New book- James Bond In Our Sights: A Close Look At 'A View To A Kill'

JB-returns

A new Bond book to bring us into 2012...

JAMES BOND IN OUR SIGHTS: A CLOSE LOOK AT ‘A VIEW TO A KILL’
Written by Andrew McNess

Hardcover & Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation (December 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1465382399
ISBN-13: 978-1465382399
From the back cover:
We know Dr. No. We know Goldfinger. But do we know A View to a Kill? The fourteenth official James Bond film, A View to a Kill marked Roger Moore’s final performance as Agent 007. However, the film’s intriguing, even subtle qualities have remained largely unrecognised since its 1985 release. In entertaining and thought-provoking fashion, author Andrew McNess shines a light on A View to a Kill, and argues we may well be overlooking one of the most interesting and engrossing evocations of the James Bond formula. James Bond in our Sights is a fascinating read for Bond fans and non-fans alike.

Available at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/JAMES-BOND-OUR-SIGHTS-CLOSE/dp/1465382380/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1324077530&sr=1-1
Website: http://www2.xlibris.com/books/webimages/wd/anz/501228/index.htm

Author contact email: 007.closelook@gmail.com

JB-returns

Here is the press release from the publisher, Xlibris...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andrew McNess brilliantly contends “A View To A Kill’s” most interesting and engrossing evocations of the Bond formula.

MELBOURNE, Victoria – (Release Date 13/12/2011) – Largely seen by fans and critics alike as the overly-formulaic orphan child of earlier smash Bond hits, “A View To A Kill,” the 14th installment of modern cinema’s classic James Bond 007 film series, is the film in question in Andrew McNess’s James Bond In Our Sights. McNess puts up an exuberant display of a film critic’s sharp, trenchant observations and a compleat fan’s reverence for the condign qualities of Ian Fleming’s, cool, womanizing spy-hero.

The film marked Roger Moore’s final performance as Agent 007. However, in the author’s superbly well-reasoned contention, “A View To A Kill’s” intriguing, even subtle, qualities have been unrecognised or passed over since its 1985 release. Such is the fate of the erstwhile late entry in a series that already commanded a solid, respected place in the popular imagination. By reason, perhaps, of various factors attendant upon a popular culture vehicle, the film was simply accepted as another Bond film.

In entertaining and thought-provoking fashion, McNess shines a light on the unique qualities of the film and how they achieve a transcendence through working creatively within formulaic parameters, rather than struggling against them. (The band Duran Duran does its turn to funk up the proceedings in cameo.) As with its more successful siblings, “A View To A Kill” went in smooth and strong like James Bond’s favorite liquor but its captive but already saturated audience failed to notice the heretofore unused accents and flavors incorporated in the vintage. In essence, the author posits a full-blown maturation within the company that produced the series: the film represented an apex development that, unintentionally or not, they (producers) failed to inform the public of.

All these are of a piece with the skilfull handling of the franchise well into the new century. The book, in and of itself, will be absolutely engrossing even for non-fans. Andrew McNess can and does write hook-laden prose that serves his wholly supportable thesis very well.

About the Author
Andrew McNess is based in Melbourne, Australia. He has a doctorate in sociology and has published scholarly work in the subject areas of youth bereavement and health promotion. He works for The Compassionate Friends, an international peer support organisation for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.

Blackleiter

I apologize if this offends AVTAK fans, but if ever there was a Bond movie that does NOT deserve a behind-the-scenes book, this is it! Not unless the book purports to be a primer on "How Not To Make A James Bond Film".

Le Samourai

Blackleiter wrote:

I apologize if this offends AVTAK fans, but if ever there was a Bond movie that does NOT deserve a behind-the-scenes book, this is it! Not unless the book purports to be a primer on "How Not To Make A James Bond Film".

While I wouldn't pay for this book, I admit to being curious. Not because I'm an AVTAK fan — I'm not — but because I wonder what someone would see in the film to justify an entire book about it. It's quite contrarian to defend AVTAk, and I find contrarian opinions interesting.

On a side note, I remember an issue of '007 Magazine' back in the '80s which featured several letters from readers raving about what a great film AVTAK was. Someone even called it the best Bond film since OHMSS. I wish I could recall the reasons for their AVTAK love, as I certainly don't share it.

Napoleon Plural

Hmm, bit strange it has Connery on the cover, wouldn't you say?

Number24

His next book will probably a book about "Smokey and the Bandit", focusing on its critique of capitalist society, the complex characters and the feminist subtext.

Higgins

what I find strange is, that the OP is obviously the author of this book (SC on an AVTAK book, you're kiddin').

Why don't you come up and tell us: Hey, I have been writing this book now, check it out and tell me your opinions.

That would be real style....

DangerMouse

Blackleiter wrote:

I apologize if this offends AVTAK fans, but if ever there was a Bond movie that does NOT deserve a behind-the-scenes book, this is it! Not unless the book purports to be a primer on "How Not To Make A James Bond Film".

In my opinion, I'd rather buy a book on the making of this film than I would with a film like Die Another Day.

Agent Sidewinder

DangerMouse wrote:

Blackleiter wrote:

I apologize if this offends AVTAK fans, but if ever there was a Bond movie that does NOT deserve a behind-the-scenes book, this is it! Not unless the book purports to be a primer on "How Not To Make A James Bond Film".

In my opinion, I'd rather buy a book on the making of this film than I would with a film like Die Another Day.

Or Quantum of Solace.

Honestly, I read the description of the book above and the words "Private Eye" and "Pseuds' Corner" flashed into my mind. I say this BTW as a supporter of AVTAK.

GaddGeneGadd

Blackleiter wrote:

I apologize if this offends AVTAK fans, but if ever there was a Bond movie that does NOT deserve a behind-the-scenes book, this is it! Not unless the book purports to be a primer on "How Not To Make A James Bond Film".

Amen to that my D.C. based neighbor ( I'm just outside Annapolis )
P.S. Merry Christmas -{

Golrush007

I happen to be a bit of an AVTAK fan. Not because I regard it as a good Bond film, but just because I have a good time whenever I rewatch it. So, I will definitely be interested in at least having a glance through the book. The cover art is etremely puzzling though, I must say. ?:) If I'm not mistaken, that is the CGI Connery from the FRWL game.

I'm sure former AJB member and legendary AVTAK defender, JennyFlexFan, will be purchasing a copy.

Dale

This is sure interesting! AVTAK is the first Bond film I ever saw when I was God knows what age! There's no denying that the film has it's moments. Yes, it's daft, Moore looks like he needs a zimmer frame in most shots and the acting is questionable mentioning no names "Stacy COUGH Sutton"

However every scene Christopher Walken is in is immense! He's such a good actor, the way he potrays Zorin is hilariously twisted...even tragic at times. You can tell he had fun doing it. Some may say it was a waste of his time, although I'll never forget it.

There were some brilliant set pieces in the movie. The fire truck scene was brilliantly done and the ending spectacular. Apart from the odd awful gag, there was some genuine chemistry between Moore and McNee which came across well when they arrived at Zorin's estate. I also thought the score was up there with the best. Even the title song is up there with one of my favourite songs of all time.

The movie was also quite dark in places which I guess was setting the scene for Dalton a little. The senseless killings in the mine by Zorin were quite shocking to see in a Bond movie. The less said about Grace Jones the better I suppose, but to be fair to her she did a decent job i thought. And that is not in any shape of form a nod to her bed scene with Bond. That was...surreal!

But yeah, I'd be interested to read this book as I think this movie is unfairly critiqued. It's not the best Bond, heck it might even be one of the worst but it's certainly interesting.

jeffch

Napoleon Plural wrote:

Hmm, bit strange it has Connery on the cover, wouldn't you say?

Yes, no offense to the author but it doesnt look like much time or thought was spent designing the cover.

But no the world doesnt need a book about the making of The Adventures of Grandpa Bond, I mean AVTAK....:D

Le Samourai

Dale wrote:

This is sure interesting! AVTAK is the first Bond film I ever saw when I was God knows what age! There's no denying that the film has it's moments. Yes, it's daft, Moore looks like he needs a zimmer frame in most shots and the acting is questionable mentioning no names "Stacy COUGH Sutton"

However every scene Christopher Walken is in is immense! He's such a good actor, the way he potrays Zorin is hilariously twisted...even tragic at times. You can tell he had fun doing it. Some may say it was a waste of his time, although I'll never forget it.

There were some brilliant set pieces in the movie. The fire truck scene was brilliantly done and the ending spectacular. Apart from the odd awful gag, there was some genuine chemistry between Moore and McNee which came across well when they arrived at Zorin's estate. I also thought the score was up there with the best. Even the title song is up there with one of my favourite songs of all time.

The movie was also quite dark in places which I guess was setting the scene for Dalton a little. The senseless killings in the mine by Zorin were quite shocking to see in a Bond movie. The less said about Grace Jones the better I suppose, but to be fair to her she did a decent job i thought. And that is not in any shape of form a nod to her bed scene with Bond. That was...surreal!

But yeah, I'd be interested to read this book as I think this movie is unfairly critiqued. It's not the best Bond, heck it might even be one of the worst but it's certainly interesting.

AVTAK is one of my least favorite Bonds, but I fully agree with you that it does have some high points, specifically the ones you mention. Walken is great (as usual) and has some very good scenes. I particularly like his reactions reading the dossier on 007 on his computer, as well as his weird cackle. And Sir Rog did have excellent chemistry with Patrick McNee.

LOO7K OUT

I like a View To a Kill. Despite his age Rog puts in a good performance. But heavens above will somebody please give us a making of Thunderball book in the same vein as the wonderful Making of OHMSS!

minigeff

Bondtoys wrote:

what I find strange is, that the OP is obviously the author of this book (SC on an AVTAK book, you're kiddin').

Why don't you come up and tell us: Hey, I have been writing this book now, check it out and tell me your opinions.

That would be real style....

Couldn't agree more.

As blatant plugs go its pretty obvious. Maybe the author has a book out on how to plug products?

An interesting book no doubt, but daft plugs like this put me off buying it.

It's also in the wrong thread B-)

Blackleiter

The Adventures of Grandpa Bond indeed! ) Good one, my friend!

jeffch wrote:

Napoleon Plural wrote:

Hmm, bit strange it has Connery on the cover, wouldn't you say?

Yes, no offense to the author but it doesnt look like much time or thought was spent designing the cover.

But no the world doesnt need a book about the making of The Adventures of Grandpa Bond, I mean AVTAK....:D

The Domino Effect

I know my mum always told me never to judge a book by its cover, but come on...a book about a Roger Moore film that has Sean Connery on the cover? I'm not for a moment suggesting that the author can't tell the difference between the two actors, but something's rotten here. If Connery is on the cover because he's judged to be a more recognisable Bond for the masses, then the publisher doesn't have much confidence in the quality of the product to attract buyers and readers on its own content. If the publisher used the Connery photo on the cover because it was cheaper than getting a Moore photo then likewise, the publisher doesn't have much confidence in the book's sales-ability. Other possibilities...the graphic designer and editor didn't do their work properly but if that's the case then the publisher has a lousy checks-and-balances process and the veracity of the content could also be called into question. Whatever the reason, it certainly doesn't have me dripping in confidence for the quality of the research and writing...which is a terrible, terrible shame if the author put years of work into it.

thesecretagent

Looks crap. Clearly the guy posting this works in the publishing house - that is if it's not a self-pub/vanity project. Probably an amateur effort - if posting a book in the film section is anything to go by... 8-)

Fatsnbul

I think it is a good movie until they arrive in SF. Then I hate it. However, my favorite theme song.

Napoleon Plural

Ah c'mon secretagent; the book section is really for the Bond novels in a way, this book is about a film. Though really it's just a blog for those who can't do computer stuff. I do think he could do an intro on amazon, let you read the first few pages.

We could all club together and buy a copy!

jetsetwilly

Given the spelling mistakes in the press release ("compleat"?) and the odd choice of language ("By reason, perhaps, of various factors attendant upon a popular culture vehicle, the film was simply accepted as another Bond film.") I'll give it a miss. I've been burned by self-published books before.

A shame because any deep thorough analysis of a Bond film usually gets a place on my shelf.

Thunderpussy

Not AVTAK but Close. :v
I don't know if this has been posted before, Here is Alan Partridge narrating TSWLM.
I remember watching this episode when it was first shown. )

http://youtu.be/Lrp0wJsXNEA

thesecretagent

That Bond weekend he head planned was brilliant - complete with scheduled toilet breaks! Makes me sad Allan Partridge was such a big Bond fan... 8-)

John Drake

I wouldn't mind reading this but not at the price it's selling for. The author would do better publishing this as an ebook. The price would be lower but I suspect he'd sell more copies. I do miss JFF's attempts to defend this movie.

oscar rubio

Personally I do not like A View to a Kill, and in this case, I prefer another book guides or other books in the series titles

JB-returns

jetsetwilly wrote:

Given the spelling mistakes in the press release ("compleat"?) and the odd choice of language ("By reason, perhaps, of various factors attendant upon a popular culture vehicle, the film was simply accepted as another Bond film.") I'll give it a miss. I've been burned by self-published books before.

A shame because any deep thorough analysis of a Bond film usually gets a place on my shelf.

The publisher xlibris have not yet included an excerpt from the book at their site or amazon, barnes and noble, etc. but I am assured they will soon be doing this. (The excerpt will be the opening chapter from the book.)

I have however set up a facebook page which includes selected paragraphs from 4 or 5 of the chapters, just to give a sense of writing style. Here’s the link for anyone interested: http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Bond-In-Our-Sights-A-Close-Look-At-A-View-To-A-Kill/200481546702153

Surprisingly enough, ‘compleat’ is a word, but I have to admit when I read the xlibris press release I had to look it up myself because I had never seen that spelling before.

Re. ebook – the book will become available as an ebook, but like the book excerpt it hasn’t yet appeared. I can certainly post an update when this happens.

…and yes, I am the author of this book. Re. introducing the book, but not introducing myself, no offense was intended. I actually followed the example of the post for Shaken & Stirred: The Feminism of James Bond: (I’m assuming the OP was the author as well) http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/35721/shaken-stirred-the-feminism-of-james-bond-new-book/. I thought it might be a good way to raise awareness of the book’s existence, and while I am very happy with the book, I am not a salesman at heart (!) so I kinda liked the idea of introducing the book without introducing myself. I see though there are other ways to go about it.

Cheers.

ke02eww

Don't mind them, we don't get many strangers around these parts.. 8-)

Seriously,

Welcome to ajb..... Anyone brave enough to write about Bond is indeed very welcome here...

My copy arrived today... I'll give it a decent look over the weekend but suffice to say I'm intrigued..

I liked the early use of quotes from micheal Wilson ("every two years we're up for re-election" - surely the most poignant explanation of the challenges Eon face? ) And others....this wins over the typical bond fan.

And I liked the design of the thesis.... Are there shades of "a kill" littered throughout the franchise?....

Well be sure some will and many won't agree, but literature should be about debate and challenge...and in that sense you have achieved something.

Oh and your reference to QoS, taking it's "snuff" editing to task, will win over many on here 8-)

As to the use of Connery as the face of bond, well it's forgivable but as the book purports to be about a single film (Though i suspect it's really about Bond) an AVTAK image would have made more sense and kept the purists from spitting their ovaltine....

Oh and compleat is actually an appropriate term for a publisher to use...

compleat [kəmˈpliːt]
adj
an archaic spelling of complete used in the titles of handbooks, in imitation of The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

Semper fi

thesecretagent

thesecretagent wrote:

Looks crap. Clearly the guy posting this works in the publishing house - that is if it's not a self-pub/vanity project. Probably an amateur effort - if posting a book in the film section is anything to go by... 8-)

Read this and felt a bit of a dick. Actually, it takes a hell of a lot to write a book and encouragement would have been a bit more helpful. So I've just ordered one and will have a good look at it. Best of luck with your book and welcome to AJB. -{

ke02eww

thesecretagent wrote:

thesecretagent wrote:

Looks crap. Clearly the guy posting this works in the publishing house - that is if it's not a self-pub/vanity project. Probably an amateur effort - if posting a book in the film section is anything to go by... 8-)

Read this and felt a bit of a dick. Actually, it takes a hell of a lot to write a book and encouragement would have been a bit more helpful. So I've just ordered one and will have a good look at it. Best of luck with your book and welcome to AJB. -{

Takes a man to admit he's wrong

-{ -{

JB-returns

ke02eww wrote:

thesecretagent wrote:

thesecretagent wrote:

Looks crap. Clearly the guy posting this works in the publishing house - that is if it's not a self-pub/vanity project. Probably an amateur effort - if posting a book in the film section is anything to go by... 8-)

Read this and felt a bit of a dick. Actually, it takes a hell of a lot to write a book and encouragement would have been a bit more helpful. So I've just ordered one and will have a good look at it. Best of luck with your book and welcome to AJB. -{

Takes a man to admit he's wrong

-{ -{

Ah, you never know. You might read the book and think, “Dammit, I was right. I should have gone on my initial instincts!”

But seriously, I appreciate the gesture. (And thanks for ordering a copy.)

And myself, I’ve learnt that when introducing one’s book, one should introduce one’s self.