My Favourite "Bond... James Bond": Daniel Craig in Casino Royale
The furore over the casting of Daniel Craig as James Bond was well and truly silenced with his debut in Casino Royale. There have been many Bond introductions that are instantly iconic as each new actor takes on the Bond role, none more so than the original opening lines Sean Connery uttered 50 years ago in Dr. No. However, as iconic as that moment is, I think it was superceded by Craig at the end of Casino Royale, as the darker tone and mood of his Bond was truly cemented as he shoots Mr. White in the closing scene of this movie. It's a fantastic way to end Craig's arrival as Bond and is entirely fitting and appropriate in the context of the film and his interpretation of the character.
My Favourite Bond Death: Jill Materson in Goldfinger
Obviously there are a number of great deaths in the Bond catalogue with Tracey di Vicenzo tragic end in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, to Franz Sanchez's associate's Krest's sickeningly explosive end in License to Kill. The most iconic of all of these those has to be Jill Materson's death in Goldfinger, considering it's a relatively small part for a Bond film, Shirley Eaton who played her is still recognised today for her role. It was probably the death that set the tone for all future Bond's in killing people in unique, over-the-top and slightly gruesome ways. Materson's crime, was helping Bond cheat Goldfinger at cards, and so suffocated in gold paint, in a scene that has echoes of Caligula's downfall.
My Favourite Bond Film: The Spy Who Loved Me
This was incredibly tough, whilst the Bond series isn't the most consistent, when it's good it's great. Whilst I do thing From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and Casino Royale are great films in their own right; and Thunderball, The Living Daylights and Goldeneye are entertaining; I think The Spy Who Loved Me is the one that combines all the great Bond elements. It has great gadgets, the fantastic submersible Lotus Elise, a fantastic looking Bond girl in Barbara Bach, a brilliant villain played by the great Kurt Jurgens and even Roger Moore gives one of his best Bond performances. I don't know why I ended that sentence there because there's also Jaws, a superb Carly Simon theme song composed by Marvin Hamlisch and a superb screenplay. It was the film that probably helped rejuvenate Bond, in the same way both Goldeneye and Casino Royale later did. The film also combines great chases and action against the backdrop of impressive set pieces, like the Sphinx at Giza and villain Stromberg's Atlantis water fort. The film was directed by British stalwart director Lewis Gilbert, who was also at the helm of Alfie, Sink the Bismarck! and another Bond film You Only Live Twice. Which makes him close to Martin Campbell in terms of directing quality Bond films. The film sets the fast paced tone from the start, with an impressive opening scene (below). I think it's the most balanced of all the Bond films, and as such is quintessential.
My Favourite James Bond: Roger Moore
While I think most people agree the quintessential James Bond has to be the first interpretation with Sean Connery; for me the one that fits ultimately with series, and indeed helped the franchise survive a difficult transition period, has to be Roger Moore. Whilst the standard of his films weren't always up to scratch, I feel he is the most representative in that aspect of the inconsistency of the franchise. As well as that I think he also gave the most variation to the character, in his films he would show to chauvanistic side of the Bond character, which now seems slightly too politically incorrect, maybe cause it is the usually charming Moore being violent to women. But with that he was also the funniest Bond, albeit not always for the right reason. I think the Bond does have a strong sense of kitsch, even in the Connery era, but because Moore represents this aspect so well, for me personally he's most representative of Bond.
In fairness to everyone who's played Bond, everyone has held their own. Even though Lazenby for a time was largely lampooned by the wider audiences for his portrayal, I think it's fair to say that On Her Majesty's Secret Service was one of the best Bond films and that was in part to Lazenby's ability on screen. His breaking down of the "fourth wall" at the start, whilst controversial, in my opinion it's almost like the definition of kitsch, but it's so bad it's in fact good; I think it's those moments in the franchise that make Bond what it is. Dalton and Brosnan are other ones that are often the victims of criticism, but what is great about the Bonds is each have their own unique interpretation and none of them really attempt to copy another.
As for Moore, one thing that I think is most unappreciated about him is that he was able to keep Bond going through a tough transition. Whilst he himself admits he continued for too long, I think it's fair to say that he did a great job in keeping the franchise alive especially with films like The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only, when EON were really struggling financially and with rights issues. Another thing that is likeable about Moore is his openness and willingness to talk about the franchise and the ability to poke fun at himself. He starred in 7 movies overall, the most of any Bond actor, and whilst the quality wasn't always there, each outing had the same sense of fun and incredulity that has since become synonymous with Bond, that in most cases it's forgiveable. Barry Norman has said that "Everyone's favourite Bond is always their first". I'm not sure this is true, as I believe the majority would say either Connery or Moore, which is understandable as they are responsible for over half the franchise. I also believe that there is a high proportion of people like myself who recognise Connery for his greatness as Bond, but at the same time hold a great affection for Roger Moore's own self-styled Bond.
Preview: Skyfall
Having now seen the trailer for Skyfall on the big screen, I think it's fair to say my anticipation level has heightened slightly. It seems like a superior film to the disappointing Quantum of Solace and maybe a return to the standard of Casino Royale. There seems a lot of action though with some impressive looking stunts, with this comes the fear that the screenplay and writing will suffer. Though with a cast that includes Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Naomi Harris and the great Albert Finney, it's hard to see it falling short. It's also interesting to note that Finney becomes the first actor to have both a role in the Bourne and Bond franchise, but with Finney being an actor with such a variety, it may go unnoticed by many. Below is the trailer for Skyfall:
Bond at 50: On Blu-Ray
Below is a trailer celebrating the October 5th release of all the Bond movies on to Blu-Ray:
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