A Film That Was Customized For Sam Mendes To Direct

Rating: 8/10 (16 December 2013)

In the James Bond film "Skyfall", director Sam Mendes has found his niche which compliments to his rather showy, but at times insipid style of filmmaking. Such films as "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition" are technical landmark for Mr. Mendes; however, the movie is sadly left without a soul. With the immaculate houses, the gorgeous pompadours and the well tailored suits are a mere distraction to the rather wooden characters portrayed in those movies. And the more free-wheeling affairs like "Jarhead" indicate to us that Mendes has very limited methods to his direction. While these movies had a plethora of good things going for it, it seems the Mendes' comfort zone rests on rather straight-forward concrete film as opposed to uneven films where the audience needs to dissect the film to draw his/her conclusions. It's obvious from the movies I mentioned that Mendes needed a film where he can adjust himself and lowering his lower qualities in his filmmaking. James Bond's "Skyfall" is the key component to Sam Mendes' comeback.
James Bond is the perfect compatible friend that Mendes needs to make a movie to suit his comfort zone. Bond is cunning, remorseless and has his mind set on fulfilling his initiatives. What a match made in movie heaven! In addition to that "Skyfall" is the rightful vehicle for Mendes. It's filled with intrigue, it's suave plus it's a paradise full of beautiful evenings, awesome penthouses, exciting casinos, loads of alcoholic beverages, and vibrant lights. The excitement never stops. The opening scene situated atop a moving train which highlights the angry encounters between Bond (Daniel Craig) and the diabolical Silva (Javier Bardem) is a sight for sore eyes. The other memorable fight in Macau is saturated with both style and substance. "Skyfall" has a steady flow that avoids scenes that end so abruptly or refrains from any awkward moments. The colors are magical as well the women are beautiful and the cinematography by Roger Deakins will likely put a smile to your faces.
The perfect rivalry comes in the perfect form of Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem as Bond tracks down his adversary with the feeling of real life hatred between them. The supporting thespians are just as equally effective with Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench and the well-learned Ben Whishaw as the gadget expert Q. The much talked about theme song by Adele is so beautiful it fits right in there with the Bond theme. The final showdown is both epical and at the same time uplifting, it shows that Mendes was spot on in dedication and confidence in his work. "Skyfall" truly represents what a Bond movie should be and in this vehicle the director deserves most of the credit here.