What kind of Bond fan are you?

Mr MagnussonMr Magnusson Station S - SwedenPosts: 62MI6 Agent
A guy in the swedish forum I come from created a thread like this, so I´m basically copying him. I thought it could be interesting. An added poll would be appreciated.

Group 1: The Fleming (only) fans
Criticise the movies a whole lot. Sometimes they wonder if the even like the movie-007.
They are very critical to Roger Moore, while Dalton is very highly regarded. He is often these fans´ favorite Bond.
Connery is also quite popular. Dr No, FRWL, TLD and LTK are the films that really capture the atmosphere of the books.
OHMSS is also quite common at the top of these fans´ lists, cause it follows the book well, while Lazenby is criticised.
If the filmmakers ignore the books, they will experience the wrath of these fans. These fans don´t like spectacular movies like YOLT and TSWLM, while GF is at most ok. They regard MR, TMWTGG, DAF and DAD as pure nonsense, and movies like LALD, AVTAK and OP are only slightly more popular. Brosnan and his movies are also considered to be of low quality. These fans dislike more movies than any other group. Some of them are not sure of Craig, since Bond is supposed to be more brutal, while there are things in 2006 that are too different from the 1950´s.

Group 2: The liberal Fleming fans
Often share the same opinions as the fans i group 1, but allow more non-Fleming material. Roger Moore is still criticised, but isn´t entirely hated. These fans don´t like the comic approach that the Bond series took in the 1970´s and the dislike for MR and similar movies is still present. This group thinks that copying the books in full detail isn´t a must, but the legacy and the Bond character that Fleming created has to incorporated in the movies. A little humor is allowed and Bond is supposed to be human, not a super hero. These fans think that the style of the movies can variate, as long as Bond remains the same charachter as the one in the books.

Group 3: The conservative Bond fans
These fans might have read Fleming, but they regard the books and movies to be two different things. Bond doesn´t have to be the same man in the movies as in the books. Connery is almost always these fans´ favorite Bond, with Roger Moore at either second place or shared first place. They think that the golden era of Bond from 1962-1987. LTK and Brosnan´s movies are not popular among these fans. The series might have experienced a slight raise in quality since Craig arrived, though. The movies are allowed the be OTT, as long as the standard set by the first three movies is followed. Dalton and Brosnan are not popular among these fans, especially not Dalton.

Group 4: The C/C fans
Connery was the god of Bond and no one has been close to his level, until Craig took over the role. Bond is supposed to be a real man with hair on his chest and impressive physique.

Group 5: The popcorn fans
These are fans, and many cinema goers, who don´t care and sometimes don´t even know about the books at all. They think that a Bond movie is supposed to be a popcorn movie with escapism and Connery, Moore or Brosnan as Bond. Bond is supposed to be played by a star with charisma and charm. Films like GF, TSWLM, OP, GE and sometimes DAD are loved by this group. FRWL is too boring and slow, and Dalton is completely wrong for Bond. Lazenby is more popular, but OHMSS is too slow, long and emotional. This group likes Craig but wants him and his movies to be more elegant.
A Bond movie is not supposed to be too deep, even though one serious scene here and there is ok. These fans are not as conservative as the ones in group 3.

Group 6: A View for one Moore
The Bond fanatics who think that Moore could have kept playing Bond for a while longer. The love for Moore is so strong that no arguments change their minds, not even Moore´s age in his last movies. This group hated Dalton and doesn´t like Craig either. Brosnan and Connery suit them fine, however. These fans think that Roger Moore is perfect as Bond and usually also like GF and TB. They wish that every Bond movie was similar to TSWLM.

Group 7: The diplomatic Moore fans
These are fans, and often former Connery fans, who are ashamed to say that Moore is best. He is a guilty pleasure for them. They say that Connery is just as good, to be on the right side of the law, so to say. But deep down they like Moore the most.

Group 8: A transatlantic 1990´s Bond
A group that emerged during the 1990´s, when GE was released to be exact. These fans love Brosnan and the style of LTK, GE and TND, and to a lesser degree, TWINE and DAD. They like the action aspect of 007 and strong female characters. They don´t care for the older movies, but sometimes think that Dalton is allright. The old movies are old-fashioned and boring, even if they can impress from time to time. Bond is supposed to be tough action with charm in the vein of Die Hard. For this group, GE has achieved legendary status.

Group 9: Bond in darkness
Dalton and Craig are praised due to less amount of love. Connery and Moore are criticized a little.
Brosnan is criticized because it was a Bond for every guy, who doesn't understand Bond idea.
One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Comments

  • Thunderbird 2Thunderbird 2 East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,817MI6 Agent
    Group 10: The 007 completists

    This group are the fans who enjoy all the various aspects of Bond from the original literature through the films and associated media such as games and merchandising. As an eclectic bunch, different aspects will appeal to different members, but they can all see plus and minus points to the various formats within them. Often they may look at the films as common ground, and see different pros and cons with the leading actors. Often they may have a favorite Bond actor, while the others have key plus and minus points that balance them out.

    This group are often creative too, - drawing, making models, writing, replicating Bonds taste in clothing and food. This can even expand to decor and holiday locations. Unlike the other groups, it often has a big social aspect, reflected in an online community to share these creative ideas, advice and experiences.

    I know which group I'm in!
    This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    It's hard to say which group I fit into - probably a bit of several groups. For example:

    Group 1 - I have only read a few of the novels, but I am very critical of Moore and I regard Dalton very highly.

    Group 2 - I don't really like the comic approach to Bond that characterizes the 70s era, but I don't mind a little humor and agree that Bond should be human, not a superhero.

    Group 3 - The Bond in film doesn't have to be exactly the same as the Bond in the books, and Connery is my favorite by far.

    Group 4 - Craig is very good, but Connery is still the "god of Bond".

    Group 10 - I obviously have a favorite Bond, but I enjoy the others too, and agree that they have "key plus and minus points that balance them out."
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Mr_OsatoMr_Osato Posts: 398MI6 Agent
    I think I am in group 3, but I do regard Brosnan high. However, I think his problem was lack of material. I am in a mixed zone when it comes to Craig. Not a huge fan as such, but I regard him as a good actor.

    I am a massive Connery fan. he is god. B-)
    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
  • ZorinIndustriesZorinIndustries United StatesPosts: 837MI6 Agent
    Group 5 most of all! The various aspects are what make the Bond franchise so important and enjoyable to me; they're unlike any other franchise!


    Great thread by the way :)
    "Better luck next time... slugheads!"

    1. GoldenEye 2. Goldfinger 3. Skyfall 4. OHMSS 5. TWINE
  • DelicatessenInSteelDelicatessenInSteel Posts: 181MI6 Agent
    Hmmm. Group 3/Group 5/Group 7/ Group 10-But not ashamed of Moore he's the best..and I thought Dalton was great cuz he was hilarious..Didn't care for Brosnan after Goldeneye. Craig's got one great movie in CR...
    1.MoonRaker 2.OHMSS 3.LALD 4.OP 5.FYEO 6.DR. NO 7.YOLT 8.LTK 9.CR 10.AVTAK
  • FiremassFiremass AlaskaPosts: 1,910MI6 Agent
    edited July 2013
    I'd have to put myself in Group 5 Popcorn, Group 7 Deep down Roger is the Best, and Group 10 Everything 007 is awesome.

    Although I don't like the term "Popcorn" but prefer "Cinematic Bond fan"
    My current 10 favorite:

    1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
  • BIG TAMBIG TAM Wrexham, North Wales, UK.Posts: 773MI6 Agent
    I'm probably a mix of Groups 3 & 5. And 10!

    If pushed, I like the '60s films best but have a nostalgic fondness for the '70s era.

    The '80s films onwards continue to successfully rehash everything that's been done before.

    The current crop from CASINO ROYALE on appear the most radical departure from the blueprint. Not a bad thing to keep things fresh.

    I like elements of Fleming to be used where possible but am not a slave to the books.

    I see the books & films as being completely separate entities in the same way as I don't really compare the different actors.

    It's all variations on a theme to me.

    To cut a rambling post short: As long as I'm entertained I'm not too fussed!
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I thought Dalton was great cuz he was hilarious

    Huh??????
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • MooseWithFleasMooseWithFleas Philadelphia, PAPosts: 754MI6 Agent
    I'm in Group 10. I love the diversity and unique character that every film brings. No style or trait is negatively looked upon because it is in the James Bond universe. Any time a Bond film is on, I am smiling. I can view each movie critically and make objective observations about each movie but that doesn't determi nor take away from whether I enjoy the film or not.
  • always shakenalways shaken LondonPosts: 6,287MI6 Agent
    I used to be group 4 until it was changed to G4S :))
    so I have to be, taking inflation into account, Group 10 I luv em all :x
    By the way, did I tell you, I was "Mad"?
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Ages ago on this site, I posed the notion of BonditicsTM, which divided fandom into three basic categories: Flemingist, Cinematic Bond Traditionalist and Bond-Centrist...

    http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/29294/your-bond-party-affiliation/
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    As a fan I am a lone wolf and refuse to be pigeonholed. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Which pretty much pigeonholes you as a Bond-Centrist :p But this is not an exact science :))
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    That's the trouble with lone wolfs, there are so many of us. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    That's the trouble with lone wolfs, there are so many of us. :))

    Haha! Right you are :))
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • DelicatessenInSteelDelicatessenInSteel Posts: 181MI6 Agent
    I thought Dalton was great cuz he was hilarious

    Huh??????

    I thought he was over the top in the acting department..which made him quotable and fun..in other words he was sooooo intense it was funny to me. But I still think he's great even though he has no idea how to say a one liner...which of course makes it even funnier. He's so serious...that..he's not. If you can understand that..love ya Blackleiter :D -{ -{
    1.MoonRaker 2.OHMSS 3.LALD 4.OP 5.FYEO 6.DR. NO 7.YOLT 8.LTK 9.CR 10.AVTAK
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I thought Dalton was great cuz he was hilarious

    Huh??????

    I thought he was over the top in the acting department..which made him quotable and fun..in other words he was sooooo intense it was funny to me. But I still think he's great even though he has no idea how to say a one liner...which of course makes it even funnier. He's so serious...that..he's not. If you can understand that..love ya Blackleiter :D -{ -{

    Now I get it! I don't agree, but I get it. :))
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Mr MagnussonMr Magnusson Station S - SwedenPosts: 62MI6 Agent
    I have always been someone who can fit clearly into "group 2". But since my last re-reading of the Fleming novels i find myself a bit into group 1 too.
    One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    That's the trouble with lone wolfs, there are so many of us. :))
    I'm my own man!

    (is that okay to say? I could edit it to be less confrontational if you want... )
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I too am my own man, and I have my wifes permission to say so. :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • always shakenalways shaken LondonPosts: 6,287MI6 Agent
    I too am my own man, and I have my wifes permission to say so. :))

    :)) :))
    By the way, did I tell you, I was "Mad"?
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    I guess I'm a combo of 2 & 8 with a bit of 5... :s
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • DEFIANT 74205DEFIANT 74205 Perth, AustraliaPosts: 1,881MI6 Agent
    Group 1: The Fleming (only) fans
    Criticise the movies a whole lot. Sometimes they wonder if the even like the movie-007.
    They are very critical to Roger Moore, while Dalton is very highly regarded. He is often these fans´ favorite Bond.
    Connery is also quite popular. Dr No, FRWL, TLD and LTK are the films that really capture the atmosphere of the books.
    OHMSS is also quite common at the top of these fans´ lists, cause it follows the book well, while Lazenby is criticised.
    If the filmmakers ignore the books, they will experience the wrath of these fans. These fans don´t like spectacular movies like YOLT and TSWLM, while GF is at most ok. They regard MR, TMWTGG, DAF and DAD as pure nonsense, and movies like LALD, AVTAK and OP are only slightly more popular. Brosnan and his movies are also considered to be of low quality. These fans dislike more movies than any other group. Some of them are not sure of Craig, since Bond is supposed to be more brutal, while there are things in 2006 that are too different from the 1950´s.

    Group 2: The liberal Fleming fans
    Often share the same opinions as the fans i group 1, but allow more non-Fleming material. Roger Moore is still criticised, but isn´t entirely hated. These fans don´t like the comic approach that the Bond series took in the 1970´s and the dislike for MR and similar movies is still present. This group thinks that copying the books in full detail isn´t a must, but the legacy and the Bond character that Fleming created has to incorporated in the movies. A little humor is allowed and Bond is supposed to be human, not a super hero. These fans think that the style of the movies can variate, as long as Bond remains the same charachter as the one in the books.

    Probably a mixture of these two for me.

    I don't always criticise the movies, but there have been certain elements of Bond which was introduced in the cinematic version of the character, that is contrary to what was written by Fleming, which I found to be a disturbing trend. I dislike The Spy Who Loved Me, and don't see why people fuss over it. It wasn't a well executed film. I rate it 21th out of the 23 Bonds so far, ahead of only Moonraker and Die Another Day. Yep, that's right, I don't like those films either.

    I don't think that Bond should be a period piece, but at the same time, the cinematic portrayal of characters Fleming created should as closely as possible resemble the characters from the novels. Storylines and time settings can change, but the characters should not.
    "Watch the birdie, you bastard!"
  • Bond lifeBond life Posts: 57MI6 Agent
    I'm in group 10 I love everything about the bond franchise I think Sean Connery is the best but dalton is like the books I think every bond was right for their movie and I don't hate any of the bonds
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