Moneypenny's Unexpected Move in Skyfall's Opening Scene Leaves James Bond Vulnerable - Sniper Expert Analyzes the Fateful Shot

Summary

Eve Moneypenny's accidental sniper shot in Skyfall has been criticized by sniper expert Nicholas Irving for its unrealistic depiction. According to Irving, the weapon chosen by Moneypenny and the terminology used were not suitable for the situation portrayed in the scene. The shot would have lacked accuracy for the distance presented.

Irving clarifies that if Moneypenny had taken her shot, it could have posed a risk of harming or even fatally hitting the individual she aimed to rescue, since the bullet would have pierced through the enemy target. He underscores the significance of achieving a precise and non-hazardous shot in military operations.

Furthermore, the selection of the fighting location for Bond's hand-to-hand combat also impacts the shot's success. The train's movement towards Moneypenny simplifies the shot, obviating the need for complex calculations. Overall, Irving rates this shot as unattainable, giving it a grade of 1.

Sniper expert Nicholas Irving has debunked Eve Moneypenny's accidental sniper shot in Skyfall. In the third installment of Daniel Craig's James Bond incarnation, 007 confronts former MI6 agent Raoul Silva, who holds a grudge against M. In the movie's opening scene, Bond and Moneypenny chase a mercenary in Istanbul, culminating in a deadly confrontation on a moving train. Moneypenny, under pressure from M, takes the shot that seemingly kills Bond.

However, Irving, an expert sniper, reveals to Insider that the climactic shot in the opening scene does not align with his own experiences. He points out that Moneypenny's choice of weapon and the terminology she used were not suitable for the situation depicted. Additionally, Irving explains that the location of Bond's fistfight also plays a significant role in determining the shot's potential success. See Irving's comprehensive analysis below.

No way. Her shooting technique lacks support and seems forced just to make the shot. The Olympic Arms K23B gun she's using is only accurate up to 50 meters. Considering the distance looks to be no more than a couple hundred yards, she should put it away and switch to a different weapon.

I don't believe she had a clear shot at all. In the military, a clear shot means you won't harm or kill someone unintentionally. If her target is one of those two men, using a 5.56 bullet could go through the intended target and potentially harm or kill the person she's trying to assist or save.

I would definitely take the shot if necessary, but I can't promise any specific outcome. Fortunately, the train's movement direction is in her favor, making it much easier to calculate the shot. When the target is approaching or moving away from you, it simply involves aiming slightly above or below the target, rather than aiming ahead and expecting the target to run into the bullet.

Personally, I would rate the possibility of success as extremely low, like a 1 out of 10.

Naomie Harris' Moneypenny Is A Welcome Expansion On A Key James Bond Character

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Expanding on her previous appearances in James Bond adventures, Harris' portrayal of Moneypenny takes on a more active role in this Bond story. While she faces a temporary suspension from field duties following a setback in Istanbul, she proves herself once again during a critical moment when Silva launches an attack on M's public inquiry. Assisting in repelling the attackers, Moneypenny showcases her combat skills. However, she later reverts back to her secretarial role under the new M, played by Ralph Fiennes.

Despite now working directly under M after the events of Skyfall, Moneypenny remains a close confidant and ally to Bond throughout Craig's tenure as Bond. Not only does she defy M's orders to assist Bond, but she also joins forces with Q, Nomi, and Tanner for a final drink to honor Craig's Bond as he faces his demise in No Time to Die. This portrayal of Moneypenny by Harris is a compelling embodiment of the character, further enriching the Bond universe.

Although Craig's James Bond series is often praised for its more realistic portrayal of 007, Irving's detailed examination of a pivotal scene in Skyfall reveals that creative liberties were still taken. While the sequence added intensity and established the tone of the 2012 sequel, Irving's thorough analysis offers valuable insights on how a genuinely realistic approach could have been executed. Despite raising doubts about Skyfall's overall realism, the fact that this specific scene was chosen for such scrutiny emphasizes its iconic status.