Day 21 - Casino Royale (2006) - Film Review

Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen & Judi Dench

Screenplay: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade & Paul Haggis

Directed By: Martin Campbell

Certificate: 12

Much like 'GoldenEye' before it, 'Casino Royale' is another film with some serious expectations placed upon it. Depending on how much worth you put on a site like Rotten Tomatoes, 'Casino Royale' is the second highest-rated Bond film on there, only behind the juggernaut that is 'Goldfinger'. Aside from that, this is also another significant reboot for the series. Not only do we have our sixth actor in the lead role (remember I'm only covering Eon-produced films in this marathon), but this is essentially a hard reboot. This is James right at the start of his life as 007, as he's earning his license to kill. One of his first missions in his new role is to investigate a terrorist organization, and to bankrupt its financier Le Chiffre in a game of high stakes poker. But it appears the organization that Le Chiffre is funding may be better connected and more powerful than even MI6 had anticipated...

Right from the start, it's made crystal clear that we're witnessing the next massive shift for the series. The opening sequence in black and white automatically makes for a distinctive introduction. Combined with the use of lighting and the way Bond is hidden away in the shadows, and we're treated to something that looks like it's stepped out of noir film. You'd be forgiven for initially thinking that this takes place in the 1960s. Then the sequence ends with Bond shooting one of his targets, and for once it syncs up to the iconic gun barrel image as we're taken into the opening credits, and witness a stark burst of red colour as blood drips down the screen. It's such a brilliant opening, and to top it off we have Chris Cornell's theme 'You Know My Name', which captures both a modern sound whilst harking back to the more grandiose themes of the early films. Set against such great visuals and the way they incorporate casino and card game imagery, it sets you up for a film's that going to be both bankable with modern audiences, while also taking the series back to basics.

With the opening out of the way, I suppose the obvious thing to talk about is our new leading man. Craig is pretty highly acclaimed as Bond, and from where I'm standing he's possibly the most loved Bond there's been, maybe with the exception of Sean Connery. Craig has gone on record as saying how much he admires Connery's take on the role, and it's clear that the filmmakers went back and took inspiration from his earlier films too. Coming straight after 'Die Another Day', where we found ourselves more than a little bogged down by its overzealous style, 'Casino Royale' is all the better for its stripped back approach. It's worth pointing out however that at no point does Craig feel like he's trying to emulate another actor - sure, you can see where he's taken inspiration but he certainly leaves his own mark here. If anything the more serious tone of the film, not to mention Bond's rejuvenated killer instinct, reminded me more of what was attempted with Timothy Dalton's two films - films that generally don't get the love they deserve in my opinion. If you've been following this marathon, you'll know that 'The Living Daylights' is one of my favourites so far, so it should probably come as no surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. 

Seeing as Bond is at the start of his life as 007 here, it can be gripping to see him do things that we might've already become used to seeing him do, but which he's only doing here for the first time. There's some cute Easter eggs in here, such as him ordering his signature shaken not stirred Martini for the first time, but also the darker elements that typify his job. After a pretty brutal fistfight with a couple of assassins down a stairwell, bloodied and bruised Bond changes his clothes and looks at himself in the bathroom mirror. While it may not be the first time he's killed someone, there's a brief look in his eyes as he sees himself with the blood of other men on his hands and face, and it gives the impression that this is the first time he's really stopped and thought properly about what his new role means for him. 

At Bond's side and managing the financial aspects of the poker game, we're introduced to Vesper Lynd. I wouldn't necessarily call Lynd as remarkable as some other Bond girls we've had recently, but she does work especially well in this film in particular, and specifically with this new Bond. The interplay between these two is sizzling with chemistry, and while he'd proven himself plenty adept with fighting and action scenes, Craig's time together against Eva Green allowed him to demonstrate his charm when it comes to the dialogue. The relationship between these two feels genuine, and when Lynd breaks down in the shower after witnessing Bond murdering two men, the way Bond comforts her is by far the most emotional maturity I've seen in any of these films. It's really such a beautiful moment. Turns out it is possible to be the badass action hero and not be a dick to the women you work with (and sidenote, it's no coincidence that this time Bond is the one being sexualized for a change when he earlier gets out of the water in his blue trunks). It feels completely natural that Bond and Lynd end up falling in love and it's hard not to feel happy seeing Bond with someone like that again, even living the dream of aimlessly wandering and taking the world in together. It makes the eventual reveal of Lynd's betrayal all the more crushing, and while it takes its toll on Bond, I still loved that he continued to try and save her from her ultimate fate as a whole building collapsed around them.

Elsewhere in the cast we have Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre. Mikkelsen is another of those actors whose just a perfect choice for a Bond baddie. In terms of performances, he's yet to disappoint in anything I've him in and 'Casino Royale' is no exception. That said, this is undeniably a film that's more about Bond than the actual villains, and as a result Le Chiffre isn't necessarily the most memorable adversary the franchise has ever seen. While his poker face is fittingly on point, it's telling that he gets disposed of so quickly and easily, and with so much time to go before the credits roll. To be honest, I'm probably more interested in the story arc that he helps to set up, and I'm keen to learn more about the shady organization he was working for. The enigmatic Mr White is pretty clearly a set-up for future films, and I welcome the return of a story arc after such a prolonged break away from them.

Now I couldn't bring this review to a close without also praising the production team. When it comes to Bond films, we're spoilt for variety and beauty when it comes to the locations. That had hardly dried up or anything in any of Brosnan's films, but maybe I've just been tapped out of admiring their merit as I don't think I've mentioned it much recently. 'Casino Royale' had me paying attention again to things like the cinematography, music and editing work, and it's a full-on visual treat for the eyes. From the Bahamas, to the luxurious casino in Montenegro, all the way to the canals of Venice, this is the most globetrotting adventure I feel I've experienced from a Bond film in a while. Director Martin Campbell really helps bring 'Casino Royale' to life, with some of his best work to be found throughout Bond and Le Chiffre's poker game. Considering I know bugger all about how to play poker, I never felt out of the loop or confused watching these two. The balance of power is conveyed more than adequately through things like the quietly intense music and razor-sharp editing. I also loved how the scene of Bond being poisoned was put together, how the music gradually grows louder, how the camerawork becomes more and more disorientating as he goes into cardiac arrest, and with the camera itself never staying still. 

So overall I think it's safe to say that like 'GoldenEye', 'Casino Royale' lived up to expectations, even more so I'd argue. It's weird to think now that Daniel Craig's casting in the lead role was ever controversial (apparently in 2006 the fact that Craig has dark blonde hair meant he wasn't the right choice for the role? Really?). It may not take the top place as my favourite Bond film, but I feel pretty confident in saying that this is the most successful debut film any Bond actor has ever had. Let's try and keep up this level of quality as we head into Film No. 22.

8/10

NEXT TIME - Quantum Of Solace