Much has been said about the new Bond. And all they say is true. Really, here’s a Bond I actually like. In Casino Royale Daniel Craig essays the part almost to perfection. Lots of muscle, great physical fitness, and apparently a sharp mind to go with that (how else do you dare challenge a master poker player ?) . While he does look more German than British (to me), he does “look” like Bond – a blond, blue-eyed Bond who could conquer the evil guys in an instant and you’d believe it. The guy makes Pierce Brosnan, whom I didn’t like much anyway, seem like a weakling.
This is the newer version of Ian Fleming’s first novel, and was touted as the “back-to-basics” sleuth film. However Martin Campbell ensures modernity with adrenaline charged chases, new gadgets, and a take-along-defibrillator which wakes up Bond from the dead. Bond apparently in this film has just made “00” status, and when, while catching a bomb-maker he breaks into the Nambutu embassy and is filmed on camera, turns persona non grata with M (Judi Dench). Of course Bond being Bond won’t cease and desist in his fight against terrorism. Thus he lands up in the Bahamas following Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) – who’s a banker-of-sorts for terrorists. Her Majesty’s government helps with information and money when Bond decides to get embroiled in a high stakes poker game. And sends beautiful accountant Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) to help.
Unlike previous Bonds who had 10-12 women dangling from their arms (new women in every film), this one actually falls in love with Vesper, and they promise undying love to each other. This Bond thus is portrayed as having a softer side, almost human I’d say. He’s very pragmatic about his job – he kills because he has to, and has no qualms about reducing head count in large numbers. But he also has a sense of humor, a beguiling smile, and a razor-sharp wit. I really did believe him to be a nice guy. But then of course we must prove it, and so we have the token “nice guy” scene – I thought this was too overt, where Bond must lend a strong shoulder for the shaken Vesper (she’s just witnessed Bond kill several men) to weep on.
Daniel Craig in the film seemed so familiar. It occurred to me later where I’d seen him – in “Munich” where he plays Steve, a member of Eric Bana’s killing team. But let me say that as Bond, he exudes charisma so much so, that where in Munich he played second fiddle to Bana and it seemed fitting, in “Casino Royale” you have eyes for him and him only.
Eva Green is beautiful, even in Goth makeup. She seemed very like Diya Mirza to me. Acting wise I’d say she’s OK and suits the role. The other actors in the film were good too. The story moves fast, slowing down just a bit with the poker mind-games. And with no special effects to bolster it, does rather well for itself. This is plain fist to head action, very earthy and very riveting. The characters are adequately developed – as developed as they could be. Of course with a Bond film, there is the issue of how realistic it can get. I mean it is a Bond film – Bond who is a fictional character, so you forgive it some trespasses. Like who actually has whole conversations in smart repartees ? I know, I know the “Gilmore Girls” for one, but who else?
Me, I’m no Bond film fanatic. But if Craig is Bond, I keenly await all of them.
