My friend Omar's immediate response to the film was that it evokes the Bond franchise more than the past two Daniel Craig films. I had replied that for me it evoked classic filmmaking more and thus early Bonds.
However, on further pondering, I do think that it did quite clearly pick up themes toyed with by both Goldeneye and Die Another Day as well. Alyssa Rosenberg has a review that covers most any point I'd like to make, and I'd emphasize her mentions of the National Gallery and Severine.
So what to add, I think I will wander into spoiler territory here:
- As an international relations type, I should mention that cyberwarfare does not work that way.
- I did not actually find M's are you afraid speech especially compelling. Well delivered to be sure, but the 'everything is cyber' parliamentarian is rather a strawwoman. I'm not really sure what real world argument the film tracks to if any.
- However, I think the choice of strategy at the end was interesting and telling. Bond went low tech and low armament to fight on home turf instead. That strategy worked to minimize the civilian and police casualties that had been ramping up earlier in the film. That strategy was also effective, albeit with a real cost. It was a choice I found to be more interesting than the earlier debate.
- Wonder how this film plays in the Scottish independence vote. Interestingly enough, Bond tends to say England rather than Britain, despite being born in Scotland. I have no special insight here, I'm just curious.
As for the review, if you enjoy Bond films or action heavy spy films, I suspect you'll find this quite satisfying. I've drifted away some from the genre over the years and that doesn't seem to be changing, but this was still a fun visit for me. I feel the film respected me and merits some respect in turn. Finally in Bond's first confrontation with his nemesis he used a line that will enter the top 10 Bond quotes.
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