Skyfall: Film Review
By: Swahbir Nyunga
Tags: Film Reviews, Skyfall, 2012, James Bond

Alongside Django Unchained and The Avengers, Skyfall is my favourite film of 2012. It’s action-packed, riveting and brilliantly tense.

(This review is spoiler free)

The James Bond franchise has been a key part of the film industry for over half a century. Since 1962, people have flocked to cinemas to enjoy the antics of the cruel, murderous MI6 agent.

2008 was an eventful year. Most of the world went into recession, Barack Obama became the first African-American president, and Quantum of Solace was released. For some, it was the latter event that was the most disheartening.

After Craig’s first run as 007, back in 2006, a lot of people were surprised how good he was. Myself included. Casino Royale, to this date, remains one of the greatest Bond films of all time. So when the next Bond film was announced, the world went into high-alert. Quantum of Solace generated quite the bit of anticipation.

And it didn’t quite hold up. So, in a way, Skyfall is a sort of redemption.

The fight sequence at the beginning was near-perfect. M is forced to make an incredibly difficult decision, under immense pressure, and we see the effects of said decision, despite her efforts to hide them. Skyfall showed us the emotional toll that Bond’s line of work takes on people. Underneath all the bravado, the badassery, the heroics, there’s an emotionally hurt person — and Skyfall unleashed that person.

His delicate relationship with M was manifest in this film. One one hand, there’s a professional relationship, with M as Bond’s superior, but there’s an emotional undertone as well. Bond sees M as a sort of mother figure, though he’d be hard pressed to admit it.

Craig’s chemistry with fellow cast members was a contributing factor to this film’s success. Moneypenny, Q, and even Silva all gave beautifully grounded, exceptional performances — with Moneypenny’s charisma and charm, Q’s giddy geekiness and Siva’s mesmerising, almost uncanny exuberance.

And while we’re on the topic of Silva, let me take the time to praise this unique, wonderfully executed villain.

From his first appearance, Silva had me in a trance-like state every time he appeared on-screen. I don’t quite know why. Maybe it was his eloquent, odd, almost sexual-charisma, contrasted with his eccentric love for violence. Or maybe it was Bardem’s ferocious prowess as an actor — stealing the show in every scene, utterly blowing the other actors out of the water. He’s got a fertile talent that’s almost unmatched throughout Hollywood.

Every single fight scene was fluid and well-choreographed. The one at the end, in particular. The soundtrack was mysterious, perfectly chosen to show Bond’s journey, both a physical one, and a psychological one.

Skyfall is the Bond franchise at it’s peak. It’s captivating, tragic, hilarious and enthralling all at the same time. (Oh, and I loved Q. He was easily one of the best characters in this film. But I’m risking carpal tunnel after all this writing, so I’ll end the answer here.)

Rating: 8/10

Recommendation: A exceptionally crafted cinematic experience. One of the best in the franchise.