"James Bond adventures can be boiled down to a simple phrase- "St George slays the dragon and rescues the beautiful princess". This view is not an original one- both Kingsley Amis* and Ann S. Boyd (in her book "The Devil With James Bond!" (Knox, 1967)) have alluded to it. Perhaps DN is most explicit in its interpretation of the legend: Bond really does fight a dragon (albeit a mechanical one), and in the novel a giant squid, which is about as close as nature provides.
Perhaps surprisingly, a fairly recent Bond film has elements of the myth buried within.
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
Often dismissed by Bond aficionadoes, although in my view unfairly, this film has rich and glorious subtext. I'm not even going into the Elektra complex, but feel free to bring it up. Please do, it's there as well.
It's a standard theme of Bond adventures that he "saves" the beautiful girl from death/a fate worse than death (eg marriage or concubinage to the villain)/etc. She is metaphorically the princess in the St George story. In TWINE the beautiful girl is the daughter of a "king", Sir Robert King to be exact, and what is the daughter of a king but a princess? James Bond feels strongly compelled to protect her- look at his delicate movements when he sees her discussing her captivity on his computer- and goes out of his way to do just that. He is certainly attracted to her, but restrains himself... at first, anyway.
Renard is the dragon, as much as modern audiences will accept (and in movie tropes, that is exactly what he is- the tough, invincible henchman/protector/right hand man to the real villain). Naturally he does not breathe fire, but his introduction amongst the flaming rocks (which he is impervious to, unlike ordinary men such as Davidov) is symbolic enough. The dragon has kidnapped the beautiful princess, and St George must save her- Renard did kidnap Elektra, and her "freedom" is false.
Determining the actual locale of myths is notoriously full of problems- a good example is Robin Hood, who has been claimed by various locations in England. At least one location of the traditional St George/dragon/princess tale is Trebizond (nowadays Trabzon) on the Black Sea.... which is the main location for TWINE.
The film cleverly subverts the myth by having Elektra turn out to be the true antagonist of the story, and this is one part which gives it real depth. Bond has genuinely fallen for her, and will suffer internally for having to shoot her (despite his cold "I never miss" claim).
I therefore propose that in no other film (with the arguable exception of OHMSS- please argue with me about that) is James Bond more clearly a knight, a Byronic hero, and closer to Fleming's conception than any film not directly based on his work (which OHMSS most definitely is, of course).
It doesn't hurt that TWINE features Pierce Brosnan's most carefully thought-out interpretation of his role. It's my opinion that here he comes closest to embodying Ian Fleming's character.
So I was thinking of all the cool moments which belong to the coolest.
TOMORROW NEVER DIES
In the recording studio of Carver's media center. Bond getting a punch and then giving the bodyguards a good dressing-down.
The whole scene is greatly edited and shot and of course also way cool and funny. A mixture that is difficult to achieve and with Brosnan that worked so well always.
sadly couldn't find a better quality clip but here is the said scene
I was just about to post about TND, glad to see that everyone thinks that it was Brosnan at his coolest.
DAD on Ice was also a good contender. He was...sub-zero there. (pun very intended).
@chrisisall, I also agree with your ranking, been meaning to tell you that for a long time.
Although, I do think that DN/QoS doesn't deserve to be that high and it is should be replaced both would've been replaced with CR/SPWLM. Apart from that, excellent list. TOMORROW NEVER DIES
I've noted the coolest moments and fine acting from Pierce in general. A mini-review.
The look he gives M on "pump her for information".
While being in the middle of brushing up on a little danish, he still has time to flirt with Moneypenny.
"That takes care of the normal wear and tear. Shall we?"
"I think we've met."
"Don't let her take you for a ride."
"Bond, James Bond". The delivery wasn't quite as good as the one in GoldenEye but it does its job.
The small sigh before he confronts Paris.
"Something came up."
"Something always came up." His **** (Little Jamie should be the official name for Bond's dingus), I presume.
His reaction to "...vivid imagination. For a banker."
"Uhh, no. I'd be lost at sea. Adrift." Love the awkward atmosphere between Carver/Paris/James. Solid writing.
"Hostile takeovers."
Why didn't he just say that he has a mobile phone if anyone wanted to reach him. Bond knows that and plays along.
Resourceful enough to use the mic-stand as a weapon. Even sizing down to a glass (ashtray?).
Vodka shots and a suppressed PPK. So Fleming-esque...it hurts. That is no excuse, however, to have your cufflinks dangling from your cuff. I wonder why he never used the suppressor at the print works.Consider that Bond's in Germany, he moves like a Panzer in the shootout. Even using his cannon the PPK to dial in the keypad.
"Looking for a news story?"
"They'll print anything these days."
The escape is one of my favourite moments in the film, right down to the phone call and his arrival to his Hotel room.
"He's coming." Obvious Little Jamie joke is obvious.
"AWWW SHHDAMPER! stop yelling in me iiar, ja?" Why did I include this? No reason, I love that line.
"Me too." Putt. (as Fleming would've put it, pun intended)
The way Bond bounces around in the 750i.
Little laugh session. Along with his bad cough. Bond isn't an old man, and no, he doesn't want to spit.
Then the movie went a bit downhill.
Bond's disapproval of Wade's outfit.
"He didn't say goodbye." Of course he didn't. Didn't you know that he's no good about goodbye?
"...a certain...attachment. To each other." Excellent delivery.
An almost "Oh shiii". Meaning that Bond made his pants be a little dated to the 70s.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Come to think of it, if you got a hard-on in a wetsuit, what can you do?
"Pop the clutch"
"Trapped."
"Never" Bond's optimism about every situation is something that I always admired from the Moore era.
"Very novel"
Not much I can say expect "I have some breaking news for you Elliot.
"Let's stay undercover"
"Commander Bond, Colonel Lin? This is the HMS Bedford. Are you there?"
A proper answer would be "We're just coming, sir."
"James Bond adventures can be boiled down to a simple phrase- "St George slays the dragon and rescues the beautiful princess". This view is not an original one- both Kingsley Amis* and Ann S. Boyd (in her book "The Devil With James Bond!" (Knox, 1967)) have alluded to it. Perhaps DN is most explicit in its interpretation of the legend: Bond really does fight a dragon (albeit a mechanical one), and in the novel a giant squid, which is about as close as nature provides.
Perhaps surprisingly, a fairly recent Bond film has elements of the myth buried within.
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
Often dismissed by Bond aficionadoes, although in my view unfairly, this film has rich and glorious subtext. I'm not even going into the Elektra complex, but feel free to bring it up. Please do, it's there as well.
It's a standard theme of Bond adventures that he "saves" the beautiful girl from death/a fate worse than death (eg marriage or concubinage to the villain)/etc. She is metaphorically the princess in the St George story. In TWINE the beautiful girl is the daughter of a "king", Sir Robert King to be exact, and what is the daughter of a king but a princess? James Bond feels strongly compelled to protect her- look at his delicate movements when he sees her discussing her captivity on his computer- and goes out of his way to do just that. He is certainly attracted to her, but restrains himself... at first, anyway.
Renard is the dragon, as much as modern audiences will accept (and in movie tropes, that is exactly what he is- the tough, invincible henchman/protector/right hand man to the real villain). Naturally he does not breathe fire, but his introduction amongst the flaming rocks (which he is impervious to, unlike ordinary men such as Davidov) is symbolic enough. The dragon has kidnapped the beautiful princess, and St George must save her- Renard did kidnap Elektra, and her "freedom" is false.
Determining the actual locale of myths is notoriously full of problems- a good example is Robin Hood, who has been claimed by various locations in England. At least one location of the traditional St George/dragon/princess tale is Trebizond (nowadays Trabzon) on the Black Sea.... which is the main location for TWINE.
The film cleverly subverts the myth by having Elektra turn out to be the true antagonist of the story, and this is one part which gives it real depth. Bond has genuinely fallen for her, and will suffer internally for having to shoot her (despite his cold "I never miss" claim).
I therefore propose that in no other film (with the arguable exception of OHMSS- please argue with me about that) is James Bond more clearly a knight, a Byronic hero, and closer to Fleming's conception than any film not directly based on his work (which OHMSS most definitely is, of course).
It doesn't hurt that TWINE features Pierce Brosnan's most carefully thought-out interpretation of his role. It's my opinion that here he comes closest to embodying Ian Fleming's character.
Monaco scenes in GE
Arriving in St Petersburg in GE
White Knight in TND
Brushing up on a little Danish in TND.
Single handedly dismantling the henchmen in the sound proof studio in TND
Bilbao scene in TWINE
Casino scene in TWINE, especially the bit where he leaves the henchman hanging (although it does always bug me ever so slightly that he drips his Martini at the final moment).
Hong Kong Hotel scenes in DAD
Although, I do think that DN/QoS doesn't deserve to be that high and it is should be replaced both would've been replaced with CR/SPWLM. Apart from that, excellent list.
Trying to micro-manage another fans personal top 10? yikes…
My current 10 favorite:
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Although, I do think that DN/QoS doesn't deserve to be that high and it is should be replaced both would've been replaced with CR/SPWLM. Apart from that, excellent list.
Trying to micro-manage another fans personal top 10? yikes…
Although, I do think that DN/QoS doesn't deserve to be that high and it is should be replaced both would've been replaced with CR/SPWLM. Apart from that, excellent list.
Trying to micro-manage another fans personal top 10? yikes…
For me, this has to be Brosnan's coolest Bond moment:
Totally James Bond. All the major Bond actors have a similar iconic moment-
plus of course
which can't be topped (being the first), but it's in the TWINE PTS that Brosnan = Bond, for me. It's my favourite of his films, since I think it's here that he gives his best performance.
Comments
Connery-wise, yeah TB could be argued.
You're right with your 3 Barbel. 100% agree. -{
Also, as many have heard many times before...Brosnan's portrayal in TWINE is one of the finest performances by a Bond actor.
"Better make that two."
I don't know if you'd be interested in this post I made on TWINE some years ago, in this thread: https://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/44307/subtext-and-themes/
"James Bond adventures can be boiled down to a simple phrase- "St George slays the dragon and rescues the beautiful princess". This view is not an original one- both Kingsley Amis* and Ann S. Boyd (in her book "The Devil With James Bond!" (Knox, 1967)) have alluded to it. Perhaps DN is most explicit in its interpretation of the legend: Bond really does fight a dragon (albeit a mechanical one), and in the novel a giant squid, which is about as close as nature provides.
Perhaps surprisingly, a fairly recent Bond film has elements of the myth buried within.
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH
Often dismissed by Bond aficionadoes, although in my view unfairly, this film has rich and glorious subtext. I'm not even going into the Elektra complex, but feel free to bring it up. Please do, it's there as well.
It's a standard theme of Bond adventures that he "saves" the beautiful girl from death/a fate worse than death (eg marriage or concubinage to the villain)/etc. She is metaphorically the princess in the St George story. In TWINE the beautiful girl is the daughter of a "king", Sir Robert King to be exact, and what is the daughter of a king but a princess? James Bond feels strongly compelled to protect her- look at his delicate movements when he sees her discussing her captivity on his computer- and goes out of his way to do just that. He is certainly attracted to her, but restrains himself... at first, anyway.
Renard is the dragon, as much as modern audiences will accept (and in movie tropes, that is exactly what he is- the tough, invincible henchman/protector/right hand man to the real villain). Naturally he does not breathe fire, but his introduction amongst the flaming rocks (which he is impervious to, unlike ordinary men such as Davidov) is symbolic enough. The dragon has kidnapped the beautiful princess, and St George must save her- Renard did kidnap Elektra, and her "freedom" is false.
Determining the actual locale of myths is notoriously full of problems- a good example is Robin Hood, who has been claimed by various locations in England. At least one location of the traditional St George/dragon/princess tale is Trebizond (nowadays Trabzon) on the Black Sea.... which is the main location for TWINE.
The film cleverly subverts the myth by having Elektra turn out to be the true antagonist of the story, and this is one part which gives it real depth. Bond has genuinely fallen for her, and will suffer internally for having to shoot her (despite his cold "I never miss" claim).
I therefore propose that in no other film (with the arguable exception of OHMSS- please argue with me about that) is James Bond more clearly a knight, a Byronic hero, and closer to Fleming's conception than any film not directly based on his work (which OHMSS most definitely is, of course).
It doesn't hurt that TWINE features Pierce Brosnan's most carefully thought-out interpretation of his role. It's my opinion that here he comes closest to embodying Ian Fleming's character.
* "The James Bond Dossier" (Jonathan Cape, 1965)"
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I sadly just finished my Brozzathon.
But then, why not start again
-{
TOMORROW NEVER DIES
In the recording studio of Carver's media center. Bond getting a punch and then giving the bodyguards a good dressing-down.
The whole scene is greatly edited and shot and of course also way cool and funny. A mixture that is difficult to achieve and with Brosnan that worked so well always.
sadly couldn't find a better quality clip but here is the said scene
https://youtu.be/TlTVSyDZzKk
Needless to say the whole screen time of Brosnan in TND is BLOODY FREAKING COOL
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
DAD on Ice was also a good contender. He was...sub-zero there. (pun very intended).
We have 7 out of 10 same in our Top 10: TLD/LTK, GE/TND, DN/GF and SPECTRE.
But then we know since years that the both of us have impeccable taste -{
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Although, I do think that DN/QoS doesn't deserve to be that high and it is should be replaced both would've been replaced with CR/SPWLM. Apart from that, excellent list.
TOMORROW NEVER DIES
I've noted the coolest moments and fine acting from Pierce in general. A mini-review.
The look he gives M on "pump her for information".
While being in the middle of brushing up on a little danish, he still has time to flirt with Moneypenny.
"That takes care of the normal wear and tear. Shall we?"
"I think we've met."
"Don't let her take you for a ride."
"Bond, James Bond". The delivery wasn't quite as good as the one in GoldenEye but it does its job.
The small sigh before he confronts Paris.
"Something came up."
"Something always came up." His **** (Little Jamie should be the official name for Bond's dingus), I presume.
His reaction to "...vivid imagination. For a banker."
"Uhh, no. I'd be lost at sea. Adrift." Love the awkward atmosphere between Carver/Paris/James. Solid writing.
"Hostile takeovers."
Why didn't he just say that he has a mobile phone if anyone wanted to reach him. Bond knows that and plays along.
Resourceful enough to use the mic-stand as a weapon. Even sizing down to a glass (ashtray?).
Vodka shots and a suppressed PPK. So Fleming-esque...it hurts. That is no excuse, however, to have your cufflinks dangling from your cuff. I wonder why he never used the suppressor at the print works.Consider that Bond's in Germany, he moves like a Panzer in the shootout. Even using his cannon the PPK to dial in the keypad.
"Looking for a news story?"
"They'll print anything these days."
The escape is one of my favourite moments in the film, right down to the phone call and his arrival to his Hotel room.
"He's coming." Obvious Little Jamie joke is obvious.
"AWWW SHHDAMPER! stop yelling in me iiar, ja?" Why did I include this? No reason, I love that line.
"Me too." Putt. (as Fleming would've put it, pun intended)
The way Bond bounces around in the 750i.
Little laugh session. Along with his bad cough. Bond isn't an old man, and no, he doesn't want to spit.
Then the movie went a bit downhill.
Bond's disapproval of Wade's outfit.
"He didn't say goodbye." Of course he didn't. Didn't you know that he's no good about goodbye?
"...a certain...attachment. To each other." Excellent delivery.
An almost "Oh shiii". Meaning that Bond made his pants be a little dated to the 70s.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Come to think of it, if you got a hard-on in a wetsuit, what can you do?
"Pop the clutch"
"Trapped."
"Never" Bond's optimism about every situation is something that I always admired from the Moore era.
"Very novel"
Not much I can say expect "I have some breaking news for you Elliot.
"Let's stay undercover"
"Commander Bond, Colonel Lin? This is the HMS Bedford. Are you there?"
A proper answer would be "We're just coming, sir."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Brilliant.
"Better make that two."
Thank you.
Monaco scenes in GE
Arriving in St Petersburg in GE
White Knight in TND
Brushing up on a little Danish in TND.
Single handedly dismantling the henchmen in the sound proof studio in TND
Bilbao scene in TWINE
Casino scene in TWINE, especially the bit where he leaves the henchman hanging (although it does always bug me ever so slightly that he drips his Martini at the final moment).
Hong Kong Hotel scenes in DAD
Brosnan is cool :007)
Trying to micro-manage another fans personal top 10? yikes…
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Very cool Brosnan moment.
"I won't ask again, call him off."
"CALL HIM OFF"
"Better make that two."
Weak, Bond. Very weak.
hahahaha I think he more than makes up for that
"Better make that two."
He's on ice, after all
Totally James Bond. All the major Bond actors have a similar iconic moment-
plus of course
which can't be topped (being the first), but it's in the TWINE PTS that Brosnan = Bond, for me. It's my favourite of his films, since I think it's here that he gives his best performance.
I'm the same Barbel - and IMO because of that it's one of the best performances by a Bond actor.
"Better make that two."