James Bond: Blond on Blond
Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem face off in “Skyfall”
As recently as 1999, I quietly advocated for the euthanasia of James Bond. When The World is Not Enough was released, I thought as long as the Brits were sweeping obsolete institutions like the House of Lords into the dustbin of history that it was time to recommend the broom for the Bond franchise, then represented by the enervated Pierce Brosnan.
Much to my surprise, I was delighted by Bond’s resurrection in Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig. And found Sam Mendes’ Skyfall, the movie that no doubt will be dubbed Blond on Blond for the face-off between Daniel Craig’s 007 and Javier Bardem’s peroxided Silva, quite the kick.
I like Skyfall for much the same reason as I liked Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony at London Olympics (which, not coincidentally, featured Daniel Craig and QE2 in a segment advancing the movie). Both the Olympics opening ceremony and Skyfall celebrate the history of British literature and movies. As if to say, nobody does it better.
For not only does Skyfall, with its nemesis ensconced on his own private island, pay tribute to classic Bond books and films, it also pays homage to the Daphne du Maurier/Alfred Hitchcock Rebecca, to Hogwarts of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books and movie adaptations and even, framing Judi Dench’s M as a cunning spymaster, to John Le Carre’s George Smiley novels. The implication that M is a mother figure who recruits orphans as spies, all the better to manipulate their loyalties, is chilling. Dench is splendid.
Before Skyfall, I would have said that my favorite Bond girl was Diana Rigg in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Now I’d say Dench, Judi Dench.
Your favorite Bond girl? Nemesis? Theme song?
Should Skyfall be dubbed “Blond on Blond”? Judi Dench is my favorite Bond girl. Yours?: http://t.co/w6AAqmoF
RT @CarrieRickey: Should Skyfall be dubbed “Blond on Blond”? Judi Dench is my favorite Bond girl. Yours? http://t.co/m2EBZEci
Ditto Dench. She’s Dame Judy, as always, and yet she continues to surprise. The film is a seductive pleasure – but she provides it with an invaluable asset – a bravura acting flourish.
The Bond girls make me groan! Especially the ones in the begining of this wonderful franchise.They were nothing more than sex oblects that handed Bond his come on lines.Thank God for Dame Dench ! Smart , sassy, quick witted and in charge. I can’t wait for her to disclose her weakness and secrets in this film. She views Bond like lint on one of her tailored dark suits. But she has a deep fondness for this agent because she knows he’s the only one to get the job done right. Don’t be fooled Bond would do anything for this woman. Smart man.