AJB live commentary on TND (Page 1 of 17)

I'm In 

Looking forward to this. I've always enjoyed Roger Spottiswoode's entry for the series as an exuberant revival of the spirit of the Lewis Gilbert 'action spectaculars'. The sub-plot about Paris aside, it's largely a 'revenge'-free, old-fashioned mission-oriented story, too.

It's frustrating to read that negotiations with John Barry to score this film fell through when MGM/UA vetoed Barry writing the theme song. That was a red line for Barry: and who can blame him? As it is, we have David Arnold, a card-carrying Barry fan, hot off the heels of his 'Shaken and Stirred' covers and clearly exhilarated by the opportunity to score a Bond film...

It really is a very solid film.  It just lacks that 'it' factor to make it a top tier effort, probably due to the fact that most of the action sequences lack a certain oomph to them.

By the way: if you've never seen it, Spottiswoode delivered a very solid thriller with SHOOT TO KILL back in 1988 that is definitely worth seeking out.  Go in blind if you've never seen it and don't spoil the reveal of who the killer is.

Thanks for the recommendation, there...

We may end up debating the oomph factor in TND because I think it has it!  My only qualm is the one I had with GE: I don't really engage with Bond as machine-gun toting. As a traditionalist, I prefer it when he just uses a pistol, or his fists, in personal combat (though I know Lazenby had made some use of a machine gun during the climax of OHMSS and Roger Moore during the climax of TSWLM).

I kind of know what you mean, but I think the pre-titles and the car park chase are two of the best action sequences in the whole series.

I think this one is Pierce's best.

Will do:-)

Good story 

Yes, she's fantastic. One of the all-time best Bond women.

For me, Brosnan is the weakest Bond of all. He always struck me as someone who was pretending to be Bond rather than playing the part. TND is the by far the best of his reign, the story is “proper” Bond, the locations are great, the action is good, the villain is old school madness and Michelle is gorgeous. With all this,  I can overlook Brosnan’s shortcomings - it’s an enjoyable romp and I always enjoy watching it.

Much like you, I listened to some of the video game soundtrack and thought "Nah...". I think, though, you'll enjoy the "other" OST. Hang on to the first one, however. You'll need it for the lang song, Moby, and the cues "Station Break". And Sheryl Crow for completeness.

Bloke on the backseat:

So, many may know the feeling being "The Bond Guy" for friends and family and with me it's no exception.
My friend Philipp's dad works as a TV Producer and has quite a standing in Germany.

One of his friends is Mr. Gütersloh, who happened to be the location manager for TND for everything that happened in Hamburg.
I knew quite early, that shootings will happen in Hamburg and of course communicated interest in being a statist to my friend.

So, one day, I have received a phonecall from a Mr. Gütersloh (at that time, we communictaed via telephone.....). He introduced himself and told me that his friend told him to hire me as an extra - if he wouldn't do it, he'd cancel his friendship and will not forward him any more business     

Of course, I accepted and thanked my friends dad for the " recommendation".

When I knew the shooting date, I went to my boss and told him, that I'd need 3 days off - if I wouldn't get them, I'd resign.
He asked what the matter was and being "The Bond Guy" in the company, he gladly accepted.

So, the 1st day, I arrived earlier, registered with my name and the guy said: "So you are the famous Mr. Higgins. Mr. Guetersloh told me, that I must accept you - no matter what - so I am glad to get to know you".

I was guided into a wardrobe, and a huge guy with weird blonde hair went before me - and I've been given a dress shirt, a jacket with "C" logo and a weirdly coloured tie.

We have been at least 100 extras, all cramped in a big salon in the Atlantic Hotel and where divided in group red, group blue and so on.
We later found out, that they used this system to avoid that the same extra could be seen at different places.
So, it was clear, when your group was called, you wouldn't be called again.

I've waited the entire morning - lunch was given at the IBIS hotel on the opposite side of the street - noones knew, that Stamper was on the roof of the IBIS hotel at that time.

The in the afternoon, I was called and asked if I can drive.
I was then seated behind the wheel of one of the 2 Mercedes Cars (I don't recall, if it was the blue one or the black, but will find out tonight.
I waited for a long time as they where shooting Pierce walking down the street to the hotel entrance - maybe 15 times and I could wach all this thru the car window.
Then suddenly another guy came - another extra and by error entered the front, where I was seated.
The film guy realized, that there was already a driver in the car and asked me to move to the other Merc where a driver was already and a passenger, so I was moved on the backseat.

I was a bit unhappy as I knew that my chances would be slim to be seen in the movie, but what can you do!

We shot the scene where the cars pulled out and drove away maybe 10 times and then we had to sit and wait again in the big salon.

The next morning, I came back, sat in the salon for many more hours and before lunch it has been announced that the shooting has been wrapped due to bad weather and also the next day was cancelled.

I've received 2 days full pay and one day half or so, so in the end, I've received 135 Deutschmarks for a wonderful experience.

When you watch the movie tonight, only one of the Mercs has a rear passenger and that would be me.

Last edited by Higgins (22nd May 2020 21:21)

As Algernon says to Bond in NSNA

"Lucky bleedin' you!"