BY RICHARD TEO
Staff Writer
Every person out there has heard of James Bond somehow. He is the infamous British agent 007, known for his charms, wits, good looks, and his gadgets. Bond is a character of strength, tragedy, and undying loyalty. But what makes Skyfall a favorable and amazing film in contrast to its predecessors and all the other films that follow?
Skyfall follows an older Bond who went into hiding for half a year and uses barhopping as both a hobby and coping mechanism for his detachment to a good social life, trauma, and his difficulties as an agent. In Ian Fleming’s original adaptation of the character, Bond is an imperfect, alcoholic, and tragic man who is gritty and understands loss. In Skyfall, Bond, who is played by the actor Daniel Craig, perfectly captures that sense of realism and despair of an agent who has been operating under the British government for far too long. In the film, we find out that MI6, the secret service organization that Bond operates under, was terrorized with multiple casualties, and confidential information among agents is exposed throughout the world in media such as youtube. Naturally, Bond proceeds to assert himself in this situation, and M, his boss, understands this and permits him to operate in the mission only if he passes the fitness and psychological exams that deem him eligible for field duty. From then on we see that Bond is struggling to pass the exams. His aim is inaccurate, his stamina and strength aren’t the same as they used to be, and apathetically detached from any emotion or faith when he answers his psychological examination. This Bond is aging and barely keeping it together, a first for almost any Bond movie. All of the films tend to make Bond the perfect agent, classy, witty, and charming enough to always get the girl in the end as he struggles with no hesitation or unease when on missions.
Later on in the film, we are introduced to the main antagonist, Raoul Silva. Played by the actor Javier Bardem who is notably known for his outstanding performance in No Country for Old Men. Silva is a former MI6 agent, betrayed by M and the secret service organization ignored his capture to prioritize the safety of their other agents. Eventually, Silva escapes his 6-month torment from the Chinese and is then motivated by his grudge against M and MI6 for ignoring his rescue. Silva has never been shown in other Bond films. He is new and from here, we can sympathize with him because his intentions are humane and understandable. He wants revenge for his forgotten loyalty and what sane man wouldn’t break fortitude when tasked with the tragedy of keeping secrets in the face of danger? Though his methods are immoral and wrong, he is relatable and realistically understandable. Very few Bond villains are known for being sympathetic but when they do, they tend to be really good.
Conventionally, Bond gets the girl in the end and foils the villain’s plan by escaping his capture and destroying his lair. In Skyfall, it’s rather the opposite. Spoiler Alert but, M ends up dying by Silva’s plan and Bond also loses his home in the process. Another first for any Bond movie. It shifts the sympathy to Bond who is portraying the realistic despair one endures when tasked with enormous responsibilities. The girl he is supposed to get at the end dies. He fails his mission to protect M but succeeds in eliminating Silva. MI6 is almost permanently dismembered and Bond is shown to break off from his usual hardened shell into a bundle of tired tears. It’s different from a Bond film but it’s not inaccurate. Ian Fleming intended Bond to be like Craig’s and the delivery of Craig’s performance is a testament to both the beauty of Bond’s character as well his skills as an actor. Skyfall is so beautifully written not because James is perfect but imperfect. He’s a very real and understandable character no matter the angles you look at when approaching this movie.
