What We LIKE About Bond Films

ixtore

I'm taking away a bit of Thunderpussy's, well, thunder - but he mentioned in another thread that, if he doesn't get back from the pub in time, someone else could post this topic.

I'm new here and not worthy, but let me give my view:

A Bond film is an event. It comes with certain expectations after so many decades of 'episodes'. I like this feeling of anticipation before a Bond film. Where to now, Mr. Bond? What's new M? The possibilities are limitless and there are many more stories to be told. So, for me, one of the things I love about the Bond experience is the taste of the unknown and what will unfold.

hehadlotsofguts

They are a form of escapism. You spend two hours in Bond's world. Women,OTT villains, cool cars etc. The films are enjoyable from start to finish

Thunderpussy

ixtore, You may of grabbed My Thunder but at least you left my pussy alone.
( and many thanks for setting up that line, have a Vesper. -{ )

Yes, it seemed Many Members want to say how much they love the Bond films, after
many negative threads. Nothing wrong with that but it would be nice to have a place
which could be kept for the " Pure and Innocent love " that is the Bond series.

Firstly I have to agree with hehadlotsofguts & ixtore. The Bonds are event movies. full of escapism,
adventure and excitement. I still can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise when I see the gunbarrel.
still the same since I was a kid, and they had a touch of class missing from other action/adventure films
or thrillers.

chrisisall

Thunderpussy wrote:

The Bonds are event movies. full of escapism,
adventure and excitement. I still can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise when I see the gunbarrel.
still the same since I was a kid, and they had a touch of class missing from other action/adventure films
or thrillers.

Heartily agreed! And Bond movies have one thing other movie series do not: an insane amount of varied tones & stories! Silly Bonds, dead-serious Bonds, adventure Bonds, comic-book Bonds... a Bond for every mood!! :007)

ZorinIndustries

I love the six actors and their different interpretations! This is what makes Bond unique IMO

always shaken

I like the way the Bond phenomenom ,has generated much needed cash, jobs, heritage,
ect, for Britain, wouldn't have Aston Martin gone under if it wasn't for Bond,
Bond is good for businesses,

Thunderpussy

It is amazing to think of how many jobs and money it has made for the country
over the years from the guys making the paper for the books onwards.

Charmed & Dangerous

I like the fact that he's a positive role model. He's loyal, brave, and on the good side - but he knows have to have a blast on the journey. Hes witty and smooth (ina good way). And he's always smartly dressed and keeps in shape, too. I can't think of anyone I'd rather emulate.

Thunderpussy

Stunts:

I consider myself Lucky to have been able to watch the Moore Bonds in the cinema, to
see some of the most outstanding stunts and stunt sequences ever put on film. -{
IMHO, The Bond films always go Beyond what other film do and infact until the likes
of Indiana Jones started he had, No competition.
Other films would've been happy with a car jump across a river But for Bond they had
to push it to its limits by having a "Spiral" car jump. ( Still Impressive now, must of been
amazing in 1974 ). The PTS of Moonraker is another Great cinema moment, it really did
look like a bloke had jumped from a plane in Trousers and Blazer combo. )
Shear escapism, at its Best. -{
I'm happy to see that they've kept the standard up with the PTS of Skyfall, The train/JCB
sequence is pure Bond. -{ I can't wait to see what they come up with for the next One. :007)

Jarvio

They are pure escapism and deliver superbly in the entertainment department. This even goes for my least favourite bond films too.

They are episodic and all have recurring themes and familiar characteristics. They manage to maintain this even when a new actor takes on the role. And that's another good thing too - it's interesting to see other actors' takes on the role. As well as it being interesting comparing bond films of different times/ages.

And then there's the elements themselves: the action, the locations, the villains, the girls. And let's not forget the staple that is the PTS which is followed by the unique themesong, specific to each film. (There's cars and gadgets too, but I myself don't particularly watch bond for the cars and gadgets). Not only do I see bond films as action, but I also see them as adventure.

They're great to watch if you want to just chill out. Many films are plot-heavy and get preachy with messages. Bond is less like this (well, excluding the DC era that is - but I still love SF for what it is, but it sure is intense for a bond film).

And finally, bags and bags of nostalgia.

These are the basic reasons why I love the bond films as a whole. There are also specific reasons to each film, but that would be in much further detail. As mentioned, every single bond film for me has at least some merit.

Thunderpussy

Music :

I do think that the terrific music of John Barry was a big part of the success of the Films.
I love to play one of his soundtracks and relive the atmosphere of the Movie. His use of
Brass with Synthesizer for OHMSS is stunning and after the light arrangement of strings
from YOLT.
I also Love David Arnold, from his pounding chase music to his love themes, Marvellous
stuff, infact I think his score for QOS was the Best he's done, and I was suprised to find that
I really liked Thomas Newman's score for Skyfall. Strangely I din't notice it too much while
watching the film. Although after buying the soundtrack I was really impressed. So now I'm
torn as to whether I want him to do the next Bond or have D Arnold return. ) Still it's nice
to be spoiled for choice. -{

ixtore

To add you your John Barry nod ---- when you watch Dr. No and then From Russia with Love, you catch the lack of Barry's grand scheme in Dr. No (which re-used so many of the same tracks by Norman again and again that you realize they were at a loss during the editing phase). FRWL was much more fulfilled as a movie, with Norman's everlasting Bond theme and Barry's expansive repertoire giving Bond all the nuances and strident moments he could ever want. Goldfinger solidified the works, marking the series with a stamp that is still, in many ways, the epitome or 'center' of the Bond psyche.
The music, through the decades, has helped drive the series into the present, be it orchestral, disco, new age or whatever. The series always reinvents itself for the next generation.

Thunderpussy

Cinematography;

I feel the Bond series has had some of the Best Cinematography Ever put on Film.
The talent gathered By Saltzman and Broccoli was astounding. -{

Napoleon Plural

Thunderpussy wrote:

Music :

I do think that the terrific music of John Barry was a big part of the success of the Films.
I love to play one of his soundtracks and relive the atmosphere of the Movie. His use of
Brass with Synthesizer for OHMSS is stunning and after the light arrangement of strings
from YOLT.
I also Love David Arnold, from his pounding chase music to his love themes, Marvellous
stuff, infact I think his score for QOS was the Best he's done, and I was suprised to find that
I really liked Thomas Newman's score for Skyfall. Strangely I din't notice it too much while
watching the film. Although after buying the soundtrack I was really impressed. So now I'm
torn as to whether I want him to do the next Bond or have D Arnold return. ) Still it's nice
to be spoiled for choice. -{

Talking of which, the John Barry musical Billy has just opened again in London.

walther p99

Among great story's, hot girls, awesome stunts and incredible music. One of the main attractions to me is how Bond's a totally self sufficient lone wolf with no attachments, he has no IMF team or sidekick helping him through his missions (most of the time) and relies on his wits and cunning to persevere , and even when hes fallen literally or figuratively he always gets back up. Also, hes the underdog against dozens of bad guys and always wins.

Thunderpussy

Characters :

I don't think there hasn't been a contemporary film series with so many great characters.
From the Metal handed Dr No, Rosa Klebb, Goldfinger, Blofeld, and Silva. With so many
odd henchmen like, Oddjob, Wint &Kidd, TeeHee and Jaws.
Many odd, over the top yet somehow believable. -{ The films have a way of Immersing
you in the world of Bond so that a terrorist Banker who Weeps Blood isn't even questioned.

Blackleiter

Thunderpussy wrote:

Characters :

I don't think there hasn't been a contemporary film series with so many great characters.
From the Metal handed Dr No, Rosa Klebb, Goldfinger, Blofeld, and Silva. With so many
odd henchmen like, Oddjob, Wint &Kidd, TeeHee and Jaws.
Many odd, over the top yet somehow believable. -{ The films have a way of Immersing
you in the world of Bond so that a terrorist Banker who Weeps Blood isn't even questioned.

So true!

Barbel

Blackleiter wrote:

Thunderpussy wrote:

Characters :

I don't think there hasn't been a contemporary film series with so many great characters.
From the Metal handed Dr No, Rosa Klebb, Goldfinger, Blofeld, and Silva. With so many
odd henchmen like, Oddjob, Wint &Kidd, TeeHee and Jaws.
Many odd, over the top yet somehow believable. -{ The films have a way of Immersing
you in the world of Bond so that a terrorist Banker who Weeps Blood isn't even questioned.

So true!

+1. Well put, TP!

chrisisall

Thunderpussy wrote:

The films have a way of Immersing
you in the world of Bond so that a terrorist Banker who Weeps Blood isn't even questioned.

You've gotten to the core of it here I think; I call it absurdity within control. It's the secret ingredient in the recipe. :007)

Thunderpussy

I also love the titles. -{
One reviewer said that the Bond films invented the Music video. )
From the great Maurice Binder to ( IMHO) the fantastic work of Daniel Kleinman.
His titles are works of art, and his Skyfall titles are the best he's done and in My
opinion The best of the series.
The producers would be crazy to let anyone else do them. ) I hope they have
him tied up for many years to come.
( just untie him, to work on the titles ) )

hehadlotsofguts

I like the titles as well. I like how they have a theme relating to the plot. i.e. YOLT has geishas, LALD had images of voodoo etc.