James Bond 007: Quantum Of Solace Breaks Box Office Records

The new James Bond film Quantum of Solace opened to mixed reviews in London last Friday. The consensus seems to be that QOS is not as good as Casino Royale, having put the emphasis on action rather than emotional content. I haven't seen the film yet so can't comment. But what does 'Quantum of Solace' mean? Universal Exports (the cover name of the British Secret Service in Bond films) has one explanation: According to producer Michael G. Wilson, a quantum of solace is essentially a measure of comfort. “I think it’s very appropriate for this film because based on what happened to the character of James Bond in the last film, Casino Royale, he needs a quantum of solace, considering his mental state,” said Wilson. In fact, Quantum of Solace is the name of a story by Ian Fleming, creator of Bond. Here's the passage where the expression occurs: "I’ve seen flagrant infidelities patched up, I’ve seen crimes and even murder foreign by the other party, let alone bankruptcy and other forms of social crime. Incurable disease, blindness, disaster - all of these can be overcome. But never the death of common humanity in one of the partners. I’ve thought about this and I’ve invented a rather high-sounding title for this basic factor in human relations. I have called it the law of the Quantum of Solace. Bond said, "That’s a splendid name for it. It’s certainly impressive enough. And of course I see what you mean. I should say you’re absolutely right. Quantum of Solace - the amount of comfort. Yes, I suppose you can say that all love and friendship is based in the end on that. Human beings are very insecure. When the other person not only makes you feel insecure but actually seems to want to destroy you, it’s obviously the end. The Quantum of Solace stands at zero. You’ve got to get away to save yourself."

Views