To me whether a film is a financial success or not is not part of the equation of its quality. Its a question of whether I think its good or not. Narratively and technically. Although repeat viewings was not something I understood until I realised I saw CR 6 times at the cinema - simply because I had the option and loved watching it on the big screen. By and large, Modern tv and film has shown high rating figures and quality do not often go hand in hand. - But high ratings means money, so we get more of the same. Look at reality tv!
QoS is the first Bond film I did not enjoy, because the flash editing literally hurt my eyes. - I saw it twice at the cinema, and in spite of everyone's good intentions (except the director who simply made an arty-farty mess) it just didn't work. - My take on its technical flaws.
The only saving grace for me WERE the scenes that touched upon CR - specifically, the initial portion of White's torture (when he realises MI6 are in the dark,) Bond and Mathias in Italy and later on the plane while Bond gets blotto (Dave Arnold's music helps here) and the final scene when Bond finishes speaking with M,and walks away dropping Vesper's love knot in the snow. - Certainly this film is not part two of Casino Royale, it is a film entry by itself. Trouble is, it did not do a decent enough job of establishing that. - To me, resolving Vesper's storyline left over from CR, is its only positive legacy. On the down side it creates the impression its a straight carry on of that story.
As a villain Greene is uninteresting, we learn nothing about Quantum worth knowing, the plot is too cryptic and complicated, Bond himself is out of character - a rebellious, cold killing machine, with M in the wings looking over his shoulder at every turn. (and location?!) The lack of any humour. - Not to mention gratuitous hit you on the head references to the previous films in the franchise. Dr No style dinner suit, Goldfinger death by body coating, even Quantum itself seems to be an ill defined shadow reprise of Spectre for the reboot era! Etc etc. - These ingredients a good Bond film do NOT make. - To me these are the Narrative flaws. Bond films should be setting standards for others to follow, not falling back on history, and also running on the spot!
I'd be the first to say the Bond films have ebbed and weaved over the decades. That's why the film series is still with us. - Compare the elements of Dr No with OHMSS, Moonraker, TWINE, and CR and you have films that are radically different in style and content. But for me, QoS is the first where I can say I went to see a Bond film at the cinema and came out confused and very disappointed.
- Twice.
Last edited by Thunderbird 2 (19th Jul 2011 21:18)
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