While there are dissenting
opinions, the general consensus seems to be that “Spectre” (2015) is disappointing
and not as good as “Skyfall” (2012). And I agree with both although I was not on
the hype train for “Skyfall” (2012) as others were. First, I do not really like
the so called more “realistic” approach to Bond Movies. Second, “Skyfall”
(2012) has some serious issues it was able to hind well enough by some good sleight
of hand and pandering to the Fans’ nostalgia. And, considering it was a Bond movie
that was good enough.
However, these issues with “Skyfall”
(2012) are connected with the problems with “Spectre” (2015) which share the
same creative team. “Spectre” (2015) is basically “Skyfall” (2012) without the magician's
assistant distracting you. And I’m not talking about the Bond girls although I
would have to say what is with Monica Bellucci in “Spectre” (2015)? I know “Skyfall”
(2012) also miss used Bérénice Marlohe as the second tier Bond girl but she at
least got more screen time than Monica Bellucci who was in the movie for 5
minutes.
I will not go over the details here
since many have voiced them already. I want to talk about the fundamental reasons
behind them. I do not think the director Sam Mendes really wants to make a Bond
movie. This should not come as a surprise looking over the filmography the
director of “American Beauty” (1999). Even with “Skyfall” (2012), Sam Mendes
seems conflicted between the fundamentals of what the James Bond movie franchise
is and what he wanted to do. That is why the first 60% of “Skyfall” (2012) is
more of a bond movie while the latter 40% feels like a different movie.
Another thing that shows this
conflict is the way Sam Mendes gets Bond from plot point A to plot point Z. In
a Bond movie, one uses the gadgets, villain, and Bond girls to get Bond through
these plot points and to the conclusion of the movie in an exciting, simple and
clear cut manner. As a director of dramas, Sam Mendes seems to chafe under
these restrictions. Even in “Skyfall” (2012), Sam Mendes had issues with
simplicity as the narrative became either overly convoluted or too silly at
points. This issue is manifested in “Spectre” (2015) more pronouncedly because the
movie seems to have been conceived more as a traditional campy Bond movie. It
is really like the best hits of Sean Connery era Bond movie as it borrows
heavily from movies such as “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977).
There is certain deft hand required
to pull off “Camp.” You also need a certain degree of humor also. It seems Sam
Mendes doesn’t really have that “Camp” bone in him. The script of “Spectre”
(2015) has several points especially in the early parts when the movie stops
for what is definitely a joke. However, Sam Mendes just marches on playing it
basically straight. As a result, the movie feels awkward at points.
This is also seen in the Daniel
Craig’s performance in the movie. Some say that he looked less interested in
this movie. However, I would counter by saying that Daniel Craig’s performance hasn’t
changed from “Skyfall” (2012). That is his Bond. It is just that, when you put
him in a movie that is written to be camp and humorous while giving him
directions to play it straight, his portrayal doesn’t come off as well as when
the words on the page is actually more serious. Don’t ask Daniel Craig to do
camp. He cannot do humorous. This is why a lot of the character interactions
which are not intended to be more dramatic just seem awkward.
So, what I’m trying to say is that “Spectre”
(2015) is disappointing because you have a director fighting against a script
which is not really what interests him and not suited for him. This really
shows! The fact that the movie turned out as well as it did is a testament to
the professionalism of the cast and crew. However, this professionalism doesn’t
make the movie great. It just makes it watchable.
“Spectre”
(2015) is awkward at points.
“Spectre”
(2015) is too long and gets tedious.
“Spectre”
(2015) is not funny when it seems it is meant to be funny.
“Spectre”
(2015) is silly when it is meant to be campy.
However, “Spectre”
(2015) is still watchable.
As a side note, why is “Spectre”
(2015) basically a PG movie in terms of the sex thing? I’ve seen more passion
and sex on a ABC Family channel show.
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 from Korea by a Korean. Starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci, Léa Seydoux. ){kind=link}
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