Quantum of Solace

by Aaron Helfferich · Published November 15, 2008

As one of the longest running film franchises in history, the James Bond series has seen its fair share of reinterpretations. The 22nd film, “Quantum of Solace,” marks Daniel Craig’s triumphant return to the iconic tuxedo as one of six prestigious actors to portray the secret agent. Stripped away are most of the elements that make a recognizable Bond film: casinos, gadgets, and even the phrase “Bond, James Bond.” Because of these changes we finally see the emotionally distraught character Ian Fleming originally wrote about in 1953.

This new journey picks up almost immediately after the finale of “Casino Royale.” For personal reasons, Bond is in search of answers surrounding the tragic events involving his lost love, Vesper. Unlike wrongfully calling it a revenge film, “Quantum of Solace” shows Bond taking the steps to put a balance back into his place in life; a quantum of solace for his questioning thoughts.

His questions lead him to South America, where a mysterious businessman, Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), is using his company to make manipulative deals with the local governments. As a man that is simply buying up natural resources to make a profit, Greene hardly has the memorability of a great Bond villain like Goldfinger, but he exudes a reality that current film interpretations are striving for.

After the enormous success of “Casino Royale,” Daniel Craig has given the franchise new life. This time, his performance feels even more effortless. While “Solace’s” weak script may have been a casualty of 2007’s writers strike, Craig is the closest we have come to a multi-layered portrayal of James Bond. We can only wish for a full realization of his talents in the next installment as producers search for the proper combination of this new interpretation of the character as well as classic elements we love from the past.

Even under the shadow of “Royale,” the short duration of “Quantum of Solace” still manages to deliver the most artistic James Bond film to date. With exotic locations shot through the lens of Marc Forster’s critical eye, and Daniel Craig’s powerful performance as James Bond, “Quantum of Solace” marches forward in the newfound quest for adapting Bond to the 21^st Century.