SPECTRE New photos and Full Trailer analysis

BOND IS BACK IN STYLE

The moment Bond fans all across the globe have been waiting for has finally arrived: the release of the full official trailer for the highly anticipated ‘SPECTRE’ which will open in UK cinemas on October 26. Here it is:

My initial reaction after watching it for the first time was W-O-W!! We´re in for an amazing ride! The 2:30min Trailer really leaves little to be desired for a Bondfan. It´s time for an analysis of what this latest gem reveals about the new film set for a US release on November 6. And we´re showcasing some of the brand new stills from the film to make you really hungry for BOND!

One of the most striking and puzzling elements is the choice of music beginning at 01:45min- an arrangement of the legendary and beloved Main Theme of ‘ON HER MAJESTY´S SECRET SERVICE’ (1969) which centered around a plot by iconic archvillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Does this harden the suspicion that Christoph Waltz is playing the legendary character? Not necessarily. But what the music does is send shivers down your spine. Recognition value at maximum level.

The Bond Girls

Beautiful and gorgeous…that much had already been established before. The trailer shows us a bit more of Léa Seydoux and Monica Bellucci and both come across as superb additions to the long line of Bond Girls. The shot of Bellucci staring to the ground frightened and full of inner tension at 1:51min suggests, that her role in ‘SPECTRE’ is more or less designed for dramatic close-up shots rather than hands-on action. Léa Seydoux on the other hand appeals with adaptability – like the woman from next door in the Austria scenes but then highly glamorous on the train in Morocco. Both actresses combine natural beauty with elaborate talent and thereby provide ‘SPECTRE’ with strong female characters. Plus, they both have sexy and natural accents in their speaking voice which instantly reminds me of Luciana Paluzzi (‘THUNDERBALL‘) or Izabella Scorupco (‘GOLDENEYE‘). Two performances I´m really looking forward to in the new Bond flick.

The Villains

It´s nice to see, that a bit more is shown of Christoph Waltz in this new trailer. The scene with the meeting room has been extended and feels even more menacing now. Only a few images exist of Waltz on set and this of course fuelled the belief, his character could have a scarred face or white cat or anything else that would give away he´s actually Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Fact is: it´s unclear and we won´t know until we see the final film. What becomes crystal clear in the new trailer is that Waltz was a long overdue choice for a Bond villain role. Henchman Mr. Hinx is portrayed as ruthless and violent which perfectly reflects Dave Bautistas interview comment of his character being one of the best baddies in recent years. I have little doubt about that seeing him in action here. Andrew Scott is only seen briefly in the trailer giving us a grim look and fighting with “M”, thus raising the villain count to three.

Cinematography

The official trailer also highlights the incredible camera work by Director of Photography Hoyte van Hoytema. Breathtaking scenery shots of Austria, the colorful crowd of the Day of the Dead parade, nighttime Rome…the list is endless. From what I have seen up to now, ‘SPECTRE’ might be one of the most beautifully shot Bond films with a high level of detail and truly badass camera angles.

Style, Costumes and Bond ingredients

Bond films have always been known to be lavish and extravagant when it comes to set decoration and costumes. The new ‘SPECTRE’ footage is proof that this formula was once again utilized to the max. Bond looks impeccable in most of his scenes – whether it´s walking on a roof high above Mexico City, jumping into action is Austria or dining on a train in Morocco dressed in a white dinner jacket, a particular choice that has only been worn five times in the 50 year history of agent 007 on screen. Also of particular interest is Christoph Waltz´suit seen at 2:12min: It´s the return of the famous Nehru jacket with mandarin collar that villain Dr. No wore in the very first Bond film in 1962. In general, this type of jacket has somewhat become synonymous with Bond villains and it can also be seen on Karl Stromberg and Kamal Khan.

The typical Bond cocktail would be incomplete without spectacular vehicles. The new trailer propels us right into the action with the slick Aston Martin DB10 and the Jaguar C-X75, a beast bursting with strength. The lemon twist is the Britten Norman Islander plane which is involved in a breakneck action sequence in Austria. Apart from the selection of ultra-hot vehicles there are even more ingredients Bond fans will cherish. We will be treated to the new office of “M” where the decor is exactly the same as in the earlier Bond films between 1962-1989. Look closely at the fireplace decor in this newly released still of Ralph Fiennes – when compared with the office of the older films, it is identical!

It also seems, that big rooms á la Ken Adam will once again play a vital role to tell the story. The grand SPECTRE meeting room is just one example and we get a small glimpse of the villains control center at 2:11min which is probably in an even grander hideout. This could be the first time in years that we can assign the now all too common word word epic to a Bond villain lair.

Expectations

Since months, I have this gut feeling that ‘SPECTRE’ will be something we have never experienced before. The new trailer just enhanced this feeling by a perceived 500 percent. The whole cinematic look of it, the use of iconic music, returning elements that are so reminiscent of the olden days – ‘SPECTRE’ clearly aims to encompass the vast legacy of what has made Bond great over decades: Style, glamour, lavishness and persistence. In the eyes of a Bond fan, these films are not forgettable action flicks but works of art – each film in it´s own unique way. Maybe this time, thanks to producers Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, director Sam Mendes and his incredible team, we will be taken back and forward in the Bond history and be reminded of why we are Bond Fans.

Stay tuned with us as we approach the release of ‘SPECTRE’ which will celebrate its world premiere in London on October 26. Naturally, we´ll be reporting from the event.

Home/Entertainment