Favourite villain introduction?

KucherovKucherov ChinaPosts: 25MI6 Agent
You might interpret this as either the first time they appeared on camera, or the first time they came into contact with Bond, or simply the first time it becomes known to the audience that this is the villain. For instance, you might class Trevelyan's introduction as his meeting with Bond as "Janus". Or you might class it as his rendezvous with Bond as 006 in the PTS. It's entirely up to you.

For myself, my three favourites are:

Dr No - "one million dollars, Mr Bond." Sets the template for the sophistication and eccentricity we've come to expect from Bond villains. He'd already been set up in the film as a powerful, sinister figure but he's introduced to Bond as a dangerous gentleman. With metal hands.

Goldfinger - we learn so much about his character right away in the gin game that Bond intercepts: his ego, his dishonesty, his competitiveness. We immediately know that Bond is making a rather dangerous mistake behaving so frivolously and carelessly regarding Goldfinger. Enter Oddjob.

Largo - the way he cooly enters the SPECTRE meeting and barely glances at the executed embezzler without a care in the world before being introduced in the prestigious rank of "Number Two" and explaining to the room the most ambitious plan that SPECTRE had embarked on yet. Badass!

How about yours?
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Comments

  • ChulaChula New YorkPosts: 39MI6 Agent
    Come on, the most iconic and memorable villain intro is Blofeld in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. A whole damn film series came about because of it!

    twice-blofeld.jpg
  • Sir Hillary BraySir Hillary Bray College of ArmsPosts: 2,174MI6 Agent
    Those are all good, Kucherov. I would add:

    Blofeld in FRWL -- "Siamese fighting fish". The unseen SPECTRE boss, speaking to Klebb and Kronsteen on the gently rocking yacht in Venice.

    Drax in MR -- Having established that he is insanely wealthy, we approach him from behind, then see his hands playing the piano, and finally pan up to his face to see him basically in a trance.
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  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    A happy selection from everyone but (this may be controversial):

    Kamal Khan and General Orlov in Octopussy - From the bidding scene alone, you can tell that Kamal isn't taking any risks and he is devoted to his scheme whatever the price. In the Soviet meeting, Orlov is a classic megalomaniac villain but a semi-realistic one at that.
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  • MilleniumForceMilleniumForce LondonPosts: 1,214MI6 Agent
    Sanchez - the DEA are already about to try and get him, Bond is quickly dragged into it, and the first thing of the film he does is find Lupe and kill her lover. Really sets up the character - and the film - well.

    Carver - such a stereotypical villain intro, talking to other evil people on big screens. But it's still a cool introduction, especially the first shot of his eye and his typing.

    Silva - speech, walking towards the camera from a distance, and his first scene with Bond.
    1.LTK 2.AVTAK 3.OP 4.FYEO 5.TND 6.LALD 7.GE 8.GF 9.TSWLM 10.SPECTRE 11.SF 12.MR 13.YOLT 14.TLD 15.CR (06) 16.TMWTGG 17.TB 18.FRWL 19.TWINE 20.OHMSS 21.DAF 22.DAD 23.QoS 24.NSNA 25.DN 26.CR (67)
  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    edited March 2017
    I agree with the callouts for Khan and Orlov in OP. Both have brilliant introduction scenes highlighting the differences between the two.

    I also like the intro of Stromberg, he plays everything very straight but is an absolute psycho. The introduction with Bond is great because it's muted, but after he leaves: "Were those the two on the train? Let them get ashore, then kill them"
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • hehadlotsofgutshehadlotsofguts Durham England Posts: 2,112MI6 Agent


    I also like the intro of Stromberg, he plays everything very straight but is an absolute psycho. The introduction with Bond is great because it's muted, but after he leaves: "Were those the two on the train? Let them get ashore, then kill them"

    That's a common trope in Bond films. When the villain and Bond meet for the first time, Bond and the villain are civil to each other and as soon as Bond leaves, the mask of politeness slips and the villain orders Bond's death.

    I thought Largo's introduction cool! First thing he does is that he intimidates a traffic cop. You know exactly what type of character Largo is. The type that thinks the rules don't apply.
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  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    That's a common trope in Bond films. When the villain and Bond meet for the first time, Bond and the villain are civil to each other and as soon as Bond leaves, the mask of politeness slips and the villain orders Bond's death.

    Yes it is, but in particular this one seems extremely sinister. Drax does the same thing, but it hasn't got the same ring to it.
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • superadosuperado Regent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
    Silva - speech, walking towards the camera from a distance, and his first scene with Bond.

    Don't know if it was the best, but it was certainly impressive with a scene that began with an extremely interesting monologue that then proceeded with some serious thigh clutching.
    "...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
  • Dirty PunkerDirty Punker ...Your Eyes Only, darling."Posts: 2,587MI6 Agent
    I wish Zorin had gotten a better introduction as I believe that had View to A Kill had been brushed up and Dalton was in the role it would've had great potential. That being said I like his sinister laugh with May Day, the first conversation with Bond and Zorin with Bond putting Zorin in a difficult position but I think that it way too soon for Bond to taunt him.
    a reasonable rate of return
  • GoldHildingGoldHilding WinnipegPosts: 58MI6 Agent
    Hands down agree on Silva. Half of it has to do with how Mendes filmed it with the slow zoom in, but the extended speech and introduction to Bond is much longer and more effective than any other villain introduction in a long time.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,610MI6 Agent
    I don't think any of them come close to Dr No's introduction. The film is named after him, there is talk about him, you hear his voice and you see his hands, all before you actually see him. By the time we see him, it really pays off.
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  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    I don't think any of them come close to Dr No's introduction. The film is named after him, there is talk about him, you hear his voice and you see his hands, all before you actually see him. By the time we see him, it really pays off.

    Good call, the way he orders Bond's drink is scathing.
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • eric7064eric7064 USAPosts: 344MI6 Agent
    Silva. Great introduction.
  • Mr_OsatoMr_Osato Posts: 398MI6 Agent
    Silva indeed is great. Fantastic monologue and scene: how he talks and walks towards Bond and finishes his monologue right before he stands in front of him: great moment!

    Dr No is classic too, great build up. Goldfinger remains great too, because you immediately know what he is all about: greed and willing to cheat if he needs to to get more money.

    Other ones that jump to mind are: Largo, how he is the only one that doesn't flinch, while a guy gets electrocuted in the same room. Blofeld in YOLT is good too, after all the build up in the previous movies. Sanchez also has a good intro, you immediately see how ruthless he is in his first scene.
    OHMSS, FRWL, DN, GF, CR, GE, SP, YOLT, TB, TSWLM, LALD, TLD, TND, FYEO, SF, MR, TMWTGG, TWINE, OP, AVTAK, DAF, LTK, QOS, DAD

    1. Connery 2. Craig 3. Brosnan 4. Dalton 5. Lazenby 6. Moore
  • The Wicker ManThe Wicker Man EnglandPosts: 434MI6 Agent
    Dr No's introduction is hard to beat. It is helped by the build up creating this mysterious figure Dr No, so we wait anxiously to see this man and when we do it doesn't disappoint.
    Largo's introduction is brilliant especially his lack of emotion at that death by electric chair. I would at the very least have checked to see if mine was plugged in or not! But he barely raises an eyebrow.
    1.ohmss 2.cr 3.frwl 4.ltk 5.gf 6.tswlm 7.sf 8.op 9.tld 10.dn 11.lald 12.tb 13.fyeo 14.ge 15.mr 16.yolt 17.tnd 18.avtak 19.sp 20.twine 21.qos 22.tmwtgg 23.daf 24.dad
  • McmadnessMcmadness Posts: 26MI6 Agent
    Kronsteen's chess scene was pretty good too.

    I thought Renard's reveal in the flames that never die was cool as well.
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  • nafets47nafets47 FloridaPosts: 939MI6 Agent
    I liked Mr. Hinx, kinda "lays it on the table" :))
  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    Dr No's introduction is hard to beat. It is helped by the build up creating this mysterious figure Dr No, so we wait anxiously to see this man and when we do it doesn't disappoint.
    Largo's introduction is brilliant especially his lack of emotion at that death by electric chair. I would at the very least have checked to see if mine was plugged in or not! But he barely raises an eyebrow.

    Yes both have that special something that screams Bondfilm :007) Silva is also right up there.
    Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Red grant has a good intro, being hit with a knuckleduster. But Dr No is hard to beat, Silvas is excellent, I also like le chiffre's.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Red grant has a good intro, being hit with a knuckleduster. But Dr No is hard to beat, Silvas is excellent, I also like le chiffre's.

    Seems like most of the intro's are indeed very good. Perhaps we need a Duff intro thread ;)
    Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    zaphod99 wrote:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Red grant has a good intro, being hit with a knuckleduster. But Dr No is hard to beat, Silvas is excellent, I also like le chiffre's.

    Seems like most of the intro's are indeed very good. Perhaps we need a Duff intro thread ;)
    Dominic greene stamping patterns on a roll of paper with a erm stamp :)
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Unloved SeasonUnloved Season Denton, TexasPosts: 48MI6 Agent
    Chula wrote:
    Come on, the most iconic and memorable villain intro is Blofeld in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. A whole damn film series came about because of it!

    twice-blofeld.jpg

    Maybe the whole damn Austin Powers film series.
  • walther p99walther p99 NJPosts: 3,416MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    zaphod99 wrote:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Red grant has a good intro, being hit with a knuckleduster. But Dr No is hard to beat, Silvas is excellent, I also like le chiffre's.

    Seems like most of the intro's are indeed very good. Perhaps we need a Duff intro thread ;)
    Dominic greene stamping patterns on a roll of paper with a erm stamp :)
    Just realized that was his character's intro :))
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    zaphod99 wrote:

    Seems like most of the intro's are indeed very good. Perhaps we need a Duff intro thread ;)
    Dominic greene stamping patterns on a roll of paper with a erm stamp :)
    Just realized that was his character's intro :))

    Thankfully it gets better with his story about the iron and giving camille to the colonel. Greene is a good villain.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • KucherovKucherov ChinaPosts: 25MI6 Agent
    Chula wrote:
    Come on, the most iconic and memorable villain intro is Blofeld in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. A whole damn film series came about because of it!

    twice-blofeld.jpg

    Maybe the whole damn Austin Powers film series.

    Precisely. Is this supposed to be a GOOD thing?
    -{
  • GoldenEye85GoldenEye85 Posts: 278MI6 Agent
    ^

    Yes it is! I love the Austin Powers movies, although I gave up waiting on number 4. Having watched these movies before seeing You Only Live Twice, I laughed so hard seeing Blofeld in this movie as he looked so off.

    Silva's intro was definitely a good one. Coming down the elevator at the opposite end of the room and his island rat extermination explanation was particularly interesting.

    GoldenEye for sure!

    Live and Let Die Mr. Big: names is for tombstones baby! Quite revealing as Kananga rips off his mask.
    1, GE 2, CR 3, SF 4, TWINE 5, Spectre 6, TMWTGG 7, DAD 8, LALD 9, AVTAK 10, LTK 11, Octopussy 12, Moonraker 13, TLD 14, GF 15, QOS 16, Tomorrow 17, FYEO 18. TSWLM Not seen much: Dr. No, Russia, Thunderball, Twice, Majesty.

    1: Brosnan 2: Craig 3: Moore 4: Dalton 5: Connery and 6: Lazenby
  • lueth2048lueth2048 Posts: 120MI6 Agent
    I love Largo's intro. Parks in a restricted spot. Intimidates a cop. Walks directly in the path of an oncoming car forcing the driver to hit the brakes. Walks through FIRCO like a benign and respected CEO.
  • lueth2048lueth2048 Posts: 120MI6 Agent
    Another favorite intro of mine happened at a screening of FRWL about 20 years ago. When Blofeld was first shown holding his cat, a six year old kid sitting front of me blurted out 'They stole that from Austin Powers!' The theater erupted with laughter and the kid's father could hardly get the words out that Austin Powers actually stole it from these movies.
  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    lueth2048 wrote:
    I love Largo's intro. Parks in a restricted spot. Intimidates a cop. Walks directly in the path of an oncoming car forcing the driver to hit the brakes. Walks through FIRCO like a benign and respected CEO.

    Thanks for reminding me. I love that about AJB that others will draw attention to gems that have been overlooked (at least by me)
    Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
  • welshguy34welshguy34 Posts: 219MI6 Agent
    Dr No's introduction for me is still the best.
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