Even after thirteen years and John Cleese assuming the role, I’m still not ready to let go of Desmond Llewelyn as 007’s Quartermaster. Particularly his work with Pierce Brosnan, Llewelyn brought a perspective and humor to the films that left an ever-persistent void upon his exit*.
But perhaps that void is now being filled in the form of Ben Whishaw. This excellent Skyfall scene finds Bond chatting with his new Quatermaster in an art museum regarding the merits of their perspective occupations. Oh yes, I do believe Mr. Whishaw handles himself just fine:
Skyfall is directed by Sam Mendes and opens 10/26 in the UK and November 9th in the US. I kind of want to see it.
* Llewelyn passed the torch on to Cleese in The World is Not Enough in 1999 and then passed away shortly thereafter at the age of 85. Lest you think it was old age that brought about Q’s demise, he actually died in a car accident – colliding head on with an oncoming Fiat as he tried to get around a slower, squarer driver. Unfortunately the makers of Llewelyn’s Renault Mégane had none of Q’s foresight, as the vehicle was not graced with an ejector seat.