Skyfall (2012)

Rating: 8/10 (12 November 2012)

In his debut turn directing a James Bond film, Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) found a way to combine intimate character moments with grand-scale action to construct the type of spy film that made 007 a global icon for 50 years. Daniel Craig returns as Bond, finding a level of comfort in the role we haven't seen in his last two efforts. Less brooding and hell- bent on revenge, Craig brings an effortless swagger previously unseen. Skyfall effectively reminds us why we fell in love with 007, and propels the franchise into a bold new chapter.
Skyfall opens with an absolutely gripping chase sequence through the streets of Istanbul, as 007 and a fellow field agent (Naomie Harris) pursue an unknown thug who possesses a hard drive containing the identities of undercover MI6 agents embedded around the globe. The mission goes haywire: Bond is presumably shot dead, and the assailant escapes with the precious information intact. During his time spent off the grid, Bond enjoys a lazy sabbatical consisting of not much more than sex and booze, only to be spurred back to action by an attack on MI6 headquarters.
While there hasn't been much continuity when it comes to the personal relationships of 007 throughout the years, his love and loyalty to England is never questioned. Nor has his alliance to MI6 chief M (Judi Dench), who personally needs him now more than ever before. Like Bond, M struggles to remain relevant in the ever-changing world of espionage. This need to adapt or die unites the two. Their initially icy relationship tenderizes over the course of the film, and reaches a level of platonic intimacy rarely seen over the storied history of the franchise.
In addition to a battleground that is becoming more opaque and difficult to define by the day, M must also survive the vengeful wrath of Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem). A former MI6 agent, Silva holds M personally responsible for being captured and tortured while on assignment. Bardem's experience playing a deranged sociopath helps him bring a unique mix of charm and menace to the role. While many may be quick to cite his Oscar-winning part in No Country For Old Men as a source of inspiration for Silva, the character he most recalls is Heath Ledger's Joker from The Dark Knight. Bardem delivers a fantastic, film-stealing performance, despite limited screen- time.
If there is a flaw in Skyfall, it is in the stakes—or lack thereof—seemingly uncharacteristically low for a Bond film. Although it's made clear that Silva is capable of carnage on a grand scale, his mission is purely one born of personal vengeance, and there is no evidence that he poses a threat after his personal vendetta is fulfilled. There is no atomic bomb threatening to wipe England off the map. However, this does not minimize the film. The seemingly lowered stakes ultimately work to make the film more personal for both Bond and the spellbound audience.
Working with veteran cinematographer Roger Deakins (best known for his work with the Coen Brothers), Mendes find unexpected beauty in a wide array of set pieces, including a neon-lit Shanghai skyscraper and the abandoned island from which Silva operates. None of the action is spectacular, but it is at least coherent and effective, especially when compared to the frenetic, pseudo-Bourne styling of 2008's Quantum of Solace. The pacing is fluid, and the film never drags despite its 143-minute runtime. Perhaps Mendes' greatest contribution is the overall tone he delivers to the film. While the previous Craig-era 007's could seem overly dark and cheerless, Skyfall remains incredibly fun amidst its thrilling and violent nature.