No Time to Die

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For years, fans have consistently admired James Bond films as they reign supreme in the spy genre. This is largely due to the diverse roster of villains Bond confronted across the globe, and the intricate plots that were seasoned with romance, dramatic twists, and occasional dashes of witty humor.

Currently, the franchise is being revitalized by Amazon MGM Studios. As speculation continues regarding who will take on the role of Bond next, people are re-examining previous choices. However, it has been noted that the last Bond film, “No Time to Die,” may not have fully captured the complexity of its primary antagonist, Rami Malek’s character Lyutsifer Safin, in a current spy thriller.

Who Was Lyutsifer Safin?

Safin Was a Gloating Rich Villain With Weapons

Originally, Safin was the child of chemists who concocted toxic substances for the terror group known as Spectre. Unexpectedly, their leader Blofeld had his hitman, Mr. White, poison and eliminate them, seizing their secret hideout – the Toxic Garden. Miraculously, the boy lived, but was scarred by the chemicals. Over time, his desire for vengeance grew strong. Eventually, Safin established his own organization to combat Spectre.

In a different context, we could say: Despite killing White’s wife and sparing only his daughter, Madeleine, because he didn’t wish to harm a child given his own experiences of pain, Safin was portrayed as a capitalist figure, much like the typical Bond villain. Mostly, however, Safin was observed in his luxurious hideout, manipulating things involving the Heracles nanotechnology. This technology was later used to eliminate Blofeld, with Safin coercing Madeleine into infecting herself with it.

No Time to Die Details

WritersDirectorRelease DateIMDb RatingRotten Tomatoes Score
Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Phoebe Waller-BridgeCary Joji FukunagaOct. 8, 20217.3/1083%

In this scenario, Bond contracted the infection from someone and subsequently spread it to Blofeld. This gave authorities an opportunity to take action against Blofeld, ultimately leading to his demise. Later on, Bond managed to reach the island where Safin was hiding. To protect Madeleine and their daughter Mathilde from the dangerous nanotechnology, Bond had no choice but to sacrifice himself by detonating the area. This tragic ending led many to believe that Blofeld played a role in Bond’s death, as he was also responsible for the murder of White due to his betrayal of Spectre. It was an emotional conclusion to the story. Some speculated that Blofeld may have been behind Bond’s demise, given his history of treachery.

Unexpectedly, a new character named Safin emerged, stirring up quite a fuss. He eliminated key figures, yet he didn’t exude an intimidating presence. Instead, he was just a businessman leveraging his resources and wealth for retribution. Malek illustrates the untapped potential that had been overlooked in the past.

The Amateur Makes Rami Malek an Unconventional Super Spy

Charlie Was a Master Hacker and Grounded Solo Killer In the Shadows

In an unconventional twist, the Amateur, portrayed by Malek in Charlie, defies traditional spy archetypes. Unlike action heroes such as Ethan Hunt, Jason Bourne, or Bond, Charlie is not a muscular, agile, super-soldier type. Instead, he’s a skilled code cracker for the CIA who finds himself on a personal mission after his wife’s death, coercing the CIA to let him track down her killers. His unique position within the organization complicates matters as he often crosses paths with these same terrorists in his line of work.

In my perspective, I find myself admiring a character who artfully transforms himself into a chameleon, employing sophisticated deepfakes to deceive everyone into believing I’m in numerous locales across Europe. I’ve gained access to networks, set traps with explosives, destroyed pools, concocted potent poisons, and performed feats that would make an army proud. My hunts are stealthy and tinged with a dark satisfaction. It’s not about brute strength but intellectual prowess. In essence, I am like Safin, albeit without the scars, and even my superiors find me intimidating.

Even his previous mentor, Laurence Fishburne’s character Henderson, is intimidated by the beast he now is. This creature poses more psychological danger than physical, yet he demolishes opponents swiftly. His appearances on the field, interactions within society, undercover activities as a spy, and immersion in sorrow establish a human bond. It’s this emotional connection that makes fans cheer for him to vanquish all adversaries.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but imagine how intriguing it would have been if the character of Safin in “No Time to Die” was reimagined as an underestimated lone wolf. This twist could have revolutionized the Bond series, offering a genuine counterpart for 007.

Imagine a character who, despite lacking vast resources or a secret organization, has a few allies at best. He is raw, visceral, and his agony is palpable. Such a character could potentially bring down Spectre and MI6 with just a laptop, demonstrating an unprecedented level of power.

Moreover, this version of Safin could evoke empathy even from the cold-hearted Bond. He could make us feel for his struggles, making us question who is truly the villain in this story. Such a portrayal would have added depth and complexity to the Bond franchise, offering a fresh take on the classic formula.

In essence, both roles portrayed by Malek evoke sympathy from viewers as they are tragic figures. However, Safin seemed less distinctive compared to the enigmatic Charlie, who is more emotionally engaging and unexpected. Unlike the aristocrat he’s not, Charlie yearns to get his hands dirty and handle everything personally. He represents the menacing final adversary that earlier Bond films like Skyfall and Spectre should have hinted at – a silent, relentless threat bent on eliminating Blofeld’s crew and anyone who crosses his path. Charlie is the chilling assassin Malek skillfully infuses with depth in the background – a true final boss whose genius leaves everyone trembling with fear.

The Amateur is now in theaters.

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2025-05-01 05:07