Five reasons to watch ‘Spectre’
Sam Mendes wasn’t the man I expected to make my favourite Bond films of recent years, but with this latest entry to the iconic franchise his undeniable skill as a director has becomes increasingly clear.
Here’s the synopsis for Spectre:
In the aftermath of the attack on MI6, a cryptic message sets in motion events that will see James Bond come face-to-face with the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE. As Gareth Mallory, the newly appointed M, continues fighting political pressures that threaten the future of MI6, Bond follows a trail from Mexico to Austria and Morocco as he is drawn into a confrontation with an enemy from his past; one who holds a dangerous secret that will force him to question the value of everything he has fought to protect.
Spectre is rumoured to be the final round for both Mendes and star Daniel Craig, and while this version of Bond is coming to an end, many wonderful memories of the film are set to live on. Here are five reasons to watch:
- Danny Kleinman’s exquisite title sequence
While Sam Smith’s theme tune ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ received some backlash, there’s no denying that the song worked beautifully with Danny Kleinman’s title sequence. Slick, sexy and alluring, the combination of imagery was masterfully created. Never before have octopus tentacles been so suggestive.
- Impeccable style
Following the retro-infused tone that director Sam Mendes established with Skyfall, Spectre plays out as very sexy and classy picture. The combination of production design and costuming have created an exquisite and beautiful film, with Bond dressed in the finest tailored suits courtesy of Tom Ford, while Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci shine in Jany Temime’s stunning costumes creations. This attention to detail really adds the all-important suave element expected of a Bond film.
- In-your-face action
From its opening moment in Mexico City to the penultimate showdown in London, Spectre is filled with exotic globe-trotting, and some of the most intense, and inventive action scenes that the Bond franchise has ever seen. The brutal hand-to-hand combat scene between Bond and the ferocious Mr. Hinx (Dave Bautista) leaves a particularly lasting impression.
- Madeleine Swann: a real character
While Bond girls have often been portrayed as interchangeable play things for the various versions of Bond, there has been some level of progression over the last few films (Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale comes to mind). In Spectre, Lea Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann is the new woman in Bond’s life – but she’s no damsel. The daughter of a previous Bond enemy, Swann is a sharp shooter (literally) who can more than hold her own with Bond.
- Daniel Craig: James Bond laid bare
Over the course of four films, Daniel Craig has crafted a layered portrait of Ian Fleming’s secret agent, which has completely modernised the character in a wondrously complex way. In Spectre, Craig gives us his most raw Bond yet – a man with a purpose, but one who is becoming disillusioned with his place in the world. But while Bond may be dealing with his own issues, he is no less focused, instead compelled by a desire for answers. Spectre charts Bond coming full circle, completing a cycle for the intrepid super spy.
Image source: Sony Pictures.
