Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Robbie Coltrane, Pierce Brosnan and Famke Janssen
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Britain have the abilities to entertain audiences like Robbie Coltrane. Ever since his rise to recognition during the 1990’s, Coltrane has made memorable films. Whether it’s magical school teachers, grim gangsters or Christmas creatures, Coltrane has portrayed a range of bold characters. Arguably, Coltrane’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong screen presence. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talents for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a focus of a movie, Coltrane has always left a powerful impression. Through his capabilities to portray wide range of characters which are intriguing, Coltrane has built a legacy that’s lasting. While he is best known for his iconic role as Hagrid in the Harry Potter franchise, Coltrane has proven he has a talent for making strong movies in every genre. Throughout his commemorated career, Coltrane has produced many memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Coltrane and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Goldeneye” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 1995, Martin Campbell’s movie has stood the test of time as a James Bond classic. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest Bond movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a strong performance by Robbie Coltrane, who embodies a British agent seeking to entertain. Ultimately, what makes “Goldeneye” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bond movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about identity which will definitely resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a spy, there are many strong reasons why “Goldeneye” is a movie that is definitely worth seeing.
Set within the world of espionage, “Goldeneye” tells the story of a spy facing a high likelihood to die. Pierce Brosnan portrays James Bond, a conflicted agent experiencing tension. Bond is a dedicated spy that has always devoted his life towards his work which he cares of deeply. However, Bond’s life drastically changes when he faces a new nemesis putting the fate of the world in danger. Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean) is a skilled terrorist designing a nuclear weapon with potential for mass destruction. Assisted by newfound ally Valentin Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane), Bond embarks upon a catastrophic journey to prevent nuclear catastrophe. As all the odds are stacked his favour, Bond begins to wonder whether it’s possible to overcome an enemy causing disaster.
Martin Campbell is a newcomer towards the stories of spies facing tragedy. Before he had made “Goldfinger”, Campbell never directed a Bond movie before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the struggle faced by spies experiencing catastrophes but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Campbell captures a spy embarking on a journey to find identity. Taking inspiration from Guy Hamilton’s “Goldfinger”, Campbell deftly uses montages to capture hardships spies embarking upon a dangerous mission are enduring. For instance, the montages elevate the opening sequence. During this unforgettable scene, 007 seeks to stop a nuclear explosion causing catastrophe. Through montages, Campbell creates a strong espionage movie audiences can easily relate to. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Chris Columbus’ “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” suggested, montages elevate commemorated adaptations of famous fantasy books. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Campbell captures frightening tensions that spies embarking on missions are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Goldeneye” that merits recognition is action. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Campbell effectively uses practical effects to stage thrilling action sequences capturing the tensions agents are enduring. For instance, the practical effects elevate the final battle scene. During this unforgettable scene, Bond engages in an intense confrontation with Alec causing a disaster. Through practical effects, Campbell captures grim tensions that spies go through. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. Eric Serrari’s music is key to success of the film. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden spies bear. Using captivating production-design, Campbell captures spies in a state of decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Goldeneye” is a classic spy movie which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully uses scenes of silence to capture tensions spies on missions are often facing. Amidst all the thrilling action, the film finds time for moments of intimate character development. For instance, silence elevates the negotiation scene. During this engaging scene, James Bond strikes a business deal with Valentin seeking to collaborate to stop nuclear catastrophe. Through sequences of silence, Campbell created a strong spy that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Sarah Smith’s “Arthur Christmas” claimed, silence elevates animated movies about Christmas. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Campbell honours a spy that’s beloved today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robbie Coltrane delivers one of his best career performances as Valentin. Coltrane achieved appreciation for playing magical teachers of schools in fantasy films. With “Goldeneye”, however, he took ok his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a gangster that strikes a business deal with spies causing tragedy but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Coltrane has often excelled at portraying leaders in positions of power, and “Goldeneye” showcased his strengths as an actor. Through riveting expressions, he captures the bravery, fear and resentment of a gangster that faces adversity. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated actors working in Britain today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Robbie Coltrane, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of praise. Pierce Brosnan is brilliant, capturing the determination of an agent seeking to accomplish a tense mission. Sean Bean is spectacular, capturing the mean personality of a henchman that seeks to plan nuclear destruction which impacts his routine. Lastly, Famke Janssen merits appreciation. As a femme fatale, she brings sexual tensions to the movie.
Finally, “Goldeneye” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing spies that have a high likelihood to die. Unlike most Bond movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film discusses strong themes including identity, dedication and terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be longtime fans of James Bond to appreciate it. Therefore, “Goldeneye” is one of those rare Bond films everyone would definitely without a doubt adore.
Fans of Robbie Coltrane will definitely enjoy “Goldeneye” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating classic about an agent, it honours an actor that has become an icon in entertainment
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking action movie about a spy embarking on a dangerous mission with a high likelihood to die, it’s a dazzling reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which always satisfy.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 