Existing comment:
007
New World Disorder
Villainy in the most recent Bond films reflects a modern fascination with wealth tied to hidden forces at work in the world. Le Chiffre in Casino Royale (2006) and Dominic Greene in Quantum of Solace (2008) embody both obsessions, pursuing fortunes through Quantum, a shadowy network connected to the highest levels of international power.
In its clandestine ways and international reach, Quantum is similar to SPECTRE. However, today's terrorists -- including Quantum -- operate in small groups, only loosely connected to each other. They are both our neighbors and outsiders, operating at home and abroad. Unlike Bond villains of old, the masterminds of Quantum try to keep their ambitions high but their profile low. Similarly, consider Osama bin Laden. Why did it take real intelligence agencies so long to get him? In the words of former CIA Director Michael Hayden, "Because he [was] hiding." Quantum works from the same script. |