007 puts his cards on the table

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2009)

It had long been a source of frustration to 007 admirers that 'Casino Royale', the first Ian Fleming 'James Bond' thriller, lacked the film adaptation it so richly deserved. There was an American television version in the '50's, starring Barry Nelson and Peter Lorre, and the infamous 1967 Peter Sellers/David Niven spoof, but neither did justice to the book. In 2005, Eon Productions acquired the rights, and felt that after the excesses of 'Die Another Day', a rebooting of the 44-year old franchise was in order. It effectively ruled out the popular 52-year old Pierce Brosnan from playing the role again.
Daniel Craig's casting was denounced by a small but vocal minority of fans, and a section of the British tabloid press decided he was wrong for the role before a single frame of the film had been shot. Too short, too blonde, too craggy-faced, were some of the complaints. Yet at the end of 2006, 'Casino Royale' opened to glowing reviews and excellent box office grosses. This was the first Bond film since 'O.H.M.S.S.' in 1969 to adhere closely to its source material, yet at the same time avoid seeming dated. Bond's mission is to beat a villain called 'LeChiffre' at cards at the Casino Royale. LeChiffre has embezzled funds from the terrorist organisation of which he is paymaster, hence he must replace the money quickly or face execution. The book was more character-driven than some of the later entries, set against a Cold War background. Neal Purvis & Robert Wade & Paul Haggis' script is marvellous. Bond even gets to say the famous last line: "The bitch is dead!".
Some were miffed at the jettisoning of old favourites such as 'Q' and 'Miss Moneypenny', as well as what they perceived to be a curt dismissal of the series' past. The one carryover from the Brosnan era was Judi Dench's 'M', which contradicted 'Goldeneye' in which Bond and M have not known each other long.
'Royale' is played dead straight, with little humour, none of the extravagance for which Bond is renowned, and an emphasis on violence. Rightly so. Bond is, after all, an assassin. It would not be the first time that 007 was 'toughened' up this way; 'For Your Eyes Only' and 'Licence To Kill' did as much, but not to the same extent as 'Royale'. I was gratified to see the poker game allowed to take its time, and not sped up for the benefit of impatient audiences. Bond's brutal torture at LeChiffre's hands transfers well to the big screen.
At the film's core is Craig's superb performance as 007. He is nothing like his predecessors, but at times evokes Connery, at others the late Richard Harris. He might not be 'tall, dark and handsome' but is completely believable as Bond. The scene where he dons his tuxedo for the first time is memorable, as is Bond having a drug-induced heart attack. I hope Craig sticks around for a long time. Martin Campbell, who launched the Brosnan era in fine style with 'Goldeneye', was brought back to direct, and pulled off the same trick all over again with Craig.
As 'LeChiffre', Mads Mikkelsen is the best 007 villain in literally years, able to project menace simply by using an asthma inhaler! Eva Green makes a beautiful 'Vesper Lynd', and one understands why Bond is prepared to resign to be with her. So while it might not be to everyone's taste, The theme song 'You Know My Name' was written and performed by Chris Cornell. 'Royale' is the most courageous and daring Bond made in many years. No gadgets? Who cares? With our mobile phones and iPods, we are all James Bonds now. It was great to see Craig confounding his critics and earning a BAFTA nomination for 'Best Actor'. Good work, 007!