(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Guest Contribution – It is already a well-known fact that James Bond is an international man of mystery. This is why filming at far-off locations has become par for the course. However, some readers may not be aware that many of the iconic scenes associated with Quantum of Solace would not have been possible without the help of the Panamanian government. Let's examine some locations that were just as crucial as Daniel Craig's portrayal of the character itself.

A Traditional Sense of Class

While James Bond has always been known for his impeccable wardrobe habits, we need to remember that we rarely see him in substandard accommodations. This is why producers chose to use the Panama National Institute of Culture (Instituto Nacional de Cultura de Panama) as the fictional Grand Hotel supposedly located in Bolivia. Many believe that the architecture of the institute offered a unique glimpse into South American culture, and its ornate elements certainly helped to create memorable visual settings.

Colon City

One of the most interesting aspects of Quantum of Solace is that no casino scenes were included in the script. This is quite a departure from previous films which used gambling to reinforce Bond's decidedly suave nature while under pressure. We have to wonder if Daniel Craig instead chose to play safely at trusted casinos online to hone his cool-headed character while between takes. Either way, the lack of gambling was instead replaced by heart-pounding action scenes, such as many outdoor fight scenes. The majority of these were filmed on the bustling streets of Colon City; a metropolis home to 75,000 residents.

Taking to the Water

The multifaceted prowess of James Bond was further reinforced by his ability to hand a speedboat. While this is not the first time that we have seen him take to the water in the franchise, the use of varying camera angles, and up-close shots kept the audience on the edges of their seats. Stunt coordination was likewise a very real challenge, so producers chose to record these sequences on the Bay of Columbus. Calm waters also helped to ensure that the chances of injuries would be reduced.

The Realm of the Villain

Dominic Greene was Bond's enemy throughout Quantum of Solace. Of course, every bond villain requires an equally formidable lair. The ruins of Club Union located within the Casco Viejo district of Panama City served as the ideal backdrop. These were prominently featured during the fundraising scene, and they helped to illustrate the power Greene brought to the screen. As Casco Viejo is considered to be an historic landmark, we have to imagine that special permission first needed to be obtained from the Panamanian Government.

This is not the first time that exotic locations were used to reinforce the identity of James Bond. Indeed, many would argue that these are some of the most attractive features of any Bond film. We also have to imagine that Panama was pleased to be represented on the silver screen.

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