326 Reply by Barbel

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

We had fun rewriting this film in the Shakespeare style- http://www.ajb007.co.uk/post/867472/#p867472  I hope you enjoy it.

327 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Have we decided what to watch next?

328 Reply by Higgins

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

I have forgotten somehow how good More in LALD really is!

Thanks for following along, guys.
James bond will return

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-------Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!------

Higgins's Website

329 Reply by Gymkata

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Number24 wrote:
Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:

This is one of the best end shots of any Bond film. Baron Samedi laughing.

agreed!

https://i.gifer.com/5JSD.gif

Is the Baron the only supernatural character in a Bond film?

I'd argue that Solitaire is also supernatural (or at the very least has supernatural abilities).

Also, I'd also argue that Jaws is semi-supernatural considering his uncanny ability to survive.

Current rankings:
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>YOLT>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>OP>DN>
TWINE>TND>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton

330 Reply by Barbel

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

It's about the only relatively early James Bond film where I didn't mind the  absence of John Barry at all. George Martin did a great job, and of course Paul McCartney did too.

331 Reply by Barbel

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Number24 wrote:

Have we decided what to watch next?

Higgins is in charge

332 Reply by Gymkata

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.  It's ok (and probably merits a higher position in my rankings) but Moore just feels completely off in this one.  I mean, he's competent and acquits himself well as an actor, but he doesn't feel like he's figured out Bond yet.  As such, he plays the character in a way that just doesn't feel right.  He feels better in the role in TMWTGG to me, even though that film has other issues.  It really isn't until TSWLM that he feels like Bond and feels like a legitimate spy out there saving the world.

Current rankings:
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>YOLT>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>OP>DN>
TWINE>TND>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton

333 Reply by Thunderbird 2

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Still scares me how much Jane Seymour looks so much like my late Mum at that time.
(I first saw LALD in the early Eighties, when I was about 7, maybe 8?

This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?

334 Reply by Shady Tree

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:
Gymkata wrote:

agreed!

https://i.gifer.com/5JSD.gif

Is the Baron the only supernatural character in a Bond film?

I'd argue that Solitaire is also supernatural (or at the very least has supernatural abilities).

Also, I'd also argue that Jaws is semi-supernatural considering his uncanny ability to survive.

I have mixed feelings about that final shot. It's a memorable image, and it made an impression on me as a kid. Apparently the film-makers were considering bringing Geoffrey Holder back for another Bond, so wanted to imply that Samedi somehow survived. It's a 'breaking the fourth wall' moment, but it also (as with Solitaire) suggests - flippantly - that there is indeed a supernatural level of reality at play in the film. My feelings are mixed because at a literal level that would be at odds with the Bond genre as a whole.

Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 50 years.

335 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:
Gymkata wrote:

agreed!

https://i.gifer.com/5JSD.gif

Is the Baron the only supernatural character in a Bond film?

I'd argue that Solitaire is also supernatural (or at the very least has supernatural abilities).

Also, I'd also argue that Jaws is semi-supernatural considering his uncanny ability to survive.

You're right

336 Reply by Thunderbird 2

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Shady Tree wrote:
Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:

Is the Baron the only supernatural character in a Bond film?

I'd argue that Solitaire is also supernatural (or at the very least has supernatural abilities).

Also, I'd also argue that Jaws is semi-supernatural considering his uncanny ability to survive.

I have mixed feelings about that final shot. It's a memorable image, and it made an impression on me as a kid. Apparently the film-makers were considering bringing Geoffrey Holder back for another Bond, so wanted to imply that Samedi somehow survived. It's a 'breaking the fourth wall' moment, but it also (as with Solitaire) suggests - flippantly - that there is indeed a supernatural level of reality at play in the film. My feelings are mixed because at a literal level that would be at odds with the Bond genre as a whole.

Shady Tree, if I have “Mr Ha Ha Ha Hur” knightmares tonight I’m blaming You!

Jaws wasn’t supernatural, just a human tank! Bond said it himself
“Gorilla must have his teeth fixed by a riveter!”

Last edited by Thunderbird 2 (11th May 2020 21:26)

This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?

337 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.  It's ok (and probably merits a higher position in my rankings) but Moore just feels completely off in this one.  I mean, he's competent and acquits himself well as an actor, but he doesn't feel like he's figured out Bond yet.  As such, he plays the character in a way that just doesn't feel right.  He feels better in the role in TMWTGG to me, even though that film has other issues.  It really isn't until TSWLM that he feels like Bond and feels like a legitimate spy out there saving the world.

As I have mentioned earlier I think LALD gets a lot better just after Bond is taken to the crocodile farm. I think Moore is good in this one. His two major drawbacks, not being great at physical scenes and using too broad humor, isn't a problem here.

338 Reply by Shady Tree

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.  It's ok (and probably merits a higher position in my rankings) but Moore just feels completely off in this one.  I mean, he's competent and acquits himself well as an actor, but he doesn't feel like he's figured out Bond yet.  As such, he plays the character in a way that just doesn't feel right.  He feels better in the role in TMWTGG to me, even though that film has other issues.  It really isn't until TSWLM that he feels like Bond and feels like a legitimate spy out there saving the world.

That's an interesting debate. I personally prefer Moore in LALD than in TSWLM (though he's also good in that.) Moore's 'nasty' moments with Rosie, and with Andrea in TMWTGG, are difficult to take, but overall, in the Hamilton films, Moore successfully blends humour and dramatic acting with the application of an actor who knows he's taken on the immense challenge of following on directly after Connery.

Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 50 years.

339 Reply by Shady Tree

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Thunderbird 2 wrote:
Shady Tree wrote:
Gymkata wrote:

I'd argue that Solitaire is also supernatural (or at the very least has supernatural abilities).

Also, I'd also argue that Jaws is semi-supernatural considering his uncanny ability to survive.

I have mixed feelings about that final shot. It's a memorable image, and it made an impression on me as a kid. Apparently the film-makers were considering bringing Geoffrey Holder back for another Bond, so wanted to imply that Samedi somehow survived. It's a 'breaking the fourth wall' moment, but it also (as with Solitaire) suggests - flippantly - that there is indeed a supernatural level of reality at play in the film. My feelings are mixed because at a literal level that would be at odds with the Bond genre as a whole.

Shady Tree, if I have “Mr Ha Ha Ha Hur” knightmares tonight I’m blaming You!

Jaws wasn’t supernatural, just a human tank! Bond said it himself
“Gorilla must have his teeth fixed by a riveter!”

ajb007/lol  ajb007/lol  ajb007/lol

Critics and material I don't need. I haven't changed my act in 50 years.

340 Reply by caractacus potts

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

good work fellow agents, you have saved the world once again!

Barbel wrote:

Everyone knows the story of George Martin playing this song to Harry Saltzman? Harry thought it was a demo and began wondering which current female singer could do it. Martin had to gently point out that Paul McCartney doesn’t do demos (!), and that if he didn’t get to sing it then Harry would not get the song.

is this true?
On Anthology III there's a version of Come and Get It, which was later recorded and released by Badfinger.
Was this Anthology track not a demo for another artist, or was it actually meant for a Beatles album but abandoned?

anyway I wouldn't want Paul to not have sung this title track, it's both one of the best James Bond themes ever and one of the best Paul solo songs ever.
And I like the way it reappears midfilm sung more soul-style by B. J. Arnau, as it should sound in-universe. So we get both options.

I think this is the only time we see James Bond listening and reacting to one of his own theme-songs, a bit of fourth wall breaking.

341 Reply by caractacus potts

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.  It's ok (and probably merits a higher position in my rankings) but Moore just feels completely off in this one.  I mean, he's competent and acquits himself well as an actor, but he doesn't feel like he's figured out Bond yet.  As such, he plays the character in a way that just doesn't feel right.  He feels better in the role in TMWTGG to me, even though that film has other issues.  It really isn't until TSWLM that he feels like Bond and feels like a legitimate spy out there saving the world.

Its been a while since I saw ...Golden Gun, but I think in his second film Moore's already playing Bond tuff-er, and not so posh, compared to how he's playing the character in this film.

Lines like "I shan't be long" and all the affectations with the espresso machine and the shaving kit, he only really did in this film.

and though his Simon Templar was a man of good manners and fine tastes, he played that character much tuff-er than the version of Bond we see in this film.

342 Reply by Barbel

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

George Martin says it's true. And it fits well with John Barry's comments on Saltzman.

343 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

caractacus potts wrote:
Gymkata wrote:

I guess I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.  It's ok (and probably merits a higher position in my rankings) but Moore just feels completely off in this one.  I mean, he's competent and acquits himself well as an actor, but he doesn't feel like he's figured out Bond yet.  As such, he plays the character in a way that just doesn't feel right.  He feels better in the role in TMWTGG to me, even though that film has other issues.  It really isn't until TSWLM that he feels like Bond and feels like a legitimate spy out there saving the world.

Its been a while since I saw ...Golden Gun, but I think in his second film Moore's already playing Bond tuff-er, and not so posh, compared to how he's playing the character in this film.

Lines like "I shan't be long" and all the affectations with the espresso machine and the shaving kit, he only really did in this film.

and though his Simon Templar was a man of good manners and fine tastes, he played that character much tuff-er than the version of Bond we see in this film.

I think he plays it Bond pretty though in LALD compared to his other Bond films.

Higgins: On Friday I think we should watch one of Moore's last Bonds, such as OP or AVTAK. For contrast and variety.

344 Reply by Higgins

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Higgins wrote:

Moore not wearing Rolex here!

https://share-your-photo.com/img/74dcc26ab6.jpg

https://share-your-photo.com/img/55d945713b.jpg

President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

-------Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!------

Higgins's Website

345 Reply by Higgins

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

https://share-your-photo.com/img/6e71149025.jpg

President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

-------Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!------

Higgins's Website

346 Reply by Napoleon Plural

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Nice watch shot. Macca has confirmed that they thought it was a demo when they first heard it. He did demos of sorts back in the day, I mean any first take Beatles track is a kind of demo, he did stuff for other female singers like Cilla Black, Mary Hopkins and so on.

It's been said the closing shot of Baron Samedi was a sop to the black audience, a kind of gesture make of that what you will. The role of blacks in the Bonds can be tricky - if they are the main villain then it's white State law enforcer beats up/shoots black guy -hardly escapism for many black Americans today. If they are Bond's squeeze then it's white colonial enforcer beds black babe then dumps her, or she gets killed - so black actors in Bond films tend to pop up as long-term allies hence Leiter and Moneypenny I suppose.

"This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

Roger Moore 1927-2017

347 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Black Bond girls hasn't worked out very well so far. Rosie in LALD was dumb, incompetent and died. Jinx was …. Jinx. If we include May Day and the new Moneypenny it gets better. May Day was cool and died a heroic death. If we asume Bond and Moneypenny slept together after the shaving scene in SF (I think so), she the big sucess story since she survives and is shown in a positive light (other than shooting Bond  ajb007/lol )

348 Reply by Gymkata

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Number24 wrote:

Black Bond girls hasn't worked out very well so far. Rosie in LALD was dumb, incompetent and died. Jinx was …. Jinx. If we include May Day and the new Moneypenny it gets better. May Day was cool and died a heroic death. If we asume Bond and Moneypenny slept together after the shaving scene in SF (I think so), she the big sucess story since she survives and is shown in a positive light (other than shooting Bond  ajb007/lol )

You forgot Thumper.

Current rankings:
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>YOLT>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>OP>DN>
TWINE>TND>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton

349 Reply by Number24

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:

Black Bond girls hasn't worked out very well so far. Rosie in LALD was dumb, incompetent and died. Jinx was …. Jinx. If we include May Day and the new Moneypenny it gets better. May Day was cool and died a heroic death. If we asume Bond and Moneypenny slept together after the shaving scene in SF (I think so), she the big sucess story since she survives and is shown in a positive light (other than shooting Bond  ajb007/lol )

You forgot Thumper.

Not really. I included just the ones Bond (probably) slept with.

350 Reply by Gymkata

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Re: AJB live commentary on LALD

Number24 wrote:
Gymkata wrote:
Number24 wrote:

Black Bond girls hasn't worked out very well so far. Rosie in LALD was dumb, incompetent and died. Jinx was …. Jinx. If we include May Day and the new Moneypenny it gets better. May Day was cool and died a heroic death. If we asume Bond and Moneypenny slept together after the shaving scene in SF (I think so), she the big sucess story since she survives and is shown in a positive light (other than shooting Bond  ajb007/lol )

You forgot Thumper.

Not really. I included just the ones Bond (probably) slept with.

ok.

Current rankings:
OHMSS>FRWL>CR>TSWLM>YOLT>MR>SF>FYEO>GE>OP>DN>
TWINE>TND>QOS>TB>TMWTGG>GF>LALD>TLD>AVTAK>SP>DAF>LTK>DAD
Bond rankings: Lazenby>Moore>Connery>Craig>Brosnan>Dalton