Original interpretation — not a still from the production
The film that reminded everyone Bond was a blunt instrument in a very good dinner jacket.
The Continental Verdict
Essential
Strip out the gadgets, the invisible car and three decades of accumulated smirk, and what remains is a man who is extremely good at a job that is slowly ruining him. Campbell's picture is built around a card table, which is the correct decision: the tension in Montenegro is generated entirely by faces, chips and a man learning that he can be beaten.
The Venice ending is a genuine tragedy rather than a set-piece, and Craig's Bond is the first since Connery who looks like he could actually hurt you. The dinner jacket, cut by Brioni, does more work in this film than any weapon in it.
Why Watch It
The Gentleman Factor
Full marks. He orders properly, loses gracefully, and does not explain the rules of baccarat to anyone at the table.
Look Out For
- The Ocean Club entrance in the Bahamas
- The stairwell fight — no music, no wit, just noise
- Vesper's first line
The Locations
Hotel Splendide is really the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary; the Bahamian scenes at Ocean Club, Paradise Island; the finale on the Grand Canal.
More from the travel pages →The Cars
The Aston Martin DBS V12, plus a 1964 DB5 won at cards — the only acceptable way to acquire one.
More from motoring →The Wardrobe
Brioni midnight-blue dinner jacket, La Perla swimming trunks, Sunspel polo. The last Bond before the suits were cut two sizes too small.
More on style →The Soundtrack
David Arnold; Chris Cornell's 'You Know My Name' has aged far better than expected.
Into the music room →Watch Next
Where to Watch
Prime Video and every disc format worth having.
For the Collection
Also in Espionage
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