A post-Craig Bond reflection

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Since it appears that Daniel Craig’s James Bond arc is over, maybe it's time to reflect on the franchise history. I'm a huge Bond fan (having read all the Fleming novels and seen all the motion pictures) and was very impressed with the Craig tetralogy, but I also went back and re-watched most of the earlier films. It's very difficult to compare films that span five decades, but I've listed some of my favorites (in no particular order) and the reasons why.

Feel free to do the same.

Thunderball (1965) – relatively faithful to the Fleming novel, prescient concept of nuclear blackmail by terrorists. Groundbreaking technical stunts and cinematography: real “rocket belt”, underwater scuba battle, flight of the Avro Vulcan (one of the coolest looking jets ever designed), hydrofoil yacht Disco Volante. Cast: Claudine Aurger as Domino (”What sharp little eyes you have, Mister Bond.”), and that hairy Scotsman Sean Connery.

Casino Royale (2008) – a modern take on Fleming’s first novel, Craig gave a new interpretation of a Bond that drinks too much, gets outfoxed by villains, makes errors in judgement and gives up the Secret Service for the love of a woman. After an unforgettable torture scene and the betrayal by his supposed love, he turns into the cold, emotionless Bond until the events in “Skyfall”. Cast: Judi Dench as M is the only character that survived the reboot, and she is superb.

Spectre (2015) – at the beginning of the film, the MI6 relationships are in shambles: M is dead, Mallory hates Bond, Bond hates Mallory, Moneypenny nearly killed Bond in “Skyfall”, Bond abuses his relationship with Q. At the climax of the film in desperation they all come together as a well-oiled Spectre-killing machine that is glorious to watch. The soundtrack is superb (with the exception of the Sam Smith intro). The cinematography is among the best of any of the films: the amazing extended “Day of the Dead” tracking shot, the car chase through Rome and along the Tiber, the flight to Crows Klinik. Cast: those sideways glances from Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann are killer, it was great to see Ralph Fiennes finally grow a pair and become M, and Craig had some real moments (”Ouch. I hope that doesn't hurt too much.”).

From Russia with Love (1963) – again relatively faithful to Fleming, this was rumored to be one of Jack Kennedy’s favorite books. Robert Shaw playing trained Bond-killer Red Grant may be one of the best villains in the franchise. The audience watches him stalk an unsuspecting Bond on the Orient Express and when he gets Bond on his knees and explains the humiliating way he's going to kill him, it is spine-chilling. The surprise appearance of Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) for one final attempt at Bond was classic.

Diamond are Forever (1971) – usually not high on anyone’s list, but I gotta tell you, puberty hit hard in 1971, and the sight of essentially naked Jill St. John (Tiffany Case), Lana Wood (Plenty O’Toole [“Named after your father, no doubt” –Bond)] and hot-pants gymnasts Bambi and Thumper made me feel funny.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by Dr. Prunesquallor

Since it appears that Daniel Craig’s James Bond arc is over, maybe it's time to reflect on the franchise history.

to/for some...Sean Connery & Roger Moore were the only two true James Bonds from a cinematic standpoint.

[NewEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by Dr. Prunesquallor

Since it appears that Daniel Craig’s James Bond arc is over, maybe it's time to reflect on the franchise history. I'm a huge Bond fan (having read all the Fleming novels and seen all the motion pictures) and was very impressed with the Craig tetralogy, but I also went back and re-watched most of the earlier films. It's very difficult to compare films that span five decades, but I've listed some of my favorites (in no particular order) and the reasons why.

Feel free to do the same.

Thunderball (1965) – relatively faithful to the Fleming novel, prescient concept of nuclear blackmail by terrorists. Groundbreaking technical stunts and cinematography: real “rocket belt”, underwater scuba battle, flight of the Avro Vulcan (one of the coolest looking jets ever designed), hydrofoil yacht Disco Volante. Cast: Claudine Aurger as Domino (”What sharp little eyes you have, Mister Bond.”), and that hairy Scotsman Sean Connery.

Casino Royale (2008) – a modern take on Fleming’s first novel, Craig gave a new interpretation of a Bond that drinks too much, gets outfoxed by villains, makes errors in judgement and gives up the Secret Service for the love of a woman. After an unforgettable torture scene and the betrayal by his supposed love, he turns into the cold, emotionless Bond until the events in “Skyfall”. Cast: Judi Dench as M is the only character that survived the reboot, and she is superb.

Spectre (2015) – at the beginning of the film, the MI6 relationships are in shambles: M is dead, Mallory hates Bond, Bond hates Mallory, Moneypenny nearly killed Bond in “Skyfall”, Bond abuses his relationship with Q. At the climax of the film in desperation they all come together as a well-oiled Spectre-killing machine that is glorious to watch. The soundtrack is superb (with the exception of the Sam Smith intro). The cinematography is among the best of any of the films: the amazing extended “Day of the Dead” tracking shot, the car chase through Rome and along the Tiber, the flight to Crows Klinik. Cast: those sideways glances from Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann are killer, it was great to see Ralph Fiennes finally grow a pair and become M, and Craig had some real moments (”Ouch. I hope that doesn't hurt too much.”).

From Russia with Love (1963) – again relatively faithful to Fleming, this was rumored to be one of Jack Kennedy’s favorite books. Robert Shaw playing trained Bond-killer Red Grant may be one of the best villains in the franchise. The audience watches him stalk an unsuspecting Bond on the Orient Express and when he gets Bond on his knees and explains the humiliating way he's going to kill him, it is spine-chilling. The surprise appearance of Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) for one final attempt at Bond was classic.

Diamond are Forever (1971) – usually not high on anyone’s list, but I gotta tell you, puberty hit hard in 1971, and the sight of essentially naked Jill St. John (Tiffany Case), Lana Wood (Plenty O’Toole [“Named after your father, no doubt” –Bond)] and hot-pants gymnasts Bambi and Thumper made me feel funny.

Excellent choices. As another serious Bond fan, I think all your observations are exactly on the money however I also think Goldfinger and Skyfall deserve a place in the all time best list.

In the case of Goldfinger, I think that this was the first time the franchise hit its stride in the format most would recognise as quintessentially Bond and it does it brilliantly; beautiful women, dastardly villain, fabulous locations and that Aston Martin. I have watched the film more times than I care to count and I can never find anything wrong with it.

In the case of Skyfall; the Daniel Craig era has done much to bring the film Bond and the book Bond closer together after years of being essentially separate characters. What makes Skyfall particularly noteworthy is that, in my opinion, it has added to Bond's backstory in a way that has not been done since Fleming. We get a real insight into Bond's childhood via his home and the Ghillie. It was a brave move by the producers but it worked extremely well, certainly better than any of the non-Fleming Bond novels that I've read.

As a proud Scot I also loved the shots of Glencoe and the slightly bombastic use of the DB5 (rightly) got a standing ovation in the cinema I saw it in.

Out of interest, which are your favourite Bond novels?

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by NewEnthusiast

Excellent choices. As another serious Bond fan, I think all your observations are exactly on the money however I also think Goldfinger and Skyfall deserve a place in the all time best list.

In the case of Goldfinger, I think that this was the first time the franchise hit its stride in the format most would recognise as quintessentially Bond and it does it brilliantly; beautiful women, dastardly villain, fabulous locations and that Aston Martin. I have watched the film more times than I care to count and I can never find anything wrong with it.

In the case of Skyfall; the Daniel Craig era has done much to bring the film Bond and the book Bond closer together after years of being essentially separate characters. What makes Skyfall particularly noteworthy is that, in my opinion, it has added to Bond's backstory in a way that has not been done since Fleming. We get a real insight into Bond's childhood via his home and the Ghillie. It was a brave move by the producers but it worked extremely well, certainly better than any of the non-Fleming Bond novels that I've read.

As a proud Scot I also loved the shots of Glencoe and the slightly bombastic use of the DB5 (rightly) got a standing ovation in the cinema I saw it in.

Out of interest, which are your favourite Bond novels?

That's a tough question, since Fleming changed up his formula quite a bit, especially in the novellas and short stories. I'll pick two:

About half of "From Russia with Love" involved the backstory of the Kremlin heavies (Fleming used real names as I recall) plotting Bond's humiliating demise, and of an uber-creepy Rosa Klebb recruiting Tatiana Romanova. Then when M and Bond discuss the obvious trap that is being set, Bond is superbly confident that he'll figure things out. When he's at the mercy of Red Grant, he realizes what an idiot he's been. The cliff-hanger at the end involving Bond, Klebb and Rene Mathis again makes Bond realize he's (very) fallible.

The other one I'll choose is "The Spy who Loved Me" (zero relationship with the film, for those who have not read it) because Bond - when he finally shows up in the story - is thrust into a situation he is completely unprepared for (but still manages to be Bond).

I'll also make a call-out to "Moonraker" (again, zero relationship to the film except for character names), just because of a new set of villains (the undercover Nazis in Britain), the audacity of Drax's plot and his deep hatred toward the British.

You?

[jdlc1406]

I never saw Spectre. I heard pretty unanimous reviews that it was a horrible movie. Maybe I should give it a shot. (disclosure: I've never read the books.)

[superdog]

I love your write up. Thanks.

Personally, I am huge Roger Moore as Bond fan. However, I think Craig is really awesome and I very much enjoy his movies. I am eager to see where it goes from here.

I think when it all comes down to it, Craig, who I thought would be terrible, is probably my favorite Bond.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by ref1655

to/for some...Sean Connery & Roger Moore were the only two true James Bonds from a cinematic standpoint.

I agree

[NewEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by Dr. Prunesquallor

That's a tough question, since Fleming changed up his formula quite a bit, especially in the novellas and short stories. I'll pick two:

About half of "From Russia with Love" involved the backstory of the Kremlin heavies (Fleming used real names as I recall) plotting Bond's humiliating demise, and of an uber-creepy Rosa Klebb recruiting Tatiana Romanova. Then when M and Bond discuss the obvious trap that is being set, Bond is superbly confident that he'll figure things out. When he's at the mercy of Red Grant, he realizes what an idiot he's been. The cliff-hanger at the end involving Bond, Klebb and Rene Mathis again makes Bond realize he's (very) fallible.

The other one I'll choose is "The Spy who Loved Me" (zero relationship with the film, for those who have not read it) because Bond - when he finally shows up in the story - is thrust into a situation he is completely unprepared for (but still manages to be Bond).

I'll also make a call-out to "Moonraker" (again, zero relationship to the film except for character names), just because of a new set of villains (the undercover Nazis in Britain), the audacity of Drax's plot and his deep hatred toward the British.

You?

Interesting you say Spy Who Loved Me; that's one of my favourites too. I'm going through a bit of a Lee Child phase at the moment and it's an interesting (almost) precursor to Jack Reacher.

I think my ultimate favourite is Casino Royale. Not just because it was the creation of something wonderful but it was one of the first, "grown up" books I read (based on the love of the films). I found and still find the action gripping and the descriptions of people, places and things intoxicating.

I also really enjoy the short stories in For Your Eyes Only for their pace and particularly Quantum of Solace. I thought it was a really interesting concept.

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by NewEnthusiast

Interesting you say Spy Who Loved Me; that's one of my favourites too. I'm going through a bit of a Lee Child phase at the moment and it's an interesting (almost) precursor to Jack Reacher.

I think my ultimate favourite is Casino Royale. Not just because it was the creation of something wonderful but it was one of the first, "grown up" books I read (based on the love of the films). I found and still find the action gripping and the descriptions of people, places and things intoxicating.

I also really enjoy the short stories in For Your Eyes Only for their pace and particularly Quantum of Solace. I thought it was a really interesting concept.

Quantum WAS interesting, and quite sad in a way. I think the intent was to have Bond re-examine his attitudes toward women.

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by ref1655

to/for some...Sean Connery & Roger Moore were the only two true James Bonds from a cinematic standpoint.

The Dalton/Brosnan era was not good, I will agree.

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by jdlc1406

I never saw Spectre. I heard pretty unanimous reviews that it was a horrible movie. Maybe I should give it a shot. (disclosure: I've never read the books.)

I think in the context of the final Daniel Craig film and a close out of that interpretation of Bond it works. I have read that none of the actors from Spectre intended to return for another film if Craig did not.

[Mr Daytona]

I believe Daniel Craig is the best Bond ever. Maybe tied with Sean Connery.
Skyfall is the best Bond movie followed by Casino Royale in my humble opinion.

[Watchflair]

I have a feeling that Craig will be back. Everyone keeps forgetting that he signed a 5 film contract.....

[iliketime]

there is a part two by the way. skyfall is the first one of his last bond. the next one is due in 2017 i believe. I suppose the scene where his omega blows up can signify that his time as bond is up. but that can just be a crazy fan theory

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Dr. Prunesquallor

The cinematography is among the best of any of the films: the amazing extended “Day of the Dead” tracking shot, the car chase through Rome and along the Tiber,

The car chase was pants. An undercover spy driving a prototype Aston. He'd be more inconspicuous if he was driving the motorised gondola from Moonraker. And chased by Mr Hinx in a prototype Jag, where'd he get that.

And it was a crap car chase anyways, even the one at the beginning of Quantum was better.

[Star Ferry]

To me, Daniel Craig is not Bond because his character is too sad, angry and brooding. I'll go out on a limb and admit that I liked Brosnan -- he balanced Bond's focus and skill with a healthy dose of playful charm. Tomorrow Never Dies is a favorite of mine, especially since it has plenty of China-related content

[GB-man]

Great write up! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Daniel Craig as bond era having been a Daniel Craig fan pre bond I was elated when he was chosen.

[NewEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by The Joker

The car chase was pants. An undercover spy driving a prototype Aston. He'd be more inconspicuous if he was driving the motorised gondola from Moonraker. And chased by Mr Hinx in a prototype Jag, where'd he get that.

And it was a crap car chase anyways, even the one at the beginning of Quantum was better.

I hate to be pedantic but Rolex don't offer the buzz saw or the magnetic field complications seen in Live and Let die either Part of the joy of I've always found in Bond is that it's an overblown adolescent fantasy and a bit of light relief from the tedium of reality. You're right; the cars don't really help the whole gritty reality feel that the Craig era is trying to project but it still makes for good fun.

[audiophilia]

1. Dr. No
2. Casino Royale
3. Goldfinger

From Russia
Thunderball
Skyfall
You Only Live Twice
Spectre

Recent crop including Hiddleston and Lewis both struggling over the line and both miss the essentials of Connery and Craig, by far the two best Bonds.

[AzPaul]

Originally Posted by The Joker

The car chase was pants. An undercover spy driving a prototype Aston. He'd be more inconspicuous if he was driving the motorised gondola from Moonraker. And chased by Mr Hinx in a prototype Jag, where'd he get that.

And it was a crap car chase anyways, even the one at the beginning of Quantum was better.

One of the local dealerships must have just had their big prototype clearance sale.

[yachty 1]

Craig all the way. He's so dark and damaged as I feel a killer slash agent would be.

[yachty 1]

Also I might add the attention to details. The custom suits,the shoes and clothes. Plus he comes in the role in amazing shape. He's portrays the role the best in my opinion.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by yachty 1

Also I might add the attention to details. The custom suits,the shoes and clothes. Plus he comes in the role in amazing shape. He's portrays the role the best in my opinion.

X 2 !

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by superdog

I love your write up. Thanks.

Personally, I am huge Roger Moore as Bond fan. However, I think Craig is really awesome and I very much enjoy his movies. I am eager to see where it goes from here.

I think when it all comes down to it, Craig, who I thought would be terrible, is probably my favorite Bond.

I liked Moore in the part, but he got such crap material to work with. Live and Let Die was OK, as were parts of Man with the Golden Gun. After that it went off the rails IMHO. View to a Kill was a horrible way for Moore to exit.

[ref1655]

not to drift off-topic but....who was the hottest Bond Girl?

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

To me, Daniel Craig is not Bond because his character is too sad, angry and brooding. I'll go out on a limb and admit that I liked Brosnan -- he balanced Bond's focus and skill with a healthy dose of playful charm. Tomorrow Never Dies is a favorite of mine, especially since it has plenty of China-related content

Originally Posted by yachty 1

Craig all the way. He's so dark and damaged as I feel a killer slash agent would be.

See, I completely disagree with you Star, and completely agree Yachty!

My favorite Bond is Craig, and movie is Casino Royale. I like the character as an angry, sadistic type person, that is constantly fighting with being human (the love for the woman in Casino). MI6 recruited orphans for a reason, and that is they would have the best chance of not having strong emotional ties and better suited to be cold blooded killers. For those of you that are orphans PLEASE take no offense, I am speaking in completely general terms as was outlined in the SkyFall movie.

Anyway, I thought Craig was excellent, be sad to see him go.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by jdlc1406

I never saw Spectre. I heard pretty unanimous reviews that it was a horrible movie. Maybe I should give it a shot. (disclosure: I've never read the books.)

I personally loved Spectre... It was a lot of action
and I liked how the plot was played out...

As far as who played Bond the best !!!
Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig
are my favorites ...

[Black Bay Dan]

I love all the actors who played Bond and all the films (albeit never seen View To A Kill). Big fan of Timothy Dalton too. I think they are all a product of their time and fit perfectly with the Bond films of their corresponding eras.

Dan

[THC]

SC was and always will be the best Bond, IMHO

[Brenngun]

NO! Mr. Bond. I expect you to DIE!!!!!!!!