Watch: Trailer For Sam Mendes' New James Bond Film 'Skyfall' Starring Daniel Craig

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by Oliver Lyttelton
May 21, 2012 4:32 AM
13 Comments

The stakes have arguably never been higher for James Bond. 007 came roaring back in the form of Daniel Craig with "Casino Royale" in 2006, with the film proving the most successful of the franchise to date, and one of the most acclaimed. But two years later, the rushed, messy, poorly directed "Quantum of Solace" arrived, and while it outgrossed its predecessor in the U.S, it fell short worldwide, and got poor reviews. Furthermore, the property was then thrown into turmoil by the bankruptcy of its parent studio, MGM. So in any year, a return for Bond would have a lot riding on it, but given that 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of the franchise with "Dr. No," success seems to be even more crucial.

So Eon, the rebirthed MGM and Sony have spared no expense to make the 23rd installment, "Skyfall," a special occasion, with an Oscar-nominated writer (John Logan), an Oscar-winning director (Sam Mendes) and a cast with a whole host of acclaimed talent, in the shape of Javier Bardem, Judi Dench (in her seventh, and supposedly last, appearance as M), Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Naomie Harris, Ola Rapace, Berenice Marlohe and Rory Kinnear. And after the poster was revealed last week, as of this morning, we've got our first look at the film in motion after the teaser trailer premiered over at 007.com.

It looks pretty excellent, all in all. It's clear that they're going for psychological depth, with that opening word-association voiceover (plus sly 'Agent' 'Provocateur' gag). And it's clear that the stakes are higher than the who-will-get-a-South-American-utilities-contract plot of "Quantum of Solace." It's clear that the action has not been skimped on. And it's clear, above and beyond everything else, that this thing is gorgeous. Mendes brought frequent collaborator Roger Deakins on board with him, and every frame of this looks like it could be hung on a wall (which makes the rather dull teaser poster feel like even more of a missed opportunity.) And it's still a teaser: Bardem's villain is only seen in silhouette, so there's plenty more to be revealed. We hope he wears clown make-up or something.

You can catch the trailer for "Skyfall" on the big screen in front of "Men In Black 3" from Friday, and the film hits Europe on October 26th, before making it to the U.S. on November 9th.

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More: Skyfall, Sam Mendes, James Bond 23, Daniel Craig, Film Trailers

13 Comments

| Reply
MJ | May 22, 2012 1:27 AMReply

Looks excellent, outdoing QoS visually seemed like a challenge, but of course its one Deakins is up to. As to the dig about QoS "falling short" of Casino Royale worldwide, that's true, by a whopping $8m (594 vs. 586), kind of a silly inclusion all things considered.
Lucy | May 21, 2012 4:23 PMReply

Excited! I'm very impressed by this!
rodie | May 21, 2012 10:00 AMReply

Deakins is a beast. This footage looks amazing. It feels very fresh to Bond, but also classic 007 as well.
PT | May 21, 2012 8:46 AMReply

BO, no James Bond movie has been nominated for Best Picture.
cirkusfolk | May 21, 2012 8:22 AMReply

Am I the only one that was underwhelmed?
geha714 | May 21, 2012 8:47 PM

Yes. Just you.
MrParker | May 21, 2012 3:32 PM

Yes! it was a great teaser
Connor | May 21, 2012 6:26 AMReply

Looks good. Looking forward to this. Could be an oscar contender.
Liz | May 21, 2012 5:21 PM

You're right, Roger Deakins never wins Oscars.
Bo | May 21, 2012 7:56 AM

Yeah, PT. Mendes and Deakins never win Oscars.
pt | May 21, 2012 7:30 AM

CONNOR , this is not an Oscar contender.
Christian | May 21, 2012 6:05 AMReply

Finally Bond matters again. Sam Mendes is back!
Armin | May 21, 2012 4:59 AMReply

OMG!!! Can't wait.