“Two for Quantum of Solace, please.”
I’m an avowed fan of the new, no-nonsense James Bond, but I’ve got to wonder if this exceedingly serious title for the twenty-second cinematic foray of the character is going to dampen the enthusiasm of the mainstream moviegoer. Regardless, it’s certainly going to perplex the piss out of them. And this pleases me.
Though the BBC News poll attached to the linked article indicates a sizable resistance to the title (more than half of the respondents voted “From Russia with Dud!!!”), there’s no arguing that Quantum of Solace is somehow too classy for the character; it is, after all, the title of a short story* published by Ian Fleming in 1960 (in the collection For Your Eyes Only). Undoubtedly, it would’ve been out of place during Roger Moore’s or Pierce Brosnan’s 007 tenure, but those films had little to do with Fleming’s dour character and everything to do with stupid. Do I miss shark tanks, dim-witted quips and invisible cars? A little. And that’s why someone needs to relaunch the Derek Flint franchise.
Bond, on the other hand, is almost in the nasty, not-too-gadgety place he ought to be. And judging from Daniel Craig’s comments at today’s Pinewood Studios press conference, the producers are determined to keep him there. Craig also helpfully explains the title for those who can’t help but conjure up images of Scott Bakula:
“Ian Fleming had written about relationships,” he explained.
“When they go wrong, when there’s nothing left, when the spark has gone, when the fire’s gone out, there’s no quantum of solace.
“And at the end of the last movie, Bond has the love of his life taken away from him and he never got that quantum of solace.”
Craig said the new film would follow 007 as he goes out “to find the guy who’s responsible”.
“So he’s looking for revenge, you know, to make himself happy with the world again.
“But it the title also alludes to something else in the film,” he added.
Producer Michael Wilson promises that Quantum of Solace would have “twice as much action” as Casino Royale. I don’t know that that’s necessary, but whatever. I’m more than ready for November 7th.
*Which, I’ve been informed by Phil!, has nothing to do with Bond.