OHMSS?: Watching Connery's Bond after the Scottish Referendum...

Shady TreeShady Tree London, UKPosts: 3,014MI6 Agent
edited September 2014 in The James Bond Films
With the Scottish Referendum only days away and the result too close to call, I wonder how an outcome of 'Yes' to independence might affect the way in which future generations either side of the border regard the vintage Bond films starring Sean Connery. Connery's Bond is a Scot despatched by M from the heart of what Alex Salmond now calls "the Westminster establishment". As such, his heroism is like an avatar for the Union. (True, Connery's Bond's Scottishness is never explicitly referred to in the movies, but despite the character's Anglicised centre of gravity his accent announces his Scottishness!) If the 'Yes' vote wins and the boundaries of national identity are decisively reconfigured, Connery's distinctively Scottish Knight of St George will seem more than ever the reflection of a bygone era. Still, that's the least of anyone's worries right now!
Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 53 years.
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Comments

  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    Whatever happens on Thursday, it will not change my view of

    (a) Sean Connery
    (b) James Bond
    (c) Sean Connery as James Bond

    If anyone is wondering what those views are, then

    (a) a genuine superstar, able to lift almost any movie simply by being in it
    (b) the greatest hero figure of the 20th and perhaps the 21st century
    (c) the best embodiment of that hero
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I think it's some kind of bad joke, Bond has been
    played by ......

    a Scottish guy an Irish guy a Welsh guy and
    Two English guys ( all four nations -{ & Australia )

    But Bond is Bond {[]
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    Whatever happens on Thursday, it will not change my view of

    (a) Sean Connery
    (b) James Bond
    (c) Sean Connery as James Bond

    If anyone is wondering what those views are, then

    (a) a genuine superstar, able to lift almost any movie simply by being in it
    (b) the greatest hero figure of the 20th and perhaps the 21st century
    (c) the best embodiment of that hero

    Yes, yes and yes! -{
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Shady TreeShady Tree London, UKPosts: 3,014MI6 Agent
    edited September 2014
    Don't get me wrong; I'm a huge Connery fan. And looking at all the actors who have played Bond, the character has definitely been inflected by different parts of the UK (and the Commonwealth as represented by Australia!). My point is that, inevitably, with the passing of the decades, various aspects of Connery's classic Bond begin to seem dated, perhaps particularly his sexual politics. The break-up of the Union would be another development which might, for future generations, render as 'historical' the precise way in which the British heroism of Connery's Bond resonates (as a Scot despatched from the heart of "the Westminster establishment" to save the whole of Britain and the world!)

    It's interesting that in SF, a recent Bond film, Scotland is stereotyped as 'different' and 'other'. Craig's Bond very much presents as 'English'. Although we learn in SF that the character's origins are actually Scottish, our sense of Scotland as symbolised by Skyfall/Kincade is as a place 'elsewhere', of the past, buried deep in the psyche, barren and technologically primitive. It's also romanticised as courageous, plucky and proud (Kincade: "Welcome to Scotland!"). A difference is that during Connery's tenure as Bond, his Bond's Scottishness, though obvious, was never mentioned in the films; it wasn't an issue there; the character played simply as 'British'. (The actor's own Scottish nationalistic leanings didn't come into it.)

    It's also interesting that, in the novels 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' and 'You Only Live Twice', Fleming 'wrote in'/'wrote up' the literary Bond's Scottish origins as a way of acknowledging the splash Connery had made as Bond in DN. The whole mythos in SF surrounding Bond's Scottish ancestry - Andrew Bond, etc. - draws from elements of Fleming which themselves were influenced by Connery's impact in the first film adaptations of Bond.
    Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 53 years.
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    That's nicely put, and I agree. You could add TMWTGG to the books you mention.

    I also agree with your description of Scotland! :)) And I'm not wanting to go into the independence matter here. Until Friday, anyway...
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,926MI6 Agent
    The Referendum will not blur my Vision of the Films with Connery, nor of Bond in general -{
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,937Chief of Staff
    AlphaOmegaSin wrote:
    The Referendum will not blur my Vision of the Films with Connery, nor of Bond in general -{

    Me neither....once Scotland leaves us we will only nip back over the border and impose Martial Law anyway :))
    YNWA 97
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    It would be funny if Scotland lowered taxes and became another Oil rich Tax haven :))
    I wonder How many Banks would be rushing to relocate there ? :))

    As For Connery, his Politics are his own Business same with all the Bond actore, I'm sure I'd
    agree with Some and disagree with Others. Doesn't affect My view on his acting as Bond
    ( Or in anything else ) :D Same with the late Charlton Heston, Politically I'd be on the
    opposite side to his Right wing, Gun loving politics, But I love his films. :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,489MI6 Agent
    It is strange that the main threat to the UK comes from within, as it turns out - and a cause championed by a former Bond, no less!

    I guess with it kicking off all around the world, in Ukraine and the Middle East, the whole Scottish independence seems like small beer, or should that be a single measure of whisky? Because of this, many may be thinking, oh why not go for it, there are bigger distractions.

    It does seem odd however that it is only Salmond really who seems to be making the case, be it right or wrong. He is a figurehead and no one else appears to be in on it.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    One thing I have to really give credit to Scotland for is unlike other
    Parts of the UK ( like my own) it has all been done through talks,
    Discussions, and discourse -{ . No one has been killed, no shots fired.
    Unlike other parts of the world, where bloodshed and civil war would be
    The norm. In Scotland ( Whatever way the vote goes ) it has been a great
    Example of democracy at work. {[] as Winston Churchill said ......
    "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other
    forms that have been tried from time to time."
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,926MI6 Agent
    Don't remember Wales ever firing a few Shots off :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    You should try buying a holiday cottage there . :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,926MI6 Agent
    :)) :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • broadshoulderbroadshoulder Acton, London, UKPosts: 1,363MI6 Agent
    Not sure on Connery..

    To be fair he was probably the casting of the century. He just brought that something new to the role

    on the other hand.

    We know so much about him.The fights, legal battles.He's the only one who remembers DN and FRWL and we hear nothing from him. Roger is much more approachable.s
    1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,871MI6 Agent
    edited September 2014
    Yes, I think that James Bond will survive no matter what way the referendum vote today goes.

    I imagine that the Scottish people are very confused currently as Alex Salmond said on Monday that he would welcome HM The Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Scots in an independent Scotland as well as him wanting to hold onto the pound. A case of having your cake and eating it methinks.

    I advise our Scottish friends to vote "Naw" in the referendum - we're better together in the UK. :) -{
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    Confused we are not. Most everyone is very clear and willing to go on at great length to explain their position, unswayed by the media frenzy.

    And it's Salmond, SM, not Samond.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    edited September 2014
    Barbel wrote:
    Whatever happens on Thursday, it will not change my view of

    (a) Sean Connery
    (b) James Bond
    (c) Sean Connery as James Bond

    If anyone is wondering what those views are, then

    (a) a genuine superstar, able to lift almost any movie simply by being in it
    (b) the greatest hero figure of the 20th and perhaps the 21st century
    (c) the best embodiment of that hero


    ...and let me add: Looking great with a kilt :D

    As far as I know, Connery lives most of his time in the US - I wonder if scotland becomes independent, will he move to there?
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    Confused we are not.

    and sober - not so often :)) :))
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    :)) true, that!
    I suppose where Connery lives depends on the tax laws.
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    I suppose where Connery lives depends on the tax laws.

    True patriotism! {[] {[] {[]
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I thought he has said that if there's a yes vote he'll be returning to Scotland. ? ;)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    I wouldn't put $1,250,000 + $10,000pw overtime + finance for two films of my own choosing on that happening!
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    :)) :)) :)) you're such a cynic ! :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    you're such a cynic !

    Isn't that an essential part of being a Scot? :)) :)) :))
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    You don't have to be cynical to live here, but it helps! :)
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    :)) Yep !
    I've had a bit of a chat and discussion with Number24, over politics etc.
    He seems very enthusiastic about it, where as I'm a cynical, totally
    Disillusioned ex-voter. Who's been lied to, mislead and shafted by
    Greedy lying, politicians all my life. X-(
    I do think the discussion over the recent big events, have shown that ALL
    Over the UK. People are interested in politics, just not interested in politicians.
    Westminster politicians live in their own little world and have no idea of what
    It must be like to be say, a family man, out of work. Looking for a job and trying
    To keep your kids out of trouble and pay the bills. Whether that's in Newcastle,
    Glasgow, Belfast or Cardiff.
    At times the greed of the politicians, really sickens me. :#
    ( perhaps, I should have put this in the Rant section ) :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    Haven't you done that already? I agreed with you there and I'm agreeing with you here.
    I'm just back from casting my vote, if that's the right term in these unusual circumstances. There appears to be a much bigger turnout than usual.
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,937Chief of Staff
    Everyone I speak to wants the Scots to bugger off - they say England will be better off without them...probably the wrong thread for this discussion though...
    YNWA 97
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,104Chief of Staff
    :)) But of course they do!
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,926MI6 Agent
    I think everyone wants everyone to bugger off :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
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