Skyfall's Box Office is Sky-High

Skyfall has exceeded $287m (£180m) in its first ten days despite it not having opened in the US yet. The response to the film, especially in the UK is showing something previous Bond films haven’t had much of – repeat screenings.

With a reinvention of sorts (even literally via a fall, death and resurrection) and ability to fit the Bond mould while also breaking away from the expected campiness of it, Skyfall is one of the best Bond films yet. Facing an aging double-O-agent who isn’t quite ready for retirement yet and a world where employees risk their lives for the greater good, the film brings Bond firmly into today’s world where societies are facing the enemy within. Even MI6 isn’t immune as a former agent lurks from the shadows taunting M to bring down the organisation in a role brilliantly played by Javier Bardem.

Given the overwhelmingly positive reaction to a new Bond that arrived with Casino Royale and the lows of Quantum of Solace, a lot was at stake in bringing James Bond back to the big screen and playing to an audience that hadn’t seen him in four years. There was no need for a re-introduction, but a sense of the world needing him had to be re-established. When Casino Royale was unveiled the filmmakers were battling with introducing Daniel Craig as a new Bond and also attempting to make the character relevant today. When M jibes that Bond is a “relic of the cod war” we’re told he needs to prove himself not only to his audience but also his boss. The relationship comes full circle in Skyfall as despite Judy Dench’s M being up for trial, Bond never doubts her in the same way she doesn’t doubt his ability to do his job. The complex relationship plays out well and the backdrop of the big hanging question which asks ‘is the world really ready for Bond to return’ is answered within minutes.

And at the box office too. When the film credits roll and the titles come up stating “James Bond will Return” there are whoops and cheers in the audience at cinemas across the UK. The relationship is further cemented as the film delves into the character’s past (as well as M’s and MI6’s past – see the pattern?) and provides a basic reason for his being. Subtext is scattered throughout the film in scenes which revel in reflecting the unspoken conversation that’s taking place. Berenice Marlohe in a small but key role reflects the fear that exists in the world, society and Bond’s insecurities. In her death scene his unflinching focus on his opponent shows how he’s a colder, more ruthless agent paying attention to the moment at stake rather than the casualties. His vision is definitely of the bigger picture. As is MI6’s and M’s. With the rhetoric she cites when defending her actions and the role of MI6, M is not just making a statement but predicting what will play out. There are scenes of brilliance that are picked up with a deeper meaning on a second viewing. 

With Skyfall on target to become the highest grossing Bond film ever, and occupying the number one position in more than 25 territories worldwide even before the US release, Sam Mendes and Barbara Broccoli can rest assured their tightly edited, exotic action thriller has made the world fall in love with 007 all over again.