James Bond is Back

 

In a recent Morning Spoiler article posted at io9 by Alasdair Wilkins, the author openly wondered why this was the first official image released for the next Bond film, Skyfall.  "Your guess is as good as mine on this one", posed Wilkins.

I'd like to answer that.

Don't you get it Alasdair?  Bond is back!  See, they are showing you his back, get it?

I'm teasing of course.  But I think I can legitimately come up with a few good reason why MGM et al chose this particular image.  First and foremost it has been four years since the last Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" and ticket sales quite possibly could take a hit because of the hiatus.  How does one go beyond the hard core fans to attract new fans to the franchise?

Appeal to the female viewership. See the above picture.

I showed this photo to my wife and she nearly knocked me over trying to get to the laptop.  Mr. Craig has been working out and it shows.  Surely there is a certain appeal to a muscular James Bond and what better way to attract viewership than to show it off.  You're welcome ladies.

There is a certain symbolic imagery to the above photo also.  According to the official synopsis of the movie, "M" played by Judi Dench has suffered a crisis of confidence that has shaken (not stirred) MI6 to its very core.  It will be up to Bond to right the ship and the above depiction shows Bond in a solitary moment.  I'm thinking Bond is alone in his quest to clear M.

One could also make the case that Bond, sitting at the edge of the pool, is prepared to jump into the deep end and take any risk to save the career of M.  Yes, I know it is a racing pool (there is no deep end) but the symbolic imagery of Bond going it alone and taking the risk is clear.

Since it is a racing pool, I could even argue that Bond has quite the task ahead of him.  One of endurance.  His mission will take its toll and expect the utmost effort of Bond.  This will not be a sprint.  Slow and steady win the race.  If Bond is to prevail he will need to save his best for last.

Lastly notice the posture of Bond.  He sits relaxed at the edge of the pool.  Only the slightest stir of his foot sends ripples across the stolid surface.  But still waters run deep and Bond has merely touched the surface of his mission.  His face is in slight profile, he may be relaxed but 007 turns his back on no one.  Always at his guard Bond will not be taken by surprise.

There you have it Alasdair.  Does that help?

Bond is back.