Film no. 22 · 2008 · Craig era

Quantum of Solace

TMDB rating: 6.3 / 10 · View on TMDB

Plot

Immediately after Casino Royale, James Bond drives the captured Mr White toward Siena through a violent pursuit. During the interrogation, M's bodyguard Mitchell reveals himself as a double agent and White escapes. Back in London, Mitchell's trail leads to hitman Edmund Slate in Port-au-Prince. Bond assumes Slate's identity and meets Camille Montes, who is spying on businessman Dominic Greene. Greene promises the exiled General Medrano power in Bolivia in return for apparently worthless desert land.

At a performance of Tosca in Bregenz, Bond overhears a meeting of the secret organisation Quantum. M freezes his accounts after he acts without authority, but Mathis accompanies him to La Paz. There Bond and MI6 officer Strawberry Fields attend Greene's charity fundraiser. Corrupt police kill Mathis and frame Bond for the death. During an aerial survey, Bond and Camille discover that Greene is not pursuing oil: Quantum has dammed underground water reserves and intends to blackmail Bolivia.

Bond escapes M's custody, receives the location of Greene's desert hotel from Felix Leiter and attacks it with Camille. As the building burns, Camille kills Medrano and Bond defeats Greene. He abandons his enemy in the desert with a can of motor oil and delivers evidence of Quantum's scheme. In Kazan, Bond finally confronts Vesper's former lover Yusef Kabira, but spares him and turns him over to MI6—evidence that revenge is no longer his only motive.

Facts

James Bond: Daniel Craig
Director: Marc Forster
Screenplay: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade
Producers: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli
Music: David Arnold
Title song: „Another Way to Die“Jack White & Alicia Keys
Based on: Ian Fleming: „Quantum of Solace“1960
Running time: 106 minutes
Budget: $230 millionProduction budget according to The Numbers; other industry sources quote $200 million
Box office: $592 millionworldwide theatrical gross according to The Numbers; 007.com gives a rounded figure of $586 million
Release: UK: 31 October 2008US: 14 November 2008Germany: 6 November 2008

Travel route and filming locations

Gold numbers trace Bond's journey through the story, light markers show the real filming locations. Each layer can be hidden separately.

Bond's route · 10 stops

Total distance (great-circle)≈ 42,843 km

Bond escapes Quantum's pursuers with Mr White in the boot and drives toward Siena.
Lake Garda → Siena · ≈ 266 km
Mr White's interrogation collapses; Bond pursues double agent Mitchell across rooftops and through the Palio crowds.
Siena → London · ≈ 1,251 km
Mitchell's flat and MI6 records give Bond a lead to Edmund Slate in Haiti.
London → Port-au-Prince · ≈ 7,175 km
Bond assumes Slate's identity, meets Camille and overhears Greene's bargain with General Medrano.
Port-au-Prince → Bregenz · ≈ 7,907 km
During Tosca, Bond identifies several Quantum members and photographs their faces.
Bregenz → Talamone · ≈ 561 km
Bond asks Mathis for help at his coastal home and travels with him to Bolivia.
Talamone → La Paz · ≈ 10,392 km
Bond meets Fields, attends Greene's fundraiser and loses Mathis to corrupt police.
La Paz → Bolivian Altiplano · ≈ 412 km
During an aerial survey Bond and Camille discover Quantum's underground water reservoirs.
Bolivian Altiplano → La Paz · ≈ 412 km
Bond escapes M's custody and receives the desert hotel's location from Felix Leiter.
La Paz → Perla de las Dunas · ≈ 708 km
At the fictional desert hotel Bond and Camille stop the coup bargain between Greene and Medrano.
Perla de las Dunas → Kazan · ≈ 13,758 km
Bond exposes Yusef Kabira, spares him and turns him over to MI6.

Filming locations · 23

The DBS opening chase begins on Lake Garda's narrow roads and tunnels.
The dusty middle section of the car chase jumps from Lake Garda to Carrara's white quarries.
The real Palio, Via Salicotto, Piazzetta della Paglietta and surrounding rooftops carry Mitchell's escape.
The medieval coastal tower and adjoining house form Mathis's Italian retreat.
The northern residential tower is Mitchell's London address, searched by Bond and M.
The Brutalist corridors and interiors supply parts of the modern MI6 headquarters.
The historic club stands in for British government rooms during M's meeting with the Foreign Secretary.
The barracks supplies military and MI6-related exteriors.
Terminal and airfield material supports Bond's international air travel.
The vertical wind tunnel produced the body shots of Bond and Camille in freefall.
The training centre appears among the film's modern airport and travel settings.
The 007 Stage and five additional stages housed more than 14 sets, including the burning interior of the desert hotel.
doubles for La Paz, Bolivia (Bolivia)
The former military airfield supplies Bolivian airport and airfield scenes.
doubles for La Paz, Bolivia (Bolivia)
The building on Plaza de Francia becomes the Andean Grand Hotel where Bond and Fields check in.
doubles for La Paz, Bolivia (Bolivia)
The ruin becomes the atmospheric venue for Greene's Eco Park fundraiser.
doubles for Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Haiti)
Streets, hotel and harbour facilities represent Port-au-Prince, where the motorcycle and boat chase begins.
doubles for Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Haiti)
The disused harbour facilities and basin carry most of the Haiti boat chase.
The real Tosca production, dominated by its giant eye, frames Quantum's secret conference.
Streets in the historic centre extend Bond's escape after the opera sequence.
doubles for Bolivian desert (Bolivia)
The observatory hotel's exteriors and courtyard represent Greene's Perla de las Dunas.
doubles for Bolivia (Bolivia)
The arid settlement and railway landscape stand in for Bolivian communities affected by Greene's water blockade.
doubles for Bolivia (Bolivia)
The near-abandoned coastal settlement adds to the film's drought-stricken Bolivian landscapes.
doubles for Bolivian Altiplano (Bolivia)
The airfield supported take-off, landing and aerial work for the DC-3 pursuit over the film's Bolivia.

Characters and cast

Bond

James BondDaniel Craig

Bond girls

Villains

Henchmen

Allies

MI6

Others

Vehicles & Gadgets

Vehicles

Surviving screen car from the opening chase, now at the National Motor Museum in BeaulieuPhoto: Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Aston Martin DBS V12
Car2008
Quantum Silver; opening chase on Lake Garda
Bond drives the bound Mr White in the boot from the Lake Garda region to Siena while black Alfa Romeo 159s pursue him. The DBS loses its driver's door and suffers extensive gunfire and collision damage but reaches the MI6 safe house. Several cars were prepared for close-ups and stunt work; the pictured damaged screen car survives.
Driven by
James Bond
Specs
5.9-litre V12 · 380 kW (517 PS) · 570 Nm · 0–100 km/h 4.3 s · 191 mph
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 2008 Aston Martin DBS in Quantum of Solace · Aston Martin: DBS and DBS Volante
Black Alfa Romeo 159s pursue Bond's DBS around Lake GardaPhoto: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4
Car2008
black pursuit cars
Three black 159 saloons pressure Bond's DBS on the narrow lakeside roads and through the marble quarries. The cars are rammed, squeezed by lorries and ultimately eliminated. Permanent Q4 all-wheel drive suits the loose and wet surfaces in the sequence.
Driven by
Quantum pursuers
Specs
3.2-litre V6 JTS · 191 kW (260 bhp) · 322 Nm · permanent Q4 all-wheel drive
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 in Quantum of Solace · Alfa Romeo: 159 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 technical data
Alfa Romeo 156
Car1998
police car in the opening sequence
An older 156 saloon appears among the Italian traffic surrounding the pursuit toward Siena. It is not one of the principal chase cars but adds to the deliberately Italian vehicle setting. Its exact engine cannot be identified on screen.
Driven by
Italian police
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 in Quantum of Solace
Model view of the Ka launched in 2008; Camille's screen car has a bespoke gold finishPhoto: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Ford Ka Mk II
Car2008
pre-production car with a bespoke gold finish
Camille collects Bond in Port-au-Prince in a gold Ka, unaware that he has taken the dead Edmund Slate's place. The not-yet-launched model received a bespoke metallic finish and floral side graphic for the film. It is left behind at the harbour.
Driven by
Camille Montes
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 2008 Ford Ka Mk II in Quantum of Solace
The Edge forms Greene's vehicle fleet and Bond's transport after the finalePhoto: SsmIntrigue · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Ford Edge SEL
Car2008
Greene's SUV fleet in Bolivia
Greene and his associates travel through Bolivia in a fleet of Edge SUVs used to support Greene Planet's environmental image. Bond takes one after the finale and uses it to abandon Greene in the desert. The villain's final scene places him beside the Edge with a can of motor oil.
Driven by
Dominic Greene and James Bond
Specs
3.5-litre V6 · 198 kW (265 hp) · six-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive depending on version
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 2008 Ford Edge in Quantum of Solace
The Range Rover Sport serves as transport for M and her security teamPhoto: Deloreanman14 at English Wikipedia · GFDL · Wikimedia Commons
Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE (L320)
Car2008
transport for M and her team
M and her security team use the Range Rover Sport as robust official transport. It appears around the Siena operation and later in Bolivia when M tries to detain Bond. Its restrained black finish matches its role as a government vehicle.
Driven by
MI6 personnel
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 2008 Range Rover Sport HSE in Quantum of Solace
Mexican-built Beetle; the grey screen car comes from the same late production periodPhoto: Mattes · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen 1200 Typ 1
Car1997
Mexican-built Beetle used as everyday Bolivian transport
After their trek through the desert, Bond and Camille return to inhabited territory in a grey, visibly worn Beetle. Two matching cars were prepared for the short journey. The modest everyday car provides a sharp contrast with Greene's new SUVs.
Driven by
James Bond and Camille Montes
Specs
air-cooled 1.6-litre flat-four · four-speed manual · rear-wheel drive
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: 1997 Volkswagen 1200 in Quantum of Solace
A Cota 4RT lets Bond continue the pursuit over steps and harbour rampsPhoto: m.caimary · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Montesa Cota 4RT
Other
trials motorcycle in Port-au-Prince
Bond takes the lightweight trials motorcycle to pursue Camille and Medrano's men through the harbour. He rides down steps and jumps from a ramp onto a boat before the chase continues on water. Its tall suspension and low mass are designed for precisely this kind of controlled obstacle riding.
Driven by
James Bond
Specs
249 cc four-stroke single · electronic fuel injection · aluminium frame
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMCDb: Montesa Cota 4RT in Quantum of Solace
Sunseeker Superhawk 43
Boat
fast tender in Port-au-Prince harbour
Medrano and his men take Camille toward an offshore yacht aboard the Superhawk 43. Bond gives chase in an open workboat and prevents the transfer. The Superhawk combines a slender performance hull with a compact cabin and reaches up to 48 knots depending on engine choice.
Driven by
General Medrano's men
Specs
13.49 m long · 3.63 m beam · twin diesel engines · up to 48 knots
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · Sunseeker: Superhawk 43 brochure · Bond Lifestyle: Sunseeker Superhawk 43
Riddle Marine offenes Jetboot
Boat
workboat prepared for the Haiti chase
Bond takes an unassuming open wooden boat in the harbour and pursues the Sunseeker through tightly packed boats and pilings. The screen boat used a powerful jet drive for its jumps and abrupt direction changes. After several collisions Bond pulls Camille to safety.
Driven by
James Bond
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · Motor Boat & Yachting: the boats of James Bond
A DC-3 is at the centre of the aerial pursuit over the Bolivian AltiplanoPhoto: MKFI · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Douglas DC-3 / C-47A
Aircraft
fictional registration CP-265
Bond charters the twin-engined aircraft to survey Greene's land in Bolivia. An SF-260TP and a helicopter attack it; Bond uses the terrain until the badly damaged DC-3 can no longer remain airborne. Two historic airframes represented the same screen aircraft under the registration CP-265.
Driven by
James Bond
Specs
twin-engined low-wing aircraft · cruise speed about 180 mph · crew 2–3
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMPDb: Douglas DC-3 aircraft used in Quantum of Solace
SIAI-Marchetti / Aermacchi SF-260TP
Aircraft
armed turboprop pursuit aircraft
The agile SF-260TP leads the aerial attack on Bond's DC-3 and carries the real registration N260TP on screen. It can follow the larger transport through tight mountain terrain but is drawn into Bond's evasive manoeuvres. The compact trainer is powered by a single turboprop.
Driven by
Greene's pilot
Sources: IMPDb: Aermacchi SF-260TP in Quantum of Solace
Model view of the closely related Bell 212 family; the film uses a Bell 205A-1Photo: Boris Dimitrov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Bell 205A-1 / UH-1H Huey
Aircraft
helicopter registered N2055F
The helicopter attacks Bond's DC-3 alongside the SF-260TP, carrying a gunner at the open side door. The aircraft used is identified as a Bell 205A-1, while the official film list uses the closely related military designation UH-1H Huey. It continues searching for Bond and Camille after their parachute escape.
Driven by
Greene's mercenaries
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace vehicles · IMPDb: Bell 205A-1 in Quantum of Solace

Gadgets

Walther PPK 7.65 mm
Bond again carries the compact PPK as his service pistol. It accompanies him from the Siena interrogation to the showdown in the Atacama Desert.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Sony Ericsson C902 with image recognition
The phone transmits photographs and matches faces against MI6 databases almost in real time. In Haiti Bond photographs Greene's entourage and receives identities directly on the display.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology · Bond Lifestyle: Sony Ericsson C902 Titanium Silver
Quantum earpiece
Members of the organisation communicate through discreet wireless earpieces during the Tosca performance. Bond's interruption makes them leave their seats and expose themselves.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Interactive MI6 table
The large multitouch table combines photographs, accounts and personal data into a visual intelligence picture. M and Tanner move and connect the information together on its surface.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Heckler & Koch UMP9
MI6 operatives secure Mr White's interrogation with the compact submachine gun. The traitor Mitchell uses the ensuing chaos to escape.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Heckler & Koch G36C
Greene's and Medrano's men carry compact G36C assault rifles. They form the guards' principal armament in the burning desert hotel.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Nail scissors
Bond uses a pair of nail scissors as an improvised stabbing weapon against Edmund Slate in the hotel room. The fight ends before Bond can learn who employed Slate.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Shard of glass
In the hotel's service area Greene grabs a shard of glass and increasingly injures himself during the fight. The fragile weapon reinforces the raw, improvised violence of the finale.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Motor-oil canister
After questioning Greene, Bond abandons him in the desert with only a can of motor oil. M later reports that Greene was found dead with oil in his stomach.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Fire axe
Camille takes a fire axe inside the burning hotel. She uses the rescue tool for defence while confronting General Medrano.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace gadgets, weapons and technology
Reserve parachute
After jumping from the damaged DC-3, Bond deploys the only reserve parachute at very low altitude. He holds Camille against him so both descend into a sinkhole together.
Sources: 007.com: Quantum of Solace film page · 007.com: Quantum of Solace at 15
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M
Bond wears a Seamaster Planet Ocean with a black dial and steel bracelet. The watch has no hidden on-screen function.
Sources: Bond Lifestyle: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M in Quantum of Solace

Production and trivia

The film begins about ten minutes after Casino Royale ends, making it the first direct sequel in the EON series.
The title was announced on 25 January 2008 and comes from Ian Fleming's 1960 short story; the film's plot is not an adaptation of that tale.
Production filmed in six countries: the United Kingdom, Panama, Chile, Mexico, Italy and Austria. Thirteen of the 22 shooting weeks were spent on location.
For the Siena rooftop chase, old tiles were removed, the roofs reinforced and the tiles replaced so cast and stunt performers could run safely.
Footage of the real Palio on 16 August 2007 was captured before principal photography and integrated with the chase through Siena.
The Bregenz Festival supplied about 2,000 extras for the Tosca sequence; digital replication made the auditorium appear to hold roughly 7,000 people.
Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko simulated freefall in the vertical Bodyflight wind tunnel in Bedford.
More than 200,000 blank rounds were obtained for testing, training and filming.
The finale was staged on Pinewood's 007 Stage, where the effects team triggered 54 controlled explosions over twelve days.
ESO's Residencia at Cerro Paranal supplied the desert hotel's exteriors; its interiors were built across six Pinewood stages as part of more than 14 sets.
Strawberry Fields' oil-covered death deliberately mirrors Jill Masterson's gilded death in Goldfinger.
Another Way to Die was the first Bond title song recorded as a duet; Jack White produced and performed it with Alicia Keys.
With a theatrical running time of 105 minutes and 58 seconds, Quantum of Solace is the shortest EON Bond film.
Producer Michael G. Wilson makes his traditional cameo as a newspaper reader in the Haitian hotel lobby.
The German version was produced by Interopa Film in Berlin, with a script by Klaus Bickert, direction by Axel Malzacher and Dietmar Wunder again voicing Daniel Craig.