I know this is old news, but I wasn’t a member here when the film came out, and I would like to express why I love–yes, love–this movie, even though I know I am at odds with many of you on this topic.
To me, this movie most lucidly depicts the dirty, gritty, dangerous world of which Fleming wrote so candidly. It is precisely because it is the antithesis of the cutesy comic book world of the Roger Moore years that I love it so much. I will explain my position using certain lines and scenes as illustrations:
- Greene: “The Americans will accept any dictatorship as long as they get their cut of the action.”
Friends, this is the most accurate and succinct interpretation of American foreign policy ever voiced on film. Doubt me? Read a history book. America’s position is, "You can eat babies if you want, so long as you grease Uncle Sam’s palm. Oh, and if you have oil, so much the better.
- Bond: "I’ve always wondered what South America would look like if no one cared about communism or coke.
Leiter: “Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment coming from a Brit.”
Imperialism very coolly addressed by a couple of operatives of imperialistic powers. Again, REALISM.
- Many fans hated the scene where Bond discards the body of Mathis in a dumpster, but in the real world of espionage, the world Fleming wrote of, this is exactly what would happen. You don’t get attached to someone you might have to sacrifice to complete the mission.
Quantum of Solace, more than any other film in the series depicts unflinchingly the painful, squalid life of a secret agent, whose only solace is the belief that what he is doing will ultimately protect the innocent lives of others.
That’s my position, and I am sticking to it.