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...
On the occasions where I’ve heard someone has purchased a copy of the book I feel the compulsion to offer to scrub their floors, or something.
Thanks anyway: I sincerely hope you like it, and find much of interest. Thanks for your initial thoughts, too. Always interesting to hear what people respond to, and, gulp, what they don't. (And yes, agree, a great – and strangely poignant - quote of Wilson’s.)
AVTAK isn't the worst. Great tune, Great villians, great landscapes, great sidekick- maybe the plot is a little tired but i would rather watch this then DAD, NSNA, QS, DAF or even OHMSS
“The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
AVTAK isn't the worst. Great tune, Great villians, great landscapes, great sidekick- maybe the plot is a little tired but i would rather watch this then DAD, NSNA, QS, DAF or even OHMSS
Its funny how people rank OHMSS as one of the best or one of the worst. Theres no middle ground with that one.
AVTAK isn't the worst. Great tune, Great villians, great landscapes, great sidekick- maybe the plot is a little tired but i would rather watch this then DAD, NSNA, QS, DAF or even OHMSS
Its funny how people rank OHMSS as one of the best or one of the worst. Theres no middle ground with that one.
Re. book’s writing style … I scanned the pages of the first chapter and, for anyone interested, they can be accessed at the book’s facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Bond-In-Our-Sights-A-Close-Look-At-A-View-To-A-Kill/200481546702153?ref=ts
(Certainly the book preview of the first chapter will appear at amazon, barnes and noble, etc. at some point in the not-too-distant future, but for the time being, the scans are at facebook.) Cheers.
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.
I do that every time stand at a urinal.
I caught my girlfriend reading He's Just Not That Into You - turned out she wasn't worried about my commitment issues.
Oh btw, there is a good book about the making of NSNA, that Robert Sellers one about the Thunderball history (The Making of Bond) has some real eye opening stuff about it, though it is riddled with bad grammar. So if you don't like a film, a book on it can be interesting anyway.
(Certainly the book preview of the first chapter will appear at amazon, barnes and noble, etc. at some point in the not-too-distant future, but for the time being, the scans are at facebook.)
I read some of teh Amazon stuff. Seems like a University thesis more than anything. Could be a good read, and AVTAK does have some great moments, especially the re-hash of the OHMSS theme.
I read some of teh Amazon stuff. Seems like a University thesis more than anything. Could be a good read, and AVTAK does have some great moments, especially the re-hash of the OHMSS theme.
Thanks for having a squizz. While the book is certainly a close analysis of AVTAK, I hope it’s not as dry as (and a tad more engaging than) a university thesis. The problem with introductions is you always have to set everything up!
(chrisno1, followed your link to your earlier reviews, and yeah, there won't be too much identity confusion in relation to AVTAK! Unless of course you've had a very agreeable change of heart. )
I read some of teh Amazon stuff. Seems like a University thesis more than anything. Could be a good read, and AVTAK does have some great moments, especially the re-hash of the OHMSS theme.
Thanks for having a squizz. While the book is certainly a close analysis of AVTAK, I hope it’s not as dry as (and a tad more engaging than) a university thesis. The problem with introductions is you always have to set everything up!
Great...thanks! I sincerely hope you find it an interesting and engaging read. And please feel free to provide any feedback.
btw, was checking out the link to your excellent Bond collection the other day - and reminded/inspired me to purchase a copy of Bond Back in Action 2 cd, which has the unreleased fanfare theme from AVTAK (a.k.a. Bond carries Stacey to safety from burning City Hall), not to mention John Altman's Bond theme music from GE. So, in a roundabout way, thanks for the "head's up"!
Cheers!
Great...thanks! I sincerely hope you find it an interesting and engaging read. And please feel free to provide any feedback.
btw, was checking out the link to your excellent Bond collection the other day - and reminded/inspired me to purchase a copy of Bond Back in Action 2 cd, which has the unreleased fanfare theme from AVTAK (a.k.a. Bond carries Stacey to safety from burning City Hall), not to mention John Altman's Bond theme music from GE. So, in a roundabout way, thanks for the "head's up"!
Cheers!
Yeah the BBIA cds are great! And they look cool too. Thanks
Great...thanks! I sincerely hope you find it an interesting and engaging read. And please feel free to provide any feedback.
btw, was checking out the link to your excellent Bond collection the other day - and reminded/inspired me to purchase a copy of Bond Back in Action 2 cd, which has the unreleased fanfare theme from AVTAK (a.k.a. Bond carries Stacey to safety from burning City Hall), not to mention John Altman's Bond theme music from GE. So, in a roundabout way, thanks for the "head's up"!
Cheers!
Yeah the BBIA cds are great! And they look cool too. Thanks
Going ever-so-slightly off-topic, but it's still AVTAK. I felt inspired by the stirring AVTAK Fanfare music (from the Bond Back In Action 2 CD) to put together a short montage...it's just over a minute in length, so the agony shouldn't be too prolonged. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ749UpBMWI
There is no Bond film that I don't like, even if I only like certain parts, and I would rank AVTAK in the bottom few films on my list. That said, reading someone else appreciation of the film sounds very intriguing. I will certainly get this to read through.
1- On Her Majesty's Secret Service 2- Casino Royale 3- Licence To Kill 4- Goldeneye 5- From Russia With Love
Great...thanks! I sincerely hope you find it an interesting and engaging read. And please feel free to provide any feedback.
btw, was checking out the link to your excellent Bond collection the other day - and reminded/inspired me to purchase a copy of Bond Back in Action 2 cd, which has the unreleased fanfare theme from AVTAK (a.k.a. Bond carries Stacey to safety from burning City Hall), not to mention John Altman's Bond theme music from GE. So, in a roundabout way, thanks for the "head's up"!
Cheers!
Yeah the BBIA cds are great! And they look cool too. Thanks
Going ever-so-slightly off-topic, but it's still AVTAK. I felt inspired by the stirring AVTAK Fanfare music (from the Bond Back In Action 2 CD) to put together a short montage...it's just over a minute in length, so the agony shouldn't be too prolonged. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ749UpBMWI
There is no Bond film that I don't like, even if I only like certain parts, and I would rank AVTAK in the bottom few films on my list. That said, reading someone else appreciation of the film sounds very intriguing. I will certainly get this to read through.
Yes, AVTAK may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I hope the appraisal is of interest. Cheers!
AVTAK - it had a great score, I'll give it that.
And - to join the chorus of many - it's crying out for an expanded soundtrack CD!
Well, if this is true, I am glad AVTAK is getting some praise/recognition. To this day I still can't see why people hate it - it has great locations, a brilliant villain, and many memorable moments.
Some reasons people hate it are apparant in other bond films. For example, the cheesy humour is just as much of an issue (if not more) in OP, DAF, LALD, and did I mention TMWTGG?
Roger's age - he looks about the same as he did in OP for me.
Girls - Well, Stacey is about the same as Mary Goodnight for me (TMWTGG) and MUCH better than Jinx (DAD).
Zorin is just about the best villain they've had. And I'm sure everyone remembers the fantastic golden gate bridge fight - much more memorable than many other climaxes in the bond franchise *cough*QOS*cough*
I say let them have the book, and screw the AVTAK haters
PS - Connery being on the front is insanely stupid however
Well, if this is true, I am glad AVTAK is getting some praise/recognition. To this day I still can't see why people hate it - it has great locations, a brilliant villain, and many memorable moments.
Some reasons people hate it are apparant in other bond films. For example, the cheesy humour is just as much of an issue (if not more) in OP, DAF, LALD, and did I mention TMWTGG?
Roger's age - he looks about the same as he did in OP for me.
Girls - Well, Stacey is about the same as Mary Goodnight for me (TMWTGG) and MUCH better than Jinx (DAD).
Zorin is just about the best villain they've had. And I'm sure everyone remembers the fantastic golden gate bridge fight - much more memorable than many other climaxes in the bond franchise *cough*QOS*cough*
I say let them have the book, and screw the AVTAK haters
PS - Connery being on the front is insanely stupid however
Pretty much agree with you, Jarvio.
I will add that I really enjoy the contributions of Patrick MacNee (Tibbett) and Fiona Fullerton (Pola Ivanova). They both share good chemistry with Roger. Fullerton would have been more suitable as Stacey Sutton, in my opinion. Also, the sequence at the water pumping station is a particular highlight that doesn't get mentioned very often.
Moore Not Less 4371 posts (2002 - 2007) Moore Than (2012 - 2016)
Sorry, but Stacey is not MUCH better than anybody! Not even slightly better. Say what you will about the rest of AVTAK, but in my opinion Stacey is hands-down the worst Bond girl ever (followed closely by Rosie Carver).
Well, if this is true, I am glad AVTAK is getting some praise/recognition. To this day I still can't see why people hate it - it has great locations, a brilliant villain, and many memorable moments.
Some reasons people hate it are apparant in other bond films. For example, the cheesy humour is just as much of an issue (if not more) in OP, DAF, LALD, and did I mention TMWTGG?
Roger's age - he looks about the same as he did in OP for me.
Girls - Well, Stacey is about the same as Mary Goodnight for me (TMWTGG) and MUCH better than Jinx (DAD).
Zorin is just about the best villain they've had. And I'm sure everyone remembers the fantastic golden gate bridge fight - much more memorable than many other climaxes in the bond franchise *cough*QOS*cough*
I say let them have the book, and screw the AVTAK haters
PS - Connery being on the front is insanely stupid however
I think Americans take against Stacey cos it has associations, having grown up with those airhead blonde girls at high school. To Brits they might be still a bit exotic, I mean I like Tiffany Case, but I think a lot of Yanks don't.
Similarly I don't like Miranda Frost, though many US fans do, cos she's the sort of upper middle class snot nose who just wouldn't talk to the likes of me, it's a no go.
Maybe there's something to your theory, but personally my dislike of Stacey Sutton is simple - her constant screeching was extremely irritating and there was nothing interesting about her. I also don't think Tanya Roberts is much of an actress, although admittedly she wasn't given much to work with.
I think Americans take against Stacey cos it has associations, having grown up with those airhead blonde girls at high school. To Brits they might be still a bit exotic, I mean I like Tiffany Case, but I think a lot of Yanks don't.
Similarly I don't like Miranda Frost, though many US fans do, cos she's the sort of upper middle class snot nose who just wouldn't talk to the likes of me, it's a no go.
Well, as much as I love AVTAK, I do admit that stacey isn't a strong point (although I don't mind her either).... however, I still stick by my opinion that she is a lot better than Jinx. This isn't complimenting stacey though - but instead I'm belittling Jinx. I thought Jinx was just awful, but to each their own
Comments
On the occasions where I’ve heard someone has purchased a copy of the book I feel the compulsion to offer to scrub their floors, or something.
Thanks anyway: I sincerely hope you like it, and find much of interest. Thanks for your initial thoughts, too. Always interesting to hear what people respond to, and, gulp, what they don't. (And yes, agree, a great – and strangely poignant - quote of Wilson’s.)
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
I wouldnt go that far....lol
Its funny how people rank OHMSS as one of the best or one of the worst. Theres no middle ground with that one.
(Certainly the book preview of the first chapter will appear at amazon, barnes and noble, etc. at some point in the not-too-distant future, but for the time being, the scans are at facebook.) Cheers.
I do that every time stand at a urinal.
I caught my girlfriend reading He's Just Not That Into You - turned out she wasn't worried about my commitment issues.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Roger Moore 1927-2017
For anyone who may be interested, there IS a kindle-ebook version of "A Close Look at 'A View to a Kill'" now available. There is also a preview of the first 10 or so pages at Amazon.com...
http://www.amazon.com/JAMES-BOND-OUR-SIGHTS-ebook/dp/B007LES4NS/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A24IB90LPZJ0BS
Thanks for having a squizz. While the book is certainly a close analysis of AVTAK, I hope it’s not as dry as (and a tad more engaging than) a university thesis. The problem with introductions is you always have to set everything up!
Probably this 3-page passage that I posted on the book’s facebook page is a better indication of the style the book settles into. (This subsection looks at the scene where Zorin and Scarpine murder their poor, unsuspecting workers.) https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.292983404118633.70199.200481546702153&type=1
If you're not one and the same.
I'd still go with a different cover though.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
That's an interesting extract mind.
Thanks. That's a nice compliment indeed, re. referencing chrisno1's terrific, detailed reviews.
Alas, yes, not one and the same.
(chrisno1, followed your link to your earlier reviews, and yeah, there won't be too much identity confusion in relation to AVTAK! Unless of course you've had a very agreeable change of heart.
I bought it. Can't wait to read it now!
btw, was checking out the link to your excellent Bond collection the other day - and reminded/inspired me to purchase a copy of Bond Back in Action 2 cd, which has the unreleased fanfare theme from AVTAK (a.k.a. Bond carries Stacey to safety from burning City Hall), not to mention John Altman's Bond theme music from GE. So, in a roundabout way, thanks for the "head's up"!
Cheers!
Yeah the BBIA cds are great! And they look cool too. Thanks
Going ever-so-slightly off-topic, but it's still AVTAK. I felt inspired by the stirring AVTAK Fanfare music (from the Bond Back In Action 2 CD) to put together a short montage...it's just over a minute in length, so the agony shouldn't be too prolonged.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ749UpBMWI
Yes, AVTAK may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I hope the appraisal is of interest. Cheers!
And - to join the chorus of many - it's crying out for an expanded soundtrack CD!
Some reasons people hate it are apparant in other bond films. For example, the cheesy humour is just as much of an issue (if not more) in OP, DAF, LALD, and did I mention TMWTGG?
Roger's age - he looks about the same as he did in OP for me.
Girls - Well, Stacey is about the same as Mary Goodnight for me (TMWTGG) and MUCH better than Jinx (DAD).
Zorin is just about the best villain they've had. And I'm sure everyone remembers the fantastic golden gate bridge fight - much more memorable than many other climaxes in the bond franchise *cough*QOS*cough*
I say let them have the book, and screw the AVTAK haters
PS - Connery being on the front is insanely stupid however
1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
Pretty much agree with you, Jarvio.
I will add that I really enjoy the contributions of Patrick MacNee (Tibbett) and Fiona Fullerton (Pola Ivanova). They both share good chemistry with Roger. Fullerton would have been more suitable as Stacey Sutton, in my opinion. Also, the sequence at the water pumping station is a particular highlight that doesn't get mentioned very often.
Jinx
Christmas Jones
Mary Goodnight
Wai Lin
Rosie Carver
It's all subjective though, each to their own
Similarly I don't like Miranda Frost, though many US fans do, cos she's the sort of upper middle class snot nose who just wouldn't talk to the likes of me, it's a no go.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
1 - Moore, 2 - Dalton, 3 - Craig, 4 - Connery, 5 - Brosnan, 6 - Lazenby
"Okay, but on that rationale, would you consider Fay Wray off King Kong to be annoying?"
Roger Moore 1927-2017