5 Holiday Spots Showcased by the New James Bond film Spectre
Film reviewers have been heaping praise on the new James Bond film, Spectre, which sees 007 take on the mysterious criminal organisation of the film's title.
The Independent gave Spectre four stars, calling it "a rip-roaring and very stylishly made thriller with tremendous production values.”
Meanwhile the Telegraph gave it a full five stars, as did the Guardian. The Sun and the Mirror also published glowing reviews of Bond's 24th outing.
A twisting plot, sparkling dialogue and the usual assortment of fast cars and beautiful women are, it seems, all present. But there are a number of other 'stars' that may not be getting the attention they deserve: the locations.
And, in contrast to the UK-focussed Skyfall, Spectre has a more international flavour, showcasing some truly sensational locations whose tourism industries will no doubt receive a boost from the latest Bond epic.
London
The trailer shots of London suggest that director Sam Mendes decided to embrace the British capital's damp climate (as in Skyfall), with one impressive (yet overcast) establishing shot of London that takes in both Big Ben and the Shard. Mendes has tried hard to find new angles on this much-filmed city. Other shots – of the Houses of Parliament at night and a fog-backed MI6 HQ – also play on the city's 'drizzle-noir' aesthetic. But despite the prominently-featured inclement weather, the latest Bond instalment is sure to boost overseas visits among those who have a taste for Fleming's insouciant superspy.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (AGCuesta/Bigstock.com)
Mexico City
"Mexico City," says Ralph Fiennes' M to Bond angrily, "What were you doing there?" In short, shooting people and blowing things up – although 007 claims he was "taking some overdue holiday". MI6 demolitions aside, the Mexican capital is superbly showcased by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, with a dazzling opening scene in which a Day of the Dead festival provides Bond with cover as he seeks out his first victim (who is bid 'hasta luego' with a rocket propelled grenade). Adrenaline pumping helicopter scenes over this vibrant metropolis contribute to a high-octane 'Visit Mexico' advert that the local tourist authority would never have been able to produce themselves.
Rome, Italy
The Italian capital is already the 14th most visited city in the world but could get an extra boost from Spectre, which features a scintillating car chase involving a Jaguar C-X75 and Bond in an Aston Martin DB10. Hoyte van Hoytema also appears to have worked his magic on Rome, which looks "like a $300-million-dollar Tiramisu," according to the Telegraph. With incredible attractions such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Archbasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, this city lends Spectre at least as much glamour as vice-versa.
Tangier, Morocco (Eugene Sergeev/Bigstock.com)
Tangier, Morocco
As the focus of one of our recent articles, here at starttravel.co.uk we're big fans of Tangier. The winding alleys of its old quarter, the white-washed grandeur of its architecture, and a vibrant, exotic atmosphere that has attracted some of the world's greatest novelists, poets and artists; Tangier is truly captivating. And our affection for this North African coastal metropolis has only strengthened with news that the city features in Spectre. While the trailers don't reveal any exterior shots, it will be exciting to see how the city is treated in the film proper.
Lake Altaussee, Austria
Bond has a proud tradition of visiting snowy Alpine vistas, and Spectre is no different. The trailer suggests some thrilling high altitude action sequences and a soupçon of lofty love. The majestic Lake Altaussee is bordered by stunning flora, waterfalls and forests, making it a popular spot amongst hikers and nature lovers. 007's appearance in this beautiful spot will no doubt do much of the local tourist office's work for them over the next 12 months.
Taking a Bond-Inspired Holiday?
Whether you're attracted by Mexico City's pre-hispanic or colonial grandeur, Rome's superbly-preserved historic buildings, Tangier's faded glamour or Lake Altaussee's natural beauty, be sure to protect yourself against unexpected illness, injury, cancellation, curtailment, money loss and more with a good travel policy.
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