Daniel Craig's Quantum of Success

01-11-2008 08:15

Amid furious cries he was totally the wrong man for the job - his blonde hair, blue eyes and inability to drive a manual car prompted particular criticism - Daniel Craig silenced doubters with his first stint as Secret Agent 007 James Bond in the 2006 film 'Casino Royale'. No sooner had the film hit the big screen than Bond fans the world over began querying when the next film in the top-rated franchise would be out, and whether Craig would continue to delight fans or if 'Quantum of Solace' would be the one to see him crash and burn."I don't feel it is easier on this one, it feels harder," Daniel said. "We have got expectation on us now which can be double edged, we have got to make this one better. People always talked about the fact that 'Casino Royale' was a departure for Bond and this has to be a departure again."Fighting talk from everyone's favourite secret agent, but does 'Quantum of Solace' actually back it up? Certainly the 22nd film in the James Bond franchise starts off slightly differently to the rest: for one thing, it is the only Bond movie which is a direct sequel - 'Quantum of Solace' picks up one hour after 'Casino Royale' ends. "We felt we needed to tie up the loose ends from 'Casino Royale' and make sure people realise we are back making Bond movies," Daniel explains. "For me it's about creating something that is going to stand alone, but if you put the two films together, you're going to have an incredible experience because you will see one continuous story."Still consumed with fury and rage by the betrayal of Vesper - the woman he loved - in 'Casino Royale', Bond is determined to get to the bottom of sinister organisation he blames for her death. With the film's first big shock coming just five minutes in, and its first plot twist five minutes later, those worried a Bond revenge film might not be able to last the distance can think again.In the words of the formidable head of M16, M, played by Dame Judi Dench: "How can they be everywhere and we know nothing about them?"

It is this statement that lies at the crux of 'Quantum of Solace'. How can such a far-reaching, evil and all powerful group have managed to slip under the radar of M16? The high-octane nature of Bond films means there isn't always time to figure out the how, it's more about the when, where, why and who's. True to form, this is what the vast majority of the film is taken up with - who is the elusive leader of the group? How far reaching is the organisation? Who is lining its pockets? And more to the point, is Bond pursuing this one as part of his job, or is he purely settling a personal vendetta?

Bond's motive is pivotal to 'Quantum of Solace'. Even M - who take on a particularly role toward Bond part-way through the movie - begins to suspect her star spy's motives are so personal they may hamper him from doing his job properly. After several attempts to cunningly ascertain how he is feeling about the death of Vesper, M eventually loses patience and snaps: "I think you are so blinded by inconsolable rage that you don't care who you hurt. When you can't tell your friends from your enemies, it's time to go."

Playing a slightly more fragile Bond, one who's teetering on the edge was a challenge Daniel relished.