This is a review of Bond on Set – Filming Quantum of Solace (published October 20, 2008). As was the case with the Filming of Casino Royale book that was published two years ago (see Book Review), it is a great example of what it has set out to be – a (nearly) all photographic coffee table book. The photography showcased in the book – all behind the scenes and on set photos – are works of art in their own right. Highly recommended to fans of the film.
Overview (from the publisher)
After 21 movies in 45 years, Bond just keeps getting better. Following in the footsteps of Bond on Set: Casino Royale, Filming Quantum of Solace features movie stills, photographs, and behind-the-scenes info from the 22nd Bond film featuring Daniel Craig.
Book Facts (from the publisher)
# Hardcover: 144 pages
# Publisher: DK ADULT (October 20, 2008)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0756641209
# ISBN-13: 978-0756641207
# Product Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 0.6 inches
Written Content (1/10)
This work is 100% about the visuals. There is short foreword by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and an introduction by director Marc Forster, along with a few short missives throughout the book.
Visual Collateral (9/10)
As was the case with the Bond on Set book from the last film, the visuals is what this work is all about, and it delivers. Over 150 pages (a bit longer than the last book) of fantastic photography, again all by Greg Williams, all quite stunning.
Again, many photos are full page or two page bleeds.
Mr. Williams again does an excellent job of capturing the look of the film and giving a sense of the production via on set and behind the scenes glimpses into the making of the film.
If you love the film and appreciate artful photography, you will not be disappointed.
Presentation/Quality (7/10)
This book is slightly different from the Filming Casino Royale version that came out a few years ago. It is not as “square”, being about an inch narrower than the last book in the series. It also does not have a dust cover, which I actually prefer.
The interior pages are of a high quality, and I get the impression it will hold up to handling quite well. Not of the “fingerprint magnet” variety.
Again, there is no table of contents or index, and the content is laid out more or less chronologically, consistent with the film. There is a two page Cast & Crew spread.
There are no real “bells and whistles”, it’s just a straight forward showcasing of beautiful photography.
Overall Value (8/10)
The retail price is $22, which is an improvement of the $35 charged for the last edition, especially since it has a slightly higher page count.
It can be had via Amazon.com for $15 and deeply discounted at other retailers as well; I think it is absolutely a buy at that price, in that I often spend more for a press kit from the film with a handful of prints.
Conclusion and Overall Rating (8/10)
This is a great book for fans of the film and franchise. Of course, it is nearly completely lacking in the written content department, and it would have been nice if the quality of the book were a bit more upscale, but it does the job. $15 is a steal whether it suits you as a coffee table book, a photo reference archive for the film, or a look into the production from a behind the scenes style perspective.
Jason De Bord