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Bond's back... don't expect to understand the title
By Louise Jury, Evening Standard 24.01.08
Man at MI6: Daniel Craig with Olga Kurylenko, far left, and Rada-trained Gemma Arterton at today's press call for the new James Bond movie, the 22nd in the series
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Dr No. Goldfinger. Thunderball. Diamonds Are Forever: Bond movie titles are always memorable and today the name of the 22nd 007 film was revealed as, er, Quantum Of Solace.
As the film's stars faced the press, the producers explained that the title comes from an Ian Fleming short story, even though it may sound more Star Trek than superspy.
Rising star and new Bond girl Gemma Arterton, 21, from Gravesend, revealed she gets to kiss the delectable Daniel Craig - only six months after finishing drama training in London at Rada.
Ukrainian beauty Olga Kurylenko begins as a Bond foe but she revealed she finds common cause with the British agent in seeking revenge.
Craig explained that the story would follow on from the plot of Casino Royale - his first outing as the spy hero - in which Bond loses his love Vesper.
"He had his heart broken at the end of the last movie and that certainly is a spur for him in this one," Craig said. "We start this movie almost immediately where the last one stopped off. I would be lying if I said there wasn't revenge in his heart but there's more than that. That's not what the movie is, its not a revenge movie, it's about him figuring a few things out." Of his character he added: "I do like him."
Dame Judi Dench, in her sixth appearance as spy chief M, said the role was a joy to play: "I get more to do in this one, which is terrific," she said. "I learned to do a few more gadgets and look like I'm running MI6, I hope."
Filming began this month at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and the film is due for release later in the year. The plot takes in the usual range of exotic locations, some of which have been recreated on Pinewood's famous Bond stage, including the medieval splendour of Siena.
Barbara Broccoli said the movie's unusual title was appropriate: "The film has lots of action but also deals with the inner turmoil that Bond is facing."
She also suggested Craig was on board for more Bond. "We have talked about doing some more films with him and he seems very happy to do that."
Arterton said her St Trinian's co-star and former Bond girl Caterina Murino had warned her of the consequences of getting to kiss Bond.
"You have to open your mail with a knife because, she said, you get hate mail with razors in it."
Arterton, who plays a young MI6 agent, admitted the kiss had already been filmed. "I was in a bit of a dream, a daze. I felt like a giggly girl that day because he's such a man. I can't really divulge too much, but it was good."
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I'm glad they are using the original titles and 'Quantum of Solace' has the perversity of other titles such as 'A view to a Kill' or 'The Living Daylights' - "whoever she was it scared the living daylights out of her". A few weeks ago 'Risico' was mooted as the new title and 'Quantum' is certainly a better title than that.
- Squiz, Islington
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