Film Review: Spectre

Film Review: Spectre

Finn Schuemann ‘17, Staff Writer

England’s most lethal spy is back for another mission that has him infiltrating a malevolent syndicate. Spectre, the latest installment of the James Bond series, was released on November 6th, 2015. Spectre marks the fourth film that Daniel Craig has starred in as James Bond, agent 007 of M16.

Picking up after the events of its predecessor, Skyfall, Spectre begins with James Bond tracking down a criminal in Mexico City during el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). When chasing the outlaw, the scene transitions into an intense fight on a helicopter. The tension present in this scene demonstrates just how spectacular the opening of the film is. What unfolds for the rest of the movie is a film that has Bond venturing in different locales around the world in order to find out the terrible truth about the dangerous organization known as SPECTRE.

As in Craig’s previous depictions of Bond, his portrayal in Spectre is great and accurate to the character first introduced in Ian Fleming’s novels about agent 007. Spectre continues the tradition of presenting Bond as a dangerous assassin compared to previous actors’ performances of 007. Preceding characterizations had Bond appear as an unreasonable spy, rather than an agent not to be messed with. This demonstrates how Craig gives a performance that has kept the character of James Bond refreshing since the film series’ inception in 1962 with the release of Dr. No.

The other performances of many actors and actresses in the movie also shine, with particular standouts. Dave Bautista plays Mr. Hinx, a henchman of SPECTRE ordered to kill James Bond. During the course of the film, Bautista only says one word, although his mannerisms and physical appearance present a chilling tone that causes the viewer to be truly afraid of what his character is capable of.

The secondary protagonist of the film is Dr. Madeleine Swann, played by Léa Seydoux. Her performance is well acted and she and James Bond have great chemistry. Never since Casino Royale has there been a secondary protagonist who has challenged and brought in a great relationship to Bond as performed by Eva Green, who played Vesper Lynd.

Christoph Waltz plays the film’s villain, Franz Oberhauser. Only appearing in a few scenes throughout the entire movie, Waltz shows a lot of potential in his portrayal of Oberhauser, although his inclusion in the film does not present a genuinely sinister tone, as opposed to Bautista’s role of Mr. Hinx. Even worse is when Oberhauser’s true motivations are revealed in the film. Throughout the entire film, the reason behind why Oberhauser is causing malice feels senseless and far-fetched. This feels as though it is a lazy oversight made by screenwriters to give more depth to Waltz’s character.

Returning from Skyfall are Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Eve, Ralph Fiennes as M, and Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner. All of the reappearing actors are used in such a way that is essential for the plot of the film.

The plot of the film is good, although it never reaches amazing heights that surprise viewers. Instead, the movie drags on in the final act and retreads into derivative territory already seen in many other movies. In contrast, the first and second act of the movie present a mysterious and chilling tone that intrigues the viewer to know the secrets behind SPECTRE. A key highlight is the film’s opening, beginning with a masterfully filmed scene shot in one take, which then transitions into an amazing action scene.

As in previous James Bond films, the action in Spectre is great. Each scene is filmed in a beautiful way that only compliments the terrific choreography of the movie. Essential to these scenes are the locales, such as London, Mexico City, Rome, Austria, and Morocco. These places provide unique scenes for all the action. Whether it be a helicopter fight or a chase within the Austrian Alps, the action never disappoints.

While Spectre is an enjoyable film, it does have problems that prevent it from reaching spectacle and incredible lengths found in Daniel Craig’s previous performances as Bond in Casino Royale and Skyfall. Aside from this, Spectre does have great acting and stunning set pieces that helps it to be a good movie. Daniel Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond delivers, as it is a stylish movie that cleverly connects to past films in an entertaining, yet flawed manner.