On the eve of James Bond’s 50th anniversary, the big question Bond buffs are asking is: Is 007 bisexual? The purists might squawk, but nothing has pepped up more interest in the latest offering from the world’s longest-selling film franchise; besides Daniel Craig’s swimming trunks scene, of course.
The evidence so far is a scene in which Javier Bardem, playing a smooth villain named Silva, has Bond all tied up and then caresses his chest. To which 007 asks coolly (but of course): “What makes you think this is my first time?” Ah, the mystery, the suspense.
All Craig has confirmed is that he doesn’t “see the world in sexual divisions”. But that is obviously enough to stir up passions, and, no doubt, acquire a few million more drooling fans. And, as a bonus, 007 will be seen in his trunks again.
Add that to a storyline in which Bond fakes his own death, a theme song by Adele that has already hit the charts and the usual assortment of glam girls, slick gadgets and the formidable M and you have a humdinger in the 23rd Bond film.
But it is director Sam Mendes ( American Beauty , The Road to Perdition , Revolutionary Road ) who is going to make the winning difference in this film. Many of his movies have a haunting quality about them but he sees this film differently. A Bond fan since his youth, he has said he wants to make “a big, entertaining, glamorous, escapist movie that also says something about the world we live in.”
The storyline is about a Bond adventure gone wrong that results in an attack from within on MI6. Bond’s loyalty to M is put under strain as is MI6 itself. The action is global of course, with Turkey and Istanbul featuring scenically. There are also some dramatic scenes in London itself, for a change. (No news, however, on whether Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will do a cameo in this one, too.)
Back home, the movie will release in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Clearly, language is no barrier for the quintessentially English superspy.
Skyfall
Cast: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Albert Finney
Director: Sam Mendes
Releases: November 1
