I think this shows how we all see different things.
In my own nonsensical opinion, I found CR and OHMSS
Two of the most Romantic Bond films.
I completely agree. -{ -{
I really buy the OHMSS relationship hook, line and sinker. For me it's the most rounded of all. Surprisingly I also rate the Bond Trench relationship, it's fun, and shallow, but enjoyable for both of them.They are a good match, it's not a romance, but they both know that.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
I thought the romance and chemistry between Bond and Vesper was very believable and very well played out. The dinner scene on the train was excellent with some cracking dialogue. Bond was well and truly put in his place and he enjoyed it.
I don't think I saw this movie.
Agreed. The dialogue on the train is lame. It's like an episode of the Gilmore Girls too. She mumbles.
I thought the romance and chemistry between Bond and Vesper was very believable and very well played out. The dinner scene on the train was excellent with some cracking dialogue. Bond was well and truly put in his place and he enjoyed it.
I don't think I saw this movie.
Agreed. The dialogue on the train is lame. It's like an episode of the Gilmore Girls too. She mumbles.
I hate it.
No idea what the Gilmore Girls is/are...but I love that scene...not sure why you think she mumbles either
It's a well written and well acted scene -{
I thought the romance and chemistry between Bond and Vesper was very believable and very well played out. The dinner scene on the train was excellent with some cracking dialogue. Bond was well and truly put in his place and he enjoyed it.
I don't think I saw this movie.
Agreed. The dialogue on the train is lame. It's like an episode of the Gilmore Girls too. She mumbles.
I hate it.
She is simply mumbling back to Mr Mumbles himself.
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies | Girl: Teresa di Vicenzo | Villain: Max Zorin | Car: Aston Martin Volante | Novel: You Only Live Twice | Bond: Sir Sean Connery
Yep. Babs wanted to make Vesper a modern woman who ain't need no man, but also wanted to adapt a male heterosexual fantasy espionage novel, and so there is no development from when she sizes him up and getting seperate bedrooms, to knowing he's more of a man than anyone she's ever met.
I know it's probably not a politically correct opinion but some of this is precisely what I like about it. Vesper the accountant sees herself as a very independent "career woman" who would never fall for a "macho" man like Bond (although the fact that she has to say so verbally a couple times, and the way in which she does, already hints at the fact that this is what she thinks she wants to feel, not what she actually does). But those are categories perhaps in a peaceful office environment, and I do see the development over the course of the movie. The situations they find themselves in change this perception (of him and herself) quickly - she realizes that behind the facade Bond is a man who risks his life regularly to save others (including her), which is inherently very attractive, that he actually cares about a lot of things but has to be "tough guy" to survive in his job. There is some very cheesy dialogue I agree but it also reveals that they both understand each other very well - and at least I buy it way more than the "I understand you because my father was an assasin" thing in Spectre (like this was automatically the case).
The "even feminists can't resist James Bond's charme" theme may be cliché as hell but to me it's also absolutely part of the series.
"I'm afraid I'm a complicated woman. "
"- That is something to be afraid of."
I watched Casino Royale last night as my Bond marathon is coming to an end.
not much I can say about this film as it's about as perfect as a Bond film can be. Craig plays Bond probably as near to Flemings character as can be possible. I love the scene after the stairwell fight, where Bond stares at himself in the mirror and drinks a triple scotch. A very powerful scene indeed.
I love the B/W opening to the film, with the brutal flashback to Bond's first kill.
The free running sequence is fantastic, as is the first half of the film. Then we get the second half straight from the pen of Fleming and brilliantly executed by Craig.
I wonder why they didn't included the assasijnation attempt by the Bulgarians with Bond saved by a tree. The rest of the novel is followed pretty much word for word with a modern twist.
This film can't be faulted in my opinion and sits at the Number 1 position of the 24. Brilliant just brilliant.
Agreed. The dialogue on the train is lame. It's like an episode of the Gilmore Girls too. She mumbles.
I hate it.
Hey now, I happen to like Gilmore Girls.
That said I do think the train scene is terrible. Also I never bought the Bond/Vesper romance and to me it felt very forced. The movie is also about 30 minutes too long and I can't even watch the cbt rope scene. Weird how some people will criticize other films like LTK for being too dark and "ugly" but are completely okay with seeing Bond emasculated. I realize it was in the novel, but jesus. Not my bag.
All in all Casino Royale is one of my least favorite Bond films, certainly the one I rewatch the least often.
I watched Casino Royale last night as my Bond marathon is coming to an end.
not much I can say about this film as it's about as perfect as a Bond film can be. Craig plays Bond probably as near to Flemings character as can be possible. I love the scene after the stairwell fight, where Bond stares at himself in the mirror and drinks a triple scotch. A very powerful scene indeed.
I love the B/W opening to the film, with the brutal flashback to Bond's first kill.
The free running sequence is fantastic, as is the first half of the film. Then we get the second half straight from the pen of Fleming and brilliantly executed by Craig.
I wonder why they didn't included the assasijnation attempt by the Bulgarians with Bond saved by a tree. The rest of the novel is followed pretty much word for word with a modern twist.
This film can't be faulted in my opinion and sits at the Number 1 position of the 24. Brilliant just brilliant.
I watched Casino Royale last night as my Bond marathon is coming to an end.
not much I can say about this film as it's about as perfect as a Bond film can be. Craig plays Bond probably as near to Flemings character as can be possible. I love the scene after the stairwell fight, where Bond stares at himself in the mirror and drinks a triple scotch. A very powerful scene indeed.
I love the B/W opening to the film, with the brutal flashback to Bond's first kill.
The free running sequence is fantastic, as is the first half of the film. Then we get the second half straight from the pen of Fleming and brilliantly executed by Craig.
I wonder why they didn't included the assasijnation attempt by the Bulgarians with Bond saved by a tree. The rest of the novel is followed pretty much word for word with a modern twist.
This film can't be faulted in my opinion and sits at the Number 1 position of the 24. Brilliant just brilliant.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your Bond reviews -{
Pro's
- Vesper the woman
- Vesper the drink
- the locations
- A great le Chiffre
- wonderful soundtrack
- The free running in Africa
- The overall story: Nice to be back to real Fleming after DAD
- One of the best theme songs. Man that song rocks!
Con's
- Drags a little bit halfway
- No gun barrel
- No Q
This one took watching a few times before I grew to like it and now, it's one of my top favorite Bond movies.
Pros:
A tale of two films: I love that the first half is an action packed thriller and the second half is laid back and focused on the card game.
Craig's sarcastic sense of humor: Like the torture scene (I've got a little itch) and his "if I want an answer out of you, I'll beat it out of you" and not shy to tell someone how he feels about them in that moment in time....see when he calls Vesper a "bloody idiot" on the balcony after losing.
Theme song is excellent.
The locations are great for this film.
The jumps the bomber made when he was being chased by Bond, were just awesome.
Shocking scenes: Bond being poisoned, wrecking the car, the torture scene.
Cons:
Dying Bond girls: Out of all of Craig's Bond girls, only 1 has lived and she was in QoS. I know Eve was considered a Bond girl in Skyfall, but I've never really considered Moneypenny a Bond girl. She's a mainstay like Bond, M and Q.
The Gun barrel scene being incomplete, but in the right place.
The movie ends!
No video game to go with it. Same for Die Another Day.
1, GE 2, CR 3, SF 4, TWINE 5, Spectre 6, TMWTGG 7, DAD 8, LALD 9, AVTAK 10, LTK 11, Octopussy 12, Moonraker 13, TLD 14, GF 15, QOS 16, Tomorrow 17, FYEO 18. TSWLM Not seen much: Dr. No, Russia, Thunderball, Twice, Majesty.
1: Brosnan 2: Craig 3: Moore 4: Dalton 5: Connery and 6: Lazenby
Pros:
.The entire cast.
.Beautiful and glamorous locations. Masterfully shot by Phil Mehuex.
.Awesome score. I want David Arnold to return.
.The best action of the Craig era.
.It really feels like a fresh start for the series.
.The way it modernizes the novel.
.Cool and original PTS.
.I just love the feel of this flick.
.EVA GREEN.
Cons:
.They should've kept the scene where Bond sees Gettler in the lobby and the bit where he and Vesper are swimming.
There's little to complain about in Casino Royale. The cast is fantastic. Craig really embodies Bond and gives us a Conneryesque prescence , the seriousness of Dalton, and a Brosnanesque vulnerability but makes it his own with his own bluntness.
Arnold's score, especially the quieter moments, is superb, definitely his best to this point and maybe his most Barryesque score.
The parquor really adds to the early action sequence. The locales are beautiful, as is the cinematography. The script is great, and is a fantastic expansion of Fleming's novel. I love Michael G. Wilson's cameo too.
There's so much to love about this film, it remains my favourite Bond film even 11 years after it was released. It's exactly what we needed after Die Another Day, much like For Your Eyes Only was necessary after Moonraker. Only CR is much better.
There's little to complain about in Casino Royale. The cast is fantastic. Craig really embodies Bond and gives us a Conneryesque prescence , the seriousness of Dalton, and a Brosnanesque vulnerability but makes it his own with his own bluntness.
Arnold's score, especially the quieter moments, is superb, definitely his best to this point and maybe his most Barryesque score.
The parquor really adds to the early action sequence. The locales are beautiful, as is the cinematography. The script is great, and is a fantastic expansion of Fleming's novel. I love Michael G. Wilson's cameo too.
There's so much to love about this film, it remains my favourite Bond film even 11 years after it was released. It's exactly what we needed after Die Another Day, much like For Your Eyes Only was necessary after Moonraker. Only CR is much better.
Totally agree. -{
My only small gripe ( which doesn't detract from my viewing pleasure) is M's plan. And the whole le chiffre has lost all his money and that's why he can put on a high stakes poker tournament. I just can't get my head round it https://youtu.be/byku-4Sl4zE
CR was the right reboot at the right time for me. DC stepping up as Bond was inspirational and he made it his own despite the naysayers. Truly loved the title song and it set up the film well. Bringing in the DBS was so cool I loved it but gutted he wrecked it though. The action scenes set the bar high and were a tough act to follow. I loved that it filled in some of the blanks about Bond, his 00 status and the final scene was a corker! (not a happy chap and he is out for revenge)
They packed a lot in but it made for a great watch.
This and SF are my top 1,2 followed by SP and QOS of the DC era.
Cheers :007)
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
Of course there is the obvious which is the biggest mistake EON has ever made.
The abomination that are the Gun-barrel sequences. The one in CR is especially bad. A totally unnecessary move to be "hip" or whatever it is EON thought it would be.
The re-boot nonsense is as well totally unnecessary and of course laughable. A 38 year old is still a blunt instrument and is constantly doubted as 00...that's a minor complaint though, especially after the ludicrous plot holes in SF.
Casino Royale is the one classic that this era has produced that will always be considered to be one of the greats like GF-TSWLM-GE and rightfully so.
It is very good. I was very sceptical re Daniel when cast, and still have reservations. However like Lazenby his limitations worked in the context of the particular film. Eva Green still leaves me cold and the collapsing building is unnecessary in my view.the film has so much going for it and the torture scene is amongst the very best scene in any of the films. It's top 3 or 5 for me depending on mood. A stunning achievement in a franchise running for that long.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
It is very good. I was very sceptical re Daniel when cast, and still have reservations. However like Lazenby his limitations worked in the context of the particular film. Eva Green still leaves me cold and the collapsing building is unnecessary in my view.the film has so much going for it and the torture scene is amongst the very best scene in any of the films. It's top 3 or 5 for me depending on mood. A stunning achievement in a franchise running for that long.
Close to my sentiments for the film. I have an appreciation, but have found it slipping on recent watches. Elements of it are tedious. I find this and GE to be the Bond films that drop in my rankings - something is missing in their structure. That being said, I still think they're good Bond films and as Zaphod said they shook up the series.
CR is currently my No 12 so it's still in the upper half of the ranking.
It has slipped lately, out of the Top 10. In 2006 I liked it quite a bit, not for Craig, but for the cast in general and the film itself really.
Montenegro from the train to the torture scene is brilliant, simply fantastic, but what comes before and after is actually not that perfect. Still EONs better than dreary plot hole infested SF of course.
To be honest from when the poker game ends to the end of the film I never got what exactly is happening concerning Vesper.
-Bond states earlier, she is single. She doesn't deny it, is she single or is she together with Yusef?
-After Bond wins the poker game Vesper and he is in the restaurant, Vesper receives a text message from who? She claims it's Mathis.
-When exactly in the story (film) has Vesper decided to betray MI6 and take the money? Because she gets blackmailed with Yusef's life?
-Why do alarm bells go of with Bond, after Vesper left the restaurant, he says "Mathis!" and runs out. Why?
-Vesper gets abducted by LeChriffre and tortured? Or is it a ploy to get Bond talking in the torture scene?
-Vesper has traded Bond's life for giving (who?) the money? so White doesn't kill Bond?
-How is Bond getting to the hospital?
-Mathis never really betrayed Bond I guess? Le Chiffre claims Mathis is his friend and not Bonds. True? Why does LeChiffre say that?
-Venice: Vesper steals the money because she made a deal to save Bond's life or for Yusef? And then what was her exit plan?
-Vesper seems so much in love with Bond in the hospital. So she has fallen out of love with Yusef?
I know it's a lot of questions. Maybe someone can just explain the plot concerning Vesper/Yusef/Mathis to me, so I finally may get it.
I know it's a lot of questions. Maybe someone can just explain the plot concerning Vesper/Yusef/Mathis to me, so I finally may get it.
After the poker game the question it how Vesper will get the funds (Bonds winnings) to Quantum. Of course Le Chiffe is after the same for his own means. White kills Le Chiffe but if he kills Vesper Quantum would not get the funds at that point everyone needs Bond alive to unlock the funds from ESCOW.
-Bond states earlier, she is single. She doesn't deny it, is she single or is she together with Yusef?
Initially she is with Yousef and is probably being blackmailed to free him or is out to save his life (see QOS, it's their MO get him to befriend someone female in security services, then kidnap him to force them to do things for the organisation).
-After Bond wins the poker game Vesper and he is in the restaurant, Vesper receives a text message from who? She claims it's Mathis.
Yes to get her outside to kidnap her could be a ruse and may not actually have been Mathis.
-When exactly in the story (film) has Vesper decided to betray MI6 and take the money? Because she gets blackmailed with Yusef's life?
I would say probably at the torture scene she holds the cards as she is only one who can access money via Bond, maybe deal was Bond not Yousef at that point as she also needed him alive to access the funds to pay Quantum and free Yousef)
-Why do alarm bells go of with Bond, after Vesper left the restaurant, he says "Mathis!" and runs out. Why?
How did Le Chiffe know Bond knew his telll? Possibly Mathis was double agent?
-Vesper gets abducted by LeChriffre and tortured? Or is it a ploy to get Bond talking in the torture scene?
She is the banker and can acccess the money or encourage Bond to hand it over
-Vesper has traded Bond's life for giving (who?) the money? so White doesn't kill Bond?
She can work Bond to get the money for aquantum
-How is Bond getting to the hospital? Ambulance like everyone else
-Mathis never really betrayed Bond I guess? Le Chiffre claims Mathis is his friend and not Bonds. True? Why does LeChiffre say that?
Correct to sow the seed of doubt in Bond hence why Mathis was lifted in the hospital scene
-Venice: Vesper steals the money because she made a deal to save Bond's life or for Yusef? And then what was her exit plan?
By late in the film probably Bond and then sail off into the sunset with him
-Vesper seems so much in love with Bond in the hospital. So she has fallen out of love with Yousef?
Probably by then she knows Bond and what he can do with his little finger
Just my take - Hope this helps
Cheers
My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
Comments
I really buy the OHMSS relationship hook, line and sinker. For me it's the most rounded of all. Surprisingly I also rate the Bond Trench relationship, it's fun, and shallow, but enjoyable for both of them.They are a good match, it's not a romance, but they both know that.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
No idea what the Gilmore Girls is/are...but I love that scene...not sure why you think she mumbles either
It's a well written and well acted scene -{
I really like it, the dialogue sparkles and we learn a lot in a short space. It's one of the best scenes in my view.
No?!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
She is simply mumbling back to Mr Mumbles himself.
I know it's probably not a politically correct opinion but some of this is precisely what I like about it. Vesper the accountant sees herself as a very independent "career woman" who would never fall for a "macho" man like Bond (although the fact that she has to say so verbally a couple times, and the way in which she does, already hints at the fact that this is what she thinks she wants to feel, not what she actually does). But those are categories perhaps in a peaceful office environment, and I do see the development over the course of the movie. The situations they find themselves in change this perception (of him and herself) quickly - she realizes that behind the facade Bond is a man who risks his life regularly to save others (including her), which is inherently very attractive, that he actually cares about a lot of things but has to be "tough guy" to survive in his job. There is some very cheesy dialogue I agree but it also reveals that they both understand each other very well - and at least I buy it way more than the "I understand you because my father was an assasin" thing in Spectre (like this was automatically the case).
The "even feminists can't resist James Bond's charme" theme may be cliché as hell but to me it's also absolutely part of the series.
"- That is something to be afraid of."
The train scene does an excellent job of reflecting her conflict as she simultaneously pushes Bond away and pulls him toward her.
Honestly - not a clue ?:)
(77th overall including TV shows)
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
not much I can say about this film as it's about as perfect as a Bond film can be. Craig plays Bond probably as near to Flemings character as can be possible. I love the scene after the stairwell fight, where Bond stares at himself in the mirror and drinks a triple scotch. A very powerful scene indeed.
I love the B/W opening to the film, with the brutal flashback to Bond's first kill.
The free running sequence is fantastic, as is the first half of the film. Then we get the second half straight from the pen of Fleming and brilliantly executed by Craig.
I wonder why they didn't included the assasijnation attempt by the Bulgarians with Bond saved by a tree. The rest of the novel is followed pretty much word for word with a modern twist.
This film can't be faulted in my opinion and sits at the Number 1 position of the 24. Brilliant just brilliant.
"Do you expect me to talk? "No Mister Bond I expect you to die"
That said I do think the train scene is terrible. Also I never bought the Bond/Vesper romance and to me it felt very forced. The movie is also about 30 minutes too long and I can't even watch the cbt rope scene. Weird how some people will criticize other films like LTK for being too dark and "ugly" but are completely okay with seeing Bond emasculated. I realize it was in the novel, but jesus. Not my bag.
All in all Casino Royale is one of my least favorite Bond films, certainly the one I rewatch the least often.
Bond: Pierce Brosnan Villain: Hugo Drax Girl: Pam Bouvier
{[]
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your Bond reviews -{
Pro's
- Vesper the woman
- Vesper the drink
- the locations
- A great le Chiffre
- wonderful soundtrack
- The free running in Africa
- The overall story: Nice to be back to real Fleming after DAD
- One of the best theme songs. Man that song rocks!
Con's
- Drags a little bit halfway
- No gun barrel
- No Q
1. Connery 2. Craig 3. Brosnan 4. Dalton 5. Lazenby 6. Moore
Pros:
A tale of two films: I love that the first half is an action packed thriller and the second half is laid back and focused on the card game.
Craig's sarcastic sense of humor: Like the torture scene (I've got a little itch) and his "if I want an answer out of you, I'll beat it out of you" and not shy to tell someone how he feels about them in that moment in time....see when he calls Vesper a "bloody idiot" on the balcony after losing.
Theme song is excellent.
The locations are great for this film.
The jumps the bomber made when he was being chased by Bond, were just awesome.
Shocking scenes: Bond being poisoned, wrecking the car, the torture scene.
Cons:
Dying Bond girls: Out of all of Craig's Bond girls, only 1 has lived and she was in QoS. I know Eve was considered a Bond girl in Skyfall, but I've never really considered Moneypenny a Bond girl. She's a mainstay like Bond, M and Q.
The Gun barrel scene being incomplete, but in the right place.
The movie ends!
No video game to go with it. Same for Die Another Day.
1: Brosnan 2: Craig 3: Moore 4: Dalton 5: Connery and 6: Lazenby
Pros:
.The entire cast.
.Beautiful and glamorous locations. Masterfully shot by Phil Mehuex.
.Awesome score. I want David Arnold to return.
.The best action of the Craig era.
.It really feels like a fresh start for the series.
.The way it modernizes the novel.
.Cool and original PTS.
.I just love the feel of this flick.
.EVA GREEN.
Cons:
.They should've kept the scene where Bond sees Gettler in the lobby and the bit where he and Vesper are swimming.
Arnold's score, especially the quieter moments, is superb, definitely his best to this point and maybe his most Barryesque score.
The parquor really adds to the early action sequence. The locales are beautiful, as is the cinematography. The script is great, and is a fantastic expansion of Fleming's novel. I love Michael G. Wilson's cameo too.
There's so much to love about this film, it remains my favourite Bond film even 11 years after it was released. It's exactly what we needed after Die Another Day, much like For Your Eyes Only was necessary after Moonraker. Only CR is much better.
8. TMwtGG 9. AVtaK 10. TSWLM 11. SF 12. LtK 13. TND 14. YOLT
15. NTtD 16. MR 17. LaLD 18. GF 19. SP 20. DN 21. TB
22. TWiNE 23. DAD 24. QoS 25. DaF
Totally agree. -{
My only small gripe ( which doesn't detract from my viewing pleasure) is M's plan. And the whole le chiffre has lost all his money and that's why he can put on a high stakes poker tournament. I just can't get my head round it
https://youtu.be/byku-4Sl4zE
They packed a lot in but it made for a great watch.
This and SF are my top 1,2 followed by SP and QOS of the DC era.
Cheers :007)
Of course there is the obvious which is the biggest mistake EON has ever made.
The abomination that are the Gun-barrel sequences. The one in CR is especially bad. A totally unnecessary move to be "hip" or whatever it is EON thought it would be.
The re-boot nonsense is as well totally unnecessary and of course laughable. A 38 year old is still a blunt instrument and is constantly doubted as 00...that's a minor complaint though, especially after the ludicrous plot holes in SF.
Casino Royale is the one classic that this era has produced that will always be considered to be one of the greats like GF-TSWLM-GE and rightfully so.
Close to my sentiments for the film. I have an appreciation, but have found it slipping on recent watches. Elements of it are tedious. I find this and GE to be the Bond films that drop in my rankings - something is missing in their structure. That being said, I still think they're good Bond films and as Zaphod said they shook up the series.
"Better make that two."
It has slipped lately, out of the Top 10. In 2006 I liked it quite a bit, not for Craig, but for the cast in general and the film itself really.
Montenegro from the train to the torture scene is brilliant, simply fantastic, but what comes before and after is actually not that perfect. Still EONs better than dreary plot hole infested SF of course.
To be honest from when the poker game ends to the end of the film I never got what exactly is happening concerning Vesper.
-Bond states earlier, she is single. She doesn't deny it, is she single or is she together with Yusef?
-After Bond wins the poker game Vesper and he is in the restaurant, Vesper receives a text message from who? She claims it's Mathis.
-When exactly in the story (film) has Vesper decided to betray MI6 and take the money? Because she gets blackmailed with Yusef's life?
-Why do alarm bells go of with Bond, after Vesper left the restaurant, he says "Mathis!" and runs out. Why?
-Vesper gets abducted by LeChriffre and tortured? Or is it a ploy to get Bond talking in the torture scene?
-Vesper has traded Bond's life for giving (who?) the money? so White doesn't kill Bond?
-How is Bond getting to the hospital?
-Mathis never really betrayed Bond I guess? Le Chiffre claims Mathis is his friend and not Bonds. True? Why does LeChiffre say that?
-Venice: Vesper steals the money because she made a deal to save Bond's life or for Yusef? And then what was her exit plan?
-Vesper seems so much in love with Bond in the hospital. So she has fallen out of love with Yusef?
I know it's a lot of questions. Maybe someone can just explain the plot concerning Vesper/Yusef/Mathis to me, so I finally may get it.
After the poker game the question it how Vesper will get the funds (Bonds winnings) to Quantum. Of course Le Chiffe is after the same for his own means. White kills Le Chiffe but if he kills Vesper Quantum would not get the funds at that point everyone needs Bond alive to unlock the funds from ESCOW.
-Bond states earlier, she is single. She doesn't deny it, is she single or is she together with Yusef?
Initially she is with Yousef and is probably being blackmailed to free him or is out to save his life (see QOS, it's their MO get him to befriend someone female in security services, then kidnap him to force them to do things for the organisation).
-After Bond wins the poker game Vesper and he is in the restaurant, Vesper receives a text message from who? She claims it's Mathis.
Yes to get her outside to kidnap her could be a ruse and may not actually have been Mathis.
-When exactly in the story (film) has Vesper decided to betray MI6 and take the money? Because she gets blackmailed with Yusef's life?
I would say probably at the torture scene she holds the cards as she is only one who can access money via Bond, maybe deal was Bond not Yousef at that point as she also needed him alive to access the funds to pay Quantum and free Yousef)
-Why do alarm bells go of with Bond, after Vesper left the restaurant, he says "Mathis!" and runs out. Why?
How did Le Chiffe know Bond knew his telll? Possibly Mathis was double agent?
-Vesper gets abducted by LeChriffre and tortured? Or is it a ploy to get Bond talking in the torture scene?
She is the banker and can acccess the money or encourage Bond to hand it over
-Vesper has traded Bond's life for giving (who?) the money? so White doesn't kill Bond?
She can work Bond to get the money for aquantum
-How is Bond getting to the hospital? Ambulance like everyone else
-Mathis never really betrayed Bond I guess? Le Chiffre claims Mathis is his friend and not Bonds. True? Why does LeChiffre say that?
Correct to sow the seed of doubt in Bond hence why Mathis was lifted in the hospital scene
-Venice: Vesper steals the money because she made a deal to save Bond's life or for Yusef? And then what was her exit plan?
By late in the film probably Bond and then sail off into the sunset with him
-Vesper seems so much in love with Bond in the hospital. So she has fallen out of love with Yousef?
Probably by then she knows Bond and what he can do with his little finger
Just my take - Hope this helps
Cheers