Although his time is coming to an end, Daniel Craig has been one of the longest-serving actors to play James Bond in the history of the 007 series. What a journey it’s been! From the recent smash hit “No Time to Die” to earlier classics such as “Skyfall” and “Casino Royale”, Craig has been on board for over a decade.
Set design, meanwhile, has exceeded expectations. The set design during the Craig-era Bond movies is considered by some to have been the best yet. The exquisite casino shots in the 2006 hit “Casino Royale” are one example, while everything from the recreated Cuba to the interior design in “No Time to Die” has also been praised.
This is something to be expected given that Craig has been the most recent Bond, and that the period of his five Bond films coincided with the period of the latest set design innovations. However, it’s also a testament to the hard work that set designers across the franchise have put into making it work.
This news post will look at some of the top set design decisions made by designers during some of Craig’s Bond portrayals.
Early Days: “Casino Royale”
“Casino Royale” was widely praised by critics after its release, not least because it managed to showcase the very best in production values, set design and filming style all at once. The shots of the Casino Royale in Montenegro where the game of Texas Hold’em poker takes place were particularly praised for their authenticity.
It’s no exaggeration to say that they looked like something you might find at one of the many CasinoSource gaming destinations.
However, it’s sometimes been said that these casino interior shots and others in the film looked so good not because of the set design itself but because of the cinematography. The camera’s dynamism was particularly profound in this film, and the lighting was significantly enhanced compared to previous Bond shots.
However, more than that, the set design also significantly improved and appeared to take on a more realistic aesthetic. In short, the elements worked together to create a high stakes gambling atmosphere on camera – which viewers and critics alike loved.
Big Boost: “Skyfall”
“Skyfall” was one of the tensest Bond movies that Craig participated in. One of the most memorable moments was the point at which Bond actually does fall out of the sky – giving the film its name. For the set designers, this proved to be a tough ask.
They needed to locate a bridge that allowed them to capture this terrifying, life-threatening moment properly – but they were pushed for time.
In the end, they found the Varda Railway Bridge in Turkey, but it was only through a stroke of real luck that they managed to get there. Due to the production firm MGM experiencing financial challenges, they may not have found the iconic on-location set in time.
Recent Successes: “No Time to Die”
One of the hallmarks of the set design in “No Time to Die” is a classic Bond trope: the fact that it takes place in locations across the globe. Everywhere from Denmark to Jamaica feature as on-location places, with Bond eventually coming home to what feels like the centre of the spy world – the hustle and bustle of London.
For the set designers involved, this posed a challenge like no other. One part of the storyline was supposed to happen in Cuba, but the political situation in real, modern-day Cuba meant that it was difficult to get permission to film there.
Instead, Jamaica was chosen as a stand-in. The production team had to send a designer to Cuba in advance to notes on the architecture’s appearance and what a pedestrian would see while walking the streets. This was later replicated almost perfectly.
Some of the set design successes for this film, however, were more mundane. Q’s flat in central London was kitted out with a range of gadgets to reflect the character of the researcher: science-focused, and precise about absolutely everything.
In summary, it’s no understatement to say that the set designers who have collaborated with Bond movie producers in the last few years have done an excellent job both in terms of interior set design and also on-location shoots.
With successes like the gorgeous gambling interiors of “Casino Royale” and the terrifying bridge scene of “Skyfall” under their belts, there’s plenty for them to be proud of. The main thing that most Bond watchers will now be considering, of course, is just what will come next in the franchise – and what set design achievements are likely to follow.
