I'd like to encourage us all to write a few more positive words (and if it's not presumptuous, take a more positive attitude) about James Bond, by mentioning some of the things we enjoy about our least favorite Bond film. Ideally, it'll prove to be an interesting exercise and remind us of why we are Bond fans in the first place. Like with those appreciation threads, I suppose I can't keep disagreements and discussions from taking place, but I'd urge you to try to keep alive the intended positive spirit of the thread.
My least favorite is Skyfall.
Some of the scenes I enjoy the most are:
- Bond's downtime in Turkey. He's got a girl and booze, but he's earning money in the most reckless way and lacks a purpose, a direction. Ties into the whole idea of the film of Bond being primarily attached to his job.
- Bond taking the word association test. I love Bond's slightly embarrassed facial expression as he answers the questions.
- The skyscraper scene, which in an odd way, almost looks and feels like it's set on another planet, with the jellyfish and changing colors. It may well be the most "different" scene in a Bond film.
- Bond and Sévérine talking in the casino. Marlohe is downright brilliant in how she portrays that concealed fear. Also, Bond raising a toast to the bad guys!
- Silva and Bond playing William Tell. Probably my favorite scene in the film. I love how the game is revealed, with the gun being brought to Bond and the henchman pointing another gun at Bond's head. I also like how Bond tries to mask his sadness at Sévérine's death with that line about scotch. The cheerful music provides great contrast to the sinister events taking place, and the set is impressive.
- The subway chase. Always wanted to see Bond in the tube. Also, "why don't you put your back into it?!"
Other general things I like about the film:
- I enjoy the whole idea of Bond disappearing, then coming back and having to slowly get back into shape; it adds dramatic weight to the mission itself.
- Javier Bardem is suitably creepy as the villain. The idea of his having blonde hair is a terrific touch.
- As I said before, Bérénice Marlohe is superb.
- Albert Finney takes a (purposefully) thin role and fills it with gravitas.
- The whole theme of "orphans making the best recruits" is an interesting one.
That's all I can think of. There, that almost makes me want to revisit Skyfall one of these days.
(Just in case, mods, I searched the site and didn't find a thread exactly like this one.)
Comments
https://www.mi6community.com/discussion/1668/best-moments-in-your-least-favorite-bond-film/p1
It's always best to Google search for existing threads, it's much more accurate.