The World Is Not Enough

Pasha is going through a Bond phase, so we watched The World Is Not Enough last night. I'm not a huge Bond fan, but I do like this one, primarily due to the amazing performance by Sophie Marceau. Has there been a more substantial role for an actress in a Bond movie? Usually they are these fluffy, one-dimensional parts by less accomplished actresses. But the character of Electra King is quite involved, although the premise behind the character is admittedly a bit contrived, and Sophie Marceau delivers an edgy, nuanced performance. In fact, she dominates the screen in every scene she's in. Even scenes with Pierce Brosnan, which is saying something because he has a tremendous screen presence. I'm trying to Netflix more of her movies, but like Monica Bellucci, most of her roles in U.S. movies are secondary (outside of Braveheart). I hear she is very popular in France.

There are two things holding this movie back. One is a very weak villain in Reynard. He's just not intimidating at all. And the least they could have done is cast someone taller than Sophie Marceau! It would have made him seem less feeble. The second is one of the all-time worst acting performances in history by Denise Richards. Even ignoring the crazy notion of Denise Richards as a nuclear physicist, her acting is just terrible. Anyways, Pasha thought she looked hot, and I guess that is her main purpose in the movie.

The opening sequence with the boats is amazing - one of the best opening sequences I've seen in awhile. Strangely the other action sequences in the movie fall much flatter, notably the skiing one. I noticed the boat sequence has a lot more distance shots, while the skiing one is shot more up close and feels much smaller in scale. I'll have to think about this more.