01.24.08
Quantum of Solace
Months of speculation all came to an end today. What is Quantum of Solace? It’s the name of the 22nd film in the James Bond series. It is an odd choice to be sure, and as with the previous Bond film, Casino Royale, fans once again have something to complain about. Last time, it was the choice of the actor to play the title character, namely Daniel Craig. The title is the topic of ranting for this moment. Those who are true fans of the series will recognize the title as the name of one of the short stories in Ian Fleming’s collection called For Your Eyes Only that was published in 1960. Though I have never read the story, I’ve read a summary of the story in which Bond played only a minor role. It would appear that the plot of this movie will not be based on that particular writing. So how does the title fit in with the continuation of the plot of Casino Royale?
It doesn’t take a miraculous amount of effort to define the words of the title. Quantum can be a significant quantity or bulk. Solace is defined as something that consoles or comforts. In Casino Royale, Bond lost his true love, Vesper Lynd, after being betrayed by her for reasons that have not yet completed unfolded in the reboot of the Bond franchise. As an aside, Quantum of Solace is the first true sequel in the Bond series as its plot follows exactly from that of the previous movie. This has never been done in the history of the 007 films. Casino Royale ended with Bond becoming a focused, yet angry, young agent whose sole purpose appears to be revenge. If revenge is the theme, then it is that which Bond will use as his tool to bring himself consolation for both the loss of his love and the betrayal which he anticipated yet opened himself up to due to that love. In that strict definition, the title fits exactly with the plot.
Quantum of Solace it is. It is cumbersome yet appropriate. I just feel sympathy for the singer that has to write the theme song.
Quantum of Solace Official Site
