"Did i overcomplicate the plot ?" - Skyfall Appreciation & Discussion

edited June 2017 in Skyfall Posts: 19,339
Now,i have looked and looked and am surprised to see there is not a straight-forward appreciation thread for Skyfall on here yet.

So,to balance things off against the more critical threads,i have opened this one for Skyfall supporters to discuss the film and the good points involved.

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Comments

  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,448
    Let me throw in what I perceive to be one of SF's strong points: the score. Slightly controversial perhaps, but I really enjoy this musical effort. Newman didn't disappoint me to be honest. Even if the music doesn't do it for you on a CD, you might at least like it as it is used in the film.

    But SF's most enjoyable treat, for me at least, is the cinematography. I can watch and rewatch the Shanghai scenes countless times and not get tired of them.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,687
    The photography in SF was nothing short of brilliant.
  • Posts: 11,425
    I liked Silva's entrance speach. One of the best parts of the movie and arguably a classic Bond scene.
  • Posts: 6,396
    DarthDimi wrote:
    Let me throw in what I perceive to be one of SF's strong points: the score. Slightly controversial perhaps, but I really enjoy this musical effort. Newman didn't disappoint me to be honest. Even if the music doesn't do it for you on a CD, you might at least like it as it is used in the film.

    But SF's most enjoyable treat, for me at least, is the cinematography. I can watch and rewatch the Shanghai scenes countless times and not get tired of them.

    I loved Newman's score too. And I don't think you can really argue against Deakins photography.
  • zebrafishzebrafish <°)))< in Octopussy's garden in the shade
    Posts: 4,311
    I particularly loved the ironic, and appropriately exaggerated nods to past iconic Bond scenes: citing the alligators with over-the-top Komodo dragons, and having the GF-modified Aston in a major role, even though it completely warbles whatever was left of continuity. I know that others complain about this, but I think it is a light-hearted nod to the Bond phenomenon.
  • SuperheroSithSuperheroSith SE London
    Posts: 578
    Silva is easily my favourite part of this movie. He is the only Bond villain I can think of to actually succeed in his plan, which automatically makes him my favourite Bond villain.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,687
    Adele's song was one of the best ever.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,448
    Getafix wrote:
    I liked Silva's entrance speach. One of the best parts of the movie and arguably a classic Bond scene.

    I'm with you on that, @Getafix! One long take... Brilliant!

  • Posts: 3,336
    I love the casino scene, where bond meets Severine.
  • Posts: 96
    Well it's about damn time. :-) I took a break from this site due to all the SF bashing that was going on. Hard to believe this is a Bond "fan" site at times, with all the tearing down and nitpicking that befell the most successful and critically acclaimed Bond film ever. But I digress......

    So many things to love about the film, but I think Craig's acting really stands out. He's called upon to convey so much and does so with classic Craig subtlety. The look in his eyes when the evaluator says "skyfall" in the word association scene is amazing. Most actors (*cough* Brosnan *cough*) would have gone over the top with that reaction. But Craig pulls back and it's all the more powerful for it. In all his Bond films, he goes well beyond just good "Bond" acting, and delivers great acting, period.
  • edited March 2014 Posts: 12,837
    Amazing cinematography, very well acted, some great action scenes, an exciting plot, funny lines, the return of Q and Moneypenny, and one of the best villains of the series. There's so much to love in this film. Top ten for sure.
    Quarrel wrote:
    Well it's about damn time. :-) I took a break from this site due to all the SF bashing that was going on. Hard to believe this is a Bond "fan" site at times, with all the tearing down and nitpicking that befell the most successful and critically acclaimed Bond film ever. But I digress......

    So many things to love about the film, but I think Craig's acting really stands out. He's called upon to convey so much and does so with classic Craig subtlety. The look in his eyes when the evaluator says "skyfall" in the word association scene is amazing. Most actors (*cough* Brosnan *cough*) would have gone over the top with that reaction. But Craig pulls back and it's all the more powerful for it. In all his Bond films, he goes well beyond just good "Bond" acting, and delivers great acting, period.

    You start off your post by bitching about there being too much negativity on this site, but you couldn't resist sneaking in a snide remark about Brosnan.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    edited March 2014 Posts: 17,687
    You start off your post by bitching about there being too much negativity on this site, but you couldn't resist sneaking in a snide remark about Brosnan.
    The irony did not escape my notice either @thelivingroyale.
    :P

    I loved seeing the DB5 again!
  • Posts: 12,837
    chrisisall wrote:
    I loved seeing the DB5 again!

    I loved how they included the gadgets too. The bit where Bond is hiding in it and then sets off the machine guns as the henchmen approach the door was brilliant.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    chrisisall wrote:
    I loved seeing the DB5 again!

    I loved how they included the gadgets too. The bit where Bond is hiding in it and then sets off the machine guns as the henchmen approach the door was brilliant.

    Yes, they engaged the icon if you will. Plus we saw how Bond won the Aston Martin DB5 in CR did we not. Bond had (out of his own pocket) added some "optional extras" since that date, I presume.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,687
    M's line about the ejector seat was one of the five best LOL moments in the series IMO.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    chrisisall wrote:
    M's line about the ejector seat was one of the five best LOL moments in the series IMO.

    Yes, SF saw the return of some of the lighter comedic moments in the series, but not in an overt way like during the Moore era, thankfully.
  • Posts: 4
    Love the movie,my only bad part is Silva's first scene grinds the film to a halt and is pointless but otherwise,great film. Loved severine taking one for the team.
  • Posts: 96
    Amazing cinematography, very well acted, some great action scenes, an exciting plot, funny lines, the return of Q and Moneypenny, and one of the best villains of the series. There's so much to love in this film. Top ten for sure.
    Quarrel wrote:
    Well it's about damn time. :-) I took a break from this site due to all the SF bashing that was going on. Hard to believe this is a Bond "fan" site at times, with all the tearing down and nitpicking that befell the most successful and critically acclaimed Bond film ever. But I digress......

    So many things to love about the film, but I think Craig's acting really stands out. He's called upon to convey so much and does so with classic Craig subtlety. The look in his eyes when the evaluator says "skyfall" in the word association scene is amazing. Most actors (*cough* Brosnan *cough*) would have gone over the top with that reaction. But Craig pulls back and it's all the more powerful for it. In all his Bond films, he goes well beyond just good "Bond" acting, and delivers great acting, period.

    You start off your post by bitching about there being too much negativity on this site, but you couldn't resist sneaking in a snide remark about Brosnan.


    I'm ok with snide remarks, especially when it's only one tiny parenthetical in one comment. But thread after thread after thread devoted to nothing but bashing everything about an entire Bond movie, well, that just got too much for me. (Just take a look at how many threads devoted to hating Skyfall are still on the first page!)

    I come here to share my enjoyment of the Bond world, not constantly defend a good Bond film from the critics that want nothing more than to tear it down. Heck, I don't need to come here to have my love of Bond attacked, I get enough of that in the real world. ;-) (And for what it's worth, I really liked Brosnan's tenure as Bond. I just think Craig is a better actor).

    With that said, I really don't want to derail this thread. So, back to our regular programing.......
  • Posts: 7,653
    Decent soundtrack and the best titlesong since GE.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    Thanks for starting this thread, @barryt007. I loved Skyfall when I first saw it and it truly has not diminished for me. The plot holes are not so glaring as to take away any enjoyment of the film when I see it; not then and not now. I just don't mind it and don't feel like quibbling over that. Skyfall has layers, it has strong performances, a variety of emotions, a most fitting end to Judi's M, and it's exciting. It is patriotic, it gives us (unusual for a Bond film) plenty of great scenes set in the UK, and it is very well paced - it flows, it never drags. Overall, I think it is a strong and thoroughly enjoyable Bond film.
    As for the music, the theme song is very strong and appropriate. I feel the soundtrack was a little more than adequate, it did fit the scenes ... but I wanted something more memorable from Newman, and I hope if he returns we do get more (he is indeed talented). I would have loved to have the theme song woven in more often and a bit more of the Bond theme, too. But everything else about the film is of very high quality, in my opinion.

    So ... I wrote a lengthy review on the For Original Fans ... thread a while ago. I won't put all of that review here (it is long, category by catetgory; can be found on pg 30 of that thread, if you are interested - there were many fine, detailed reviews about Skyfall there) - but I'd like to share some of what I said on this thread, too.

    Here is my take on Craig's Bond in Skyfall, along with expectations before the film came out -

    For his 3rd film as Bond, Daniel Craig comes to us after six long years and with the last impression we had of his Bond films as being something like,"QOS: flawed film, stupid editing, darn shaky cam - okay, parts were fine, and at least Craig was solid..." In other words, I am sure he and the producers and director truly wanted to hit this one out of the ballpark, so to speak. Only 2 films with Craig so far, and Casino Royale was an outstanding success, critically and commercially. QOS felt very much like a stumble (I do believe the fine ending helped save it). It was time to step up to the plate (everybody, not just Craig). And Craig's Bond has been taking us on a journey - from the beginnings of Bond as a 00, then finding a woman to truly love only to lose her in horrible circumstances, to seeking and finding a balance of revenge, and to rededicating himself to his profession, becoming a more mature and competent agent (albeit trusting no one).
    In Skyfall, Daniel Craig found excellent ground to really shine and let us see Bond as he has changed, matured as agent, and moved on from Vesper's death and betrayal. And everyone, I also believe, was wanting a slightly lighter tone to this film - to bring at least some of the fun back into Bond films. With all that in the brew, it was quite a tall order. Fine acting was needed in order to give the range, the arc, and the subtlety of this Bond. Craig delivers in every way, 100% in my opinion.
    He is competent, tenacious (the china bulldog on M's desk is in every way appropriate for him), and driven. After he is shot, we see him truly stepping back and stepping away from his profession and his world. Physically damaged, recovering yet you can see he is feeling burnt out and wounded psychologically, not just from a bullet and near drowning. He is taking his time, trying not to jump right back into his old world with MI6 - especially as his boss ordered Eve to "take the bloody shot" that in his opinion was not necessary and was an insult to his professionalism to finish the job himself. He has a rare chance, as Mallory pointed out, to live a different life, on his own terms, to really escape. But watching London, and MI6 in particular, under attack sears him to his very core. And he cannot walk away. Bond's love of his country, and his deep-seated belief that he can make a real difference, makes him go back. So he does.
    This film takes some time to show us Bond struggling physically and mentally, failing the tests, yet reporting for duty ready to do whatever it takes. When he returns, there are many changes - MI6 now working in a tube bunker, Eve now assisting Mallory, his old apartment sold, Mallory himself a "bureaucrat" whom Bond is immediately skeptical of, and, to top it off, a new Q - looking barely old enough to shave. When Bond and Q finish their first meeting and show a grudging acknowledgment and tenuous acceptance of each other, and Bond says, "Brave new world," that is a GREAT line, because it actually speaks for a lot about this story.
    So let me just say, I loved this portrayal by Craig. I enjoyed every moment of it. His interaction with each character was spot on. The concentration of Daniel Craig has got to be one of his greatest assets because he was 100% committed in every scene. He did not show exactly the same attitude or behavior with all the other characters; he was real and fully present in every moment onscreen. And we could see Bond change in this film until at the end he is fully functioning, redeemed professionally, personally rededicated, and (finally!) ready to allow himself to have a little fun in his life, too.
    * * * * * * *

    With a stellar supporting cast that really shone and incredibly gorgeous and at times stunning cinematography by Deakins, I think Skyfall is one of the top Bond films in the series. It will probably stay in my top 10.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,328
    I loved the whole film from beginning to end. The Aston Martin reveal made me tear up. Silva is also quite genius. He's psychotic, but also quite funny but not hammy. He's a perfect Bond villain.

    It wouldn't be in my top 3 if it wasn't as good as it was. :-bd
  • Posts: 19,339
    Great to see all the good comments on SF,which bounces around my top 10 Bond films like nobodys business.
    It will never leave my top 10 but where to put it is a mystery for me ,its #8 at the moment,and i know it will rise when i next view it.

    It has some fantastic moments,eg Bond and Q in the gallery and the pyjamas comment - brilliance.

    It's a powerful film but with the humour and one-liners that make it a non-heavy experience.

    Roll on Bond 24 i say,and thank God DC has signed on for 2 more flicks !
  • Posts: 11,189
    Skyfall is currently #4 in my rankings. I can understand some of the criticisms but for me there's more good in that film than bad.
  • Posts: 96
    The PTS is one of the best in the franchise, in my opinion. From the cold open, to the motorcycle chase, to the use of the digger on the train, to the train fight itself. Then to have it end with Bond getting shot, the ominous "agent down", fading directly into the title song. Thrilling, action-packed, and sets up the rest of the story perfectly. Any concerns that Mendes couldn't do action went right out the window before Adel sung her first note.
  • Posts: 12,242
    Skyfall is simply incredible. Like Goldfinger, it's a terrific standalone title that defines its era well, and both are constantly accused of being overrated. Skyfall is #2 in my rankings, second to only Casino Royale. I can't really expect Bond 24 to be as great, since SF is so high up in my rankings. The PTS is fantastic, Silva is an excellent villain, Craig is reliable as Bond, Judi Dench gives her best (and most in-depth) performance as M, and the entire last stretch of the film blew me away. You had great scenes in the first half like Bond's encounter with Patrice in Shanghai and the introduction to Silva, but the last 40 minutes were the best for me. The isolation of Bond, M, and Kincade at Skyfall waiting for Silva to arrive was so ominous, yet almost peaceful (seeing as it was so much more quiet than we're used to in a Bond film). I just love the last few scenes at the estate; the chemistry between Craig and Dench, the quiet scenes, the intense assault and blow-up of the estate, and the final scene between Silva, Bond, and M. A very well-done film, not at all overrated (to me). For these reasons and more, Skyfall will forever remain one of my all-time favorite Bond films.
  • edited March 2014 Posts: 7,500
    Well, I'll just say it straight up:

    I ADORE the score in Skyfall, and I find it very underrated. It would rank as one of the best scores in the series in my opinion. It is grand and epic as Bond tradition requires, it is filled with lush harmonies and creative modulations and variation of themes and motives. And not least it has more variety in texture and style than what we have been used to with Arnold. I do indeed like Arnold's scores as well, but he always had a tendency for over indulgence. His over usage of the Bond theme in the Brosnan films, and the title track themes in CR, turned towards overkill at times. I find Newman's score to be a lot more creative, and it usually fits perfectly with every scene.

    And for those who say the score "isn't memorable enough" (??), just listen to this:


    [url] What more do you want from a Bond score?[/url]
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited March 2014 Posts: 12,459
    That scene has the very best music of the entire soundtrack in it. That is what I'm talking about! But there is precious little more like that. I found the soundtrack suitable but not enough of those kinds of moments.

    So as this is the appreciation for Skyfall thread, let me add: that particular sequence is one of the standout things about this film; simply stunning. :-bd

    Plus overall, Deakins incredible cinematography during the entire film - pretty awesome. And how I love Bond and Eve's banter as they walk thru the casino; perfect. ;)
  • Posts: 7,500
    That scene has the very best music of the entire soundtrack in it. That is what I'm talking about! But there is precious little more like that. I found the soundtrack suitable but not enough of those kinds of moments.

    So as this is the appreciation for Skyfall thread, let me add: that particular sequence is one of the standout things about this film; simply stunning. :-bd

    That scene is indeed one of the aesthetical highlights of the film, not least music wise. But in my opinion there are several of them throughout the movie, and I'll list a few of them underneath:

    watch?v=1q4OGXhisbw

    From about 50 and onwards.



    watch?v=1qg3Hdg7xrg

    watch?v=PSgQemXBBMw

    watch?v=IR9J5NqvtIM

    I really think Newman's contribution to the magic of these scenes should not be overlooked. And I want to make another point: The purpose of music in film is never to overshadow the content of the scenes, but to make a fitting backdrop. I think very few Bond scores achieves this better than this one. Just notice in my last example how the music perfectly blends with the proceedings and general build up on screen, making it an even more powerful moment. Some composers, like John Williams for instance, have a tendency to go overboard with scale and epicness to the point were the music in itself starts to take center stage. Raiders of the Lost Ark and License to Kill (for a bond reference) are examples of films were there are just to much "memorable music" through out, to the point were it almost works against the film. With Newman's score this never happens. I think it's all very tastefully done.

    In my opinion Mendes, Deakins and Newman were an absolute perfect match, and together they made Skyfall one of the most aesthetically pleasing films ever. It's a shame they will not all be united for the next one.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited March 2014 Posts: 12,459
    Thanks for posting the scenes. Love watching these again! Oh yeah.
    Interesting to hear Judi in ... what language was that? Spanish? :)
  • Posts: 7,500
    That's Spanish, yes! I just posted the first video i found on youtube without listening it through. :)) But I Guess the Language used didn't ruin the scene completely...
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