Fleming's Bond is back (finally)

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 2006)

There is a credit in "Casino Royale" that has never appeared before- "based on the novel by Ian Fleming". For all of us who gritted our teeth through the Pierce Brosnan years, we fret no more- this is the best Bond film since "The Living Daylights" in 1987 (coincidentally the last 007 film to use Fleming's material in any meaningful way) and is a serious rival to "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" as the best installment EVER.
The Bond movies go in cycles; after an excessively ridiculous entry, the producers will bring the series back to basics. Many amends had to be made for 2002's "Die Another Day" and I was thrilled to hear that an origin story based on Fleming's first (and best) book was to be filmed. What's so surprising is how close this film is to the novel.
The first hour or so is a spectacular adventure film with action sequences that stun and amaze. Martin Campbell's terrific staging and Stuart Baird's nimble editing gives the film a drive and energy that most movies lack.
But the movie really kicks into high gear when Fleming's original plot takes over. Aside from modernizing touches and a more spectacular finale, the book is faithfully adapted- Le Chiffre's inhalation of Benzadrine, the high stakes gambling, the infamous torture scene, Bond's fear and loathing of women are all present and correct. And what a thrilling tale it is! The spectre of terrorism makes a perfect substitute for Cold War fears.
Daniel Craig makes a fantastic Bond- he fits the description of a hard, cruel man who can be tipped over into sentiment. Eva Green is one of the most gorgeous women alive and gives a wonderfully three dimensional portrayal of Vesper Lynd. The shower scene is unforgettable.
Those who prefer their Bonds to be cartoonish may be disappointed- certainly the teenage boys who sat near me voiced their displeasure in no uncertain terms. I was in seventh heaven- Fleming's Bond is back!