wanted to watch again. As far as I'm concerned, Daniel Craig and the makeover of the franchise have saved it from the sorry joke it had become (or had always been, if you're me).
no subject
Date: 2008-11-20 03:00 pm (UTC)I agree (I even agree with your use of the word 'fanservice' in this instance).
Not sure I agree the kiss was platonic, though, just because it didn't lead in to sex. More like a hint of what might have been had circumstances been different.
ETA: which in itself is new for a Bond movie.