I would not like to have found myself in Sam Mendes' position when he agreed to direct the 23rd film of the 007 saga. One with good and not so good moments, but it's part of the history of the Seventh Art. After seeing 'Skyfall' we can confirm that Mendes knew exactly what he was doing.
MGM economic crisis gave them more time to prepare themselves, but the director also had one great thing in order to bring back Bond, James Bond, at his best. The 50th anniversary was the inspiration he needed. Although a decent spy in the 21st century, it is the eye to the past that makes 'Skyfall' a very special film.
In the film, the MI-6 is attacked by a cyber terrorist, who is also part of M's past and whom he will have to meet in time, before the entire organization ends up closed down by the government. The position of new technologies in the story manages to bring Bond to a necessary update based on the fears of our times, which means basing the story located in no-man's land, the Internet. A great villain can cause fear even though it can't be seen. But Bond is trained to work precisely in the shadows.
However, while the attacks change, Bond still maintains his unchanging class and especially his charisma. Mendes was lucky to be able to rely on Daniel Craig, the most versatile agent in the franchise. The work from the pair of them has given rise to a very human but equally lethal 007. Far from the Bond who was never injured and never showed any vulnerability. Craig exceeds the other 007's by not being a caricature while still wearing the dinner jacket with pride and he still can use a pistol better than anybody.
His new enemy deserves mention, because once again Javier Bardem, his nemesis, is outstanding in his role. Silva is one of his most surprising interpretations, even though it is based on what the Spaniard knows how to do best: attitude. Whereas in 'No country for old men' his simple presence disarmed everybody, in 'Skyfall' he has the same effect but in exactly the opposite way: his loquacity is almost as disconcerting as Heath Ledger's Joker, a clear inspiration, full of grimaces and totally crazy reactions. His "mommy issues" only help to improve it all. Both calculating and unpredictable, he is perhaps the best enemy 007 has ever had.
Although the trigger for the 007 mission may be closer to reality, 'Skyfall' is not claiming to send out any message, but to entertain as it has always done, and, of course, to delight the fans with countless nods to the character's past. The costumes, the cars and the exotic scenery of Shanghai and Istanbul together with the Bond girls, once again in the background, are 100% Bond. An agent who, more than ever, serves his country probably to remind us in his half century anniversary where he comes from. London becomes another character in his mission.
All time spy cinema, but also for today
Yes, it is possible to extract a defence of lifelong cinema spies in 'Skyfall', many dialogues in the movie record that, for all the technology and gadgets, there is nothing better than a good chase and some special classic effects. It is also useful that 007 gains a spot in the present where we can, apparently, solve everything with a computer. Someone has to get their hands dirty, and Bond is perfect for this, as he demonstrates skillfully with his pistol.
The actors are equally imbued with this constant deja vu of the history of the spy, enhancing the deservedly resounding ovation for Judi Dench brilliantly playing M again despite the time and the films dedicated to MI-6. The feeling she displays with Craig is part of the great moments of the film. Sam Mendes looks after all the rest with great skill, from the choreography of the chases and fights to the cinematography which will be greatly appreciated on the big screen. Not only is Sam Mendes a great director, he has managed to make the tape that every Bond fan would wish to have made. 'Skyfall' doesn't feel too long despite more than 2 hour duration (can we remember a movie of less than 2 hours in length?), which reflects perfectly that the wait was worth the trouble.
We only need to hear the first notes of the Adele theme song to become wrapped in nostalgia and to recall the memories we all have of James Bond. There is action, luxury, sex, Martinis, and everything that is traditionally part of excess the franchise, told for today's public. 'Skyfall' creates a base so that the saga can continue with that formula of past and present working harmoniously together; it has been like starting a new chapter in the history of the saga. Nothing more can be asked from a character, who after 23 missions, continues to surprise us.
