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Comments
Perfect surmise of the 'Should Bond have a TV?' question.
The answer is no. Can't imagine him watching telly (maybe a bit of F1 at a pinch) nor can I imagine him watching any DVDs so no he wouldn't have one. It's only there for the M plot point (and so Sony can say 'Look Bond watches a 50 inch 4K').
Jammy dodgers, surely?
Nor does he watch Loose Women. Although I heard he's very fond of Jaffa Cakes.
The more emotional Bond films for me are OHMSS, QOS or SP.
FRWL, FYEO, TLD, CR, SP
Emotionally engaging:
FRWL, OHMSS, TSWLM, GE, QOS, SP
Pure brainless fun:
DAF, LALD, MR, AVTAK, DAD
Gritty, serious:
DN, LTK, TWINE, SF
It was interesting to watch Bond's experience alongside Gogol develop throughout that period in the series as each of the film's plots carried out and sometimes involved both of their interests colliding. Sometimes they butted heads and had different goals, but they could also work together in a compromising sort of way and exuded a sort of gentlemanliness that garnered each other's respect. This was all very reminiscent to me of Reagan and Gorbachev's relationship from the same sort of time, as they were two men from countries that shouldn't have been getting along as well as they were who made great change together and influenced dramatic policy changes that shaped the world thereafter.
Obviously Gogol wasn't in the necessary governmental position of power to manage a similar sort of influence as in that example from history, but I've always loved how his character developed over the series when he did appear, and how he and Bond navigated each other as two powerful and resourceful but ultimately respectable men in a very dangerous business.
Gogol's character effectively un-demonized the rough Russians and presented a "peace not war" mentality to Bond and his colleagues that showcased the shadowy and ominous sounding USSR in a totally new light, a vision unfettered by western propaganda and antiquated ideas about the nation.
Gogol doesn't seem to be as praised a character as he should be, but he's always been one I've been fascinated by, and he's far and away one of the crown jewels of the Moore era in all that EON dared to do with him, played brilliantly by Walter Gotell.
I actually cannot agree... Where the hell is SP intelectually engaging? I probably missed that part. The script has no interesting storyline, there are absolutely no plot twists or surprising elements. Tell me at least one interedting or memorable character in that film...
On the other hand, I wouldn't call AVTAK brainless fun. It is not even an extremely funny film. It is in fact one of the few films where Bond is actually disgusted by the villain and shows this. After the death of Tibbitt Bond actually becomes very serious despite some silly moments. It is actually one of the few times when you see a development in Bond's emotions.
I tried to put them into one or the other category. Not one belongs solely into a single category.
AVTAK is pure brainless fun in many places, but yes, there are the more serious moments and Zorin is quite the ruthless psychopath.
As for SP, if you can't find one memorable character in the movie, then it's best not to discuss it at all I guess. That's fine.
@obrady: how old are you? I've been reading your posts for quite some time and I truly find your meditations incredibly insightful and caring to the character. You're eloquent, passionate and intelligent.
You nailed my own feelings for General Gogol, as well as the parallels with Reagan and Gorbachev. I was born in the 70s, but grew up in the 80s where I was more cognizant of geo-political strife. Moore's latter films (including the flawed AVTAK), are my favourites from his era, and much has to do with the "contemporary" parallels of the time.
Thanks OBrady. Keep writing.
I will just agree with that guy although CR has it both ways.
@Brady, I had a feeling you were a pup. You write like you have an old soul, my friend. Keep it going!
Better than Craig and Eva and better than Tim and Mariam.
You really FEEL the intimacy and affection.
@peter, if I had a penny for every time I've heard or felt that, I'd be a rich man. I wear my old soul proudly though, and I thank you again for your kind words. I'll most certainly keep on a writin'; it's one of the only things that drives me.
FRWL, YOLT, OHMSS, LALD, TSWLM, FYEO, OP, TLD, GE, TMND, TWINE, (CR) QOS, Skyfall (SP)
From those QOS, TMND, LALD, FRWL and OHMSS the moost.
Emotionally engaging:
FRWL, YOLT, OHMSS, TMWTGG, TSWLM, MR, FYEO, OP, TLD, LTK, GE, TMND, TWINE, (DAD,CR), QOS (Skyfall, SP).
Hate is also emotionally and that;s what i feel after DAD and with CR inspecialy. QOS is very intellectually movie with high level of emotionally thinking.
Don't know where to at: DR NO, GF, TB, DAF, AVTAK.
He he.
@CommanderRoss, one of my favorite moments in the franchise is Gogol's reaction to the destruction of the ATAC. Many men in his position in such a bloodthirsty business would fire upon Bond with furious anger, but instead he treats the instance as a return to the regular status quo between the KGB and MI6. I imagine him thinking in his head, "You don't have the power, and I don't have the power, Mr. Bond. Once again, we are equals."
Such a great and complex character.
Yep, absolutely! And we're not alone:
http://jamesbond.wikia.com/wiki/Anatol_Alexis_Gogol
Love him in Octopussy too. But the ATAC one does stand out.
I know that in TLD Gogol was originally going to be the man Bond fake assassinates, but that then had to be given to Pushkin when Gotell's health made him unable to be a part of it. That would've been fantastic to see, just for how shocking it would be to see everyone react to Bond shooting an old ally before the plot behind it all is revealed.
I like that the last image we get of Gogol is him enjoying some nice music with Bond and the rest of his colleagues at TLD's end. A peaceful and friendly finish for a character who was always so peaceful and friendly himself.