The ROGER MOORE Appreciation thread - Discuss His Life, His Career, His Bond Films

Baltimore_007

Lewis Collins could of worked for For Your Eyes Only, or even The Spy Who Loved Me, but I think Moore was better suited to the former. I sometimes think Moore doesn't quite work for Spy, but as before, Moonraker was Moore, and wouldn't change with anyone else. The same goes for Octopussy - even though as a 55 year old Bond, he was evidently too old for the part, but when you watch again, there are so many great moments and Fleming qualities, he actually proves a success. Unfortunately that was the time to step down, and leave A View to a Kill to someone else, but what's done is done

Thunderfinger

Personally I cannot see anyone else in LALD either, Voodoo and outer space belongs strictly to Moore.

Baltimore_007

Thunderfinger wrote:

Personally I cannot see anyone else in LALD either, Voodoo and outer space belongs strictly to Moore.

I liked the vodoo angle of LALD. It's easily the darkest entry along with License to Kill, and possibly Quantum of Solace, and it's not necessarily the space aspect of things. Any actor that played the part in 1979 wouldn't have made any difference - that is, having James Bond venture into orbit. You look at everything else with those two particular releases, Moore made it work and wouldn't swap with anyone else. You watch the Saint Marks Sqaure whole pigeon nonsense in Venice, and you think to yourself - not matter how stupid it appears - would you rather see anyone else getting involved, and the answer has to be, no

MrBond

Personally i think that Moore did his best performances in his two first Bond-films. He felt most as Bond then, he had a fine balance of all the elements without going overboard on anything. But much of that is due to LALD and TMWTGG which both is two balanced Bond-films.

But i do think that Moore always were better than his respective films.

4EverBonded

I also can't see anyone other than Roger playing Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me.
One of my favorites. I appreciate Roger's Bond a lot, including the fact that he was able to make Bond his own - pretty much saving the series - after Sean.

fjdinardo

Roger Moore saved the franchise. His portray as Bond was a breath of fresh air and gave us something new to the Bond films. I believe had Connery never stopped playing Bond the franchise wouldn't have lasted this long. I think people would have gotten sick of Connerys Bond

MrBond

fjdinardo wrote:

Roger Moore saved the franchise. His portray as Bond was a breath of fresh air and gave us something new to the Bond films. I believe had Connery never stopped playing Bond the franchise wouldn't have lasted this long. I think people would have gotten sick of Connerys Bond

Yes indeed, but during the 80's when the producers had become to secure the series went to static instead, much because Moores and Cubbys good relationship.
One can wonder how the box office results would have been if Moore had been Bond in TLD and LTK too!

fjdinardo

MrBond wrote:

fjdinardo wrote:

Roger Moore saved the franchise. His portray as Bond was a breath of fresh air and gave us something new to the Bond films. I believe had Connery never stopped playing Bond the franchise wouldn't have lasted this long. I think people would have gotten sick of Connerys Bond

Yes indeed, but during the 80's when the producers had become to secure the series went to static instead, much because Moores and Cubbys good relationship.
One can wonder how the box office results would have been if Moore had been Bond in TLD and LTK too!

Those movies probably would have done a little bit better at the box office had Moore done those films, but critics and fans would have hated the TLD & LTK had Moore done those movies cause those 2 films were made for Timothy's Bond. Moore would have been done with Bond after FYEO had Connery didn't do Never Say Never Again, but he needed to come back for OP in order to beat Connery in the box office. Im glad he did OP cause that movie was made for Moores Bond. Now IDK why Moore came back for AVTAK. Im glad he did cause I am one of the few that love AVTAK the way it is, but he didn't need to do AVTAK, OP yes he needed to do that one, but not AVTAK. I guess he did AVTAK as a favor to Cubby. Moore knew his era was up after AVTAK and it was time to move on. And glad he did. If there was one actor that had the perfect run as James Bond it was Roger Moore. I love all his films and wouldn't change anything about them.

MrBond

I'm a firm beliver that the late 80's weren't Bond's age. Regardless of who played Bond, the franchise would have come of as stale in comparision to the other franchises that dominated back then.
EoN sat in a bad position back then, they either had to rejuvenate to keep the franchise fresh in that hard climate or continue with the safe route with Moore.

fjdinardo

MrBond wrote:

I'm a firm beliver that the late 80's weren't Bond's age. Regardless of who played Bond, the franchise would have come of as stale in comparisson to the other franchises that dominated back then.
EoN sat in a bad position back then, they either had to rejuvenate to keep the franchise fresh in that hard climate or continue with the safe route with Moore.

Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and Indiana Jones were the hot action movies in the late 80s

Baltimore_007

fjdinardo wrote:

Roger Moore saved the franchise. His portray as Bond was a breath of fresh air and gave us something new to the Bond films. I believe had Connery never stopped playing Bond the franchise wouldn't have lasted this long. I think people would have gotten sick of Connerys Bond

I wouldn't go as far to say that. Connery in '71, apart, the series had done very well until then, and if not for Lazenbys agent getting involved, George could of carried on after '69 and featured prominently into the next decade and been a good enough success of things. Moore introduced at the right time when he did, but the franchise was hardly in any state of disarray as you may suggest. There was no way Connery also, could have stayed on until now, unless I read things wrong. He got bored of things during You Only Live Twice and only came back one last time because of an astronomical paycheck. I think the only times the series was actually salvaged was when Craig took over from Brosnan, and Brosnan picked things up again in 1995. Of course (and almost forgot to add) the excellent Dalton in '87 with Daylights, after the problems left behind by Moore in his last adventure..

fjdinardo

Baltimore_007 wrote:

fjdinardo wrote:

Roger Moore saved the franchise. His portray as Bond was a breath of fresh air and gave us something new to the Bond films. I believe had Connery never stopped playing Bond the franchise wouldn't have lasted this long. I think people would have gotten sick of Connerys Bond

I wouldn't go as far to say that. Connery in '71, apart, the series had done very well until then, and if not for Lazenbys agent getting involved, George could of carried on after '69 and featured prominently into the next decade and been a good enough success of things. Moore introduced at the right time when he did, but the franchise was hardly in any state of disarray as you may suggest. There was no way Connery also, could have stayed on until now, unless I read things wrong. He got bored of things during You Only Live Twice and only came back one last time because of an astronomical paycheck. I think the only times the series was actually salvaged was when Craig took over from Brosnan, and Brosnan picked things up again in 1995. Of course (and almost forgot to add) the excellent Dalton in '87 with Daylights, after the problems left behind by Moore in his last adventure..

Same argument can be with Moore and TMWTGG. That film did so poor at the box office and it was do or die with TSWLM. If Spy didn't do good at all then the Bond franchise would have probably died. The Spy did do good and more carried the Bond franchise all the way until Daltons Bond almost killed it with LTK.

Baltimore_007

You obviousy mean License to Kill did poorly at the box office on time of release in competition with other movie releases of that summer. Not that Dalton himself was poor, as although LTK isn't that good a release, Dalton gave another outstanding performance not seen since Connery in From Russia With Love. License to Kill is so familar with QOS - a great James Bond and performance - lousy overall release. From a personal standpoint I thought Spy was a very good adventure and it's Moore's favorite of all the ones he featured in. Maybe whatever occured that year, the following release Moonraker was such a big success by cashing in on the Star Wars / space craze of the time as profits demonstrated

The_Reaper

Baltimore_007 wrote:

You obviousy mean License to Kill did poorly at the box office on time of release in competition with other movie releases of that summer. Not that Dalton himself was poor, as although LTK isn't that good a release, Dalton gave another outstanding performance not seen since Connery in From Russia With Love. License to Kill is so familar with QOS - a great James Bond and performance - lousy overall release. From a personal standpoint I thought Spy was a very good adventure and it's Moore's favorite of all the ones he featured in. Maybe whatever occured that year, the following release Moonraker was such a big success by cashing in on the Star Wars / space craze of the time as profits demonstrated

Could not disagree more about LTK. Not to get off topic but it's one of the best of the whole series. It is by far the most Flemingesque of them all and Dalton is most like the Bond of the books in the film. It's awesome!

Moorefan007

Absolutely loved Roger Moore as Bond, its too bad he had to go out with A View to a Kill, I agree he should have retired from the role with Octopussy and yet I still wish he would have done another one. Whenever I watch A View to a Kill I always think its too bad he had to go out on such a bad note, he was just too old. If only he had been cast at a younger age for the part. But still Moore was always entertaining, nobody can ever say his portrayal of the character was dull.

Thunderfinger

NicNac

Re-named this thread to incorporate news items on Sir Rog.

Pajan005

I almost feel like calling Sir Rog for James St. John Smythe.

Pajan005

I like the way he addresses that "he is english". Great actor

SMERSHed

I probably watch Moore's films more often than any of the other's. Part of that is because he made so many but it's also because they are just so enjoyable. While some of his films didn't hit the mark, they always remained entertaining.

What other Bond fought such villains as voodoo heroin dealers, one of the world's greatest assassins, megalomaniacs underwater and in space, Greek smugglers, a rogue Soviet general and exiled Afghan prince, and a Nazi genetic experiment? His films may have ventured into comic book territory but they still remain unique in the Bond cannon.

Long live Sir Roger!

Baltimore_007

I got three Moore films in my top five alone, so that says something about his portrayal of the character. If only Moore had cut out some of the asinine humor from his releases, especially Moonraker and Octopussy, it could of worked so much better. But on occasion he could play it straight, and often when those times arose, there were instances there that I think Fleming would of been proud of

Suivez_ce_parachute

I've just discovered this site and I've only read a few entries, but I can already say IMHO it's very good. He already did all the Bond movies, and now he's going to review "every Roger Moore movie except Spiceworld".

http://theincrediblesuit.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/roger moore

So it turns out Roger Moore did a Jason Bourne movie :) (turning up with amnesia on a beach, after having been hit on a yacht, the story is a bit different after that though)

Thunderfinger

Thanks for that link, parachute.Looks interesting, bookmarking it for later. :)

NicNac

Suivez_ce_parachute wrote:

I've just discovered this site and I've only read a few entries, but I can already say IMHO it's very good. He already did all the Bond movies, and now he's going to review "every Roger Moore movie except Spiceworld".

http://theincrediblesuit.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/roger moore

So it turns out Roger Moore did a Jason Bourne movie :) (turning up with amnesia on a beach, after having been hit on a yacht, the story is a bit different after that though)

I've seen that amnesia film. I think his write up in the blog says it all really.

cooperman2

So glad this thread is here its about time the great man Mr.Moore had some respect for his portrayal of Bond. I have been a fan of Roger for as long as i can remember, from early memories of The Saint to The Persuaders all the way to Bond and beyond. My main point is this. I think the reason the Bond movies are still here today is because of Roger Moore. Because it was him who proved that another actor could take over from Connery and be just as successful and liked. Also he showed that the trick to playing Bond was to be your own man and not be a carbon copy. I am not knocking Lazenby but lets be honest he wasnt well liked at the time, Moore certainly was. Long may he continue.

Craigisnotbond

It's incredible to see Roger Moore still being active at his age. He also maintained his voice - a common thing to go for old people.

Thunderfinger

pachazo

cooperman2 wrote:

I think the reason the Bond movies are still here today is because of Roger Moore. Because it was him who proved that another actor could take over from Connery and be just as successful and liked. Also he showed that the trick to playing Bond was to be your own man and not be a carbon copy.

I feel that this is a point that is not brought up often enough. Sean Connery was James Bond in the eyes of the general public. Filling that void was an unenviable task to say the least. Perhaps climbing Mount Everest is an adequate analogy. Moore has always been a polarizing Bond since his debut in LALD. However, despite all odds, he was able to create his own unique take on the character and become James Bond for a whole new generation.

You could make the argument that given the popularity of the series and the powerful idea behind this secret agent and the world that he lives in that another actor could have done the same and perhaps you wouldn't be wrong. Moore actually accomplished it though and carried this series on his back during some of it's most turbulent times. When the legend himself actually came back to play Bond again in 1983 it was Moore that EON turned to in the "Battle of the Bonds" and EON won.

Without Roger Moore you might never have had your precious Dalton, Brosnan, or Craig. I do not say that in a demeaning way but I think that one must have a certain level of respect for Moore whether or not you connected with his version of Bond. It could have easily ended after Connery but Roger Moore gave life to a series that at times, arguably, had no right to breathe.

Birdleson wrote:

In many ways Moore is closer in line with Fleming's Bond than the others. Obviously not Moore's goofier side and antics, but Fleming's Bond is an erudite Englishman. This is reflected in Moore's demeanor, actions and voice. He can be a cold-blooded killer when necessary, but takes no pleasure in the act of killing. When I read Fleming, the Bond in my head (though not quite so pretty) is nearer to Moore than the rest.

I couldn't agree more. Obviously Moore and the producers went overboard on the slapstick comedy in his era but let's not forget that he was originally considered for the role because he exuded that upper class, old school British gentleman that Fleming had envisioned. Rog could be serious and lethal when called upon but he always struck that perfect balance between the two worlds of gentleman and killer.

DCisared

Thunderfinger wrote:

Mary poppins, what's that!?

NicNac

pachazo wrote:

cooperman2 wrote:

I think the reason the Bond movies are still here today is because of Roger Moore. Because it was him who proved that another actor could take over from Connery and be just as successful and liked. Also he showed that the trick to playing Bond was to be your own man and not be a carbon copy.

I feel that this is a point that is not brought up often enough. Sean Connery was James Bond in the eyes of the general public. Filling that void was an unenviable task to say the least. Perhaps climbing Mount Everest is an adequate analogy. Moore has always been a polarizing Bond since his debut in LALD. However, despite all odds, he was able to create his own unique take on the character and become James Bond for a whole new generation.

You could make the argument that given the popularity of the series and the powerful idea behind this secret agent and the world that he lives in that another actor could have done the same and perhaps you wouldn't be wrong. Moore actually accomplished it though and carried this series on his back during some of it's most turbulent times. When the legend himself actually came back to play Bond again in 1983 it was Moore that EON turned to in the "Battle of the Bonds" and EON won.

Without Roger Moore you might never have had your precious Dalton, Brosnan, or Craig. I do not say that in a demeaning way but I think that one must have a certain level of respect for Moore whether or not you connected with his version of Bond. It could have easily ended after Connery but Roger Moore gave life to a series that at times, arguably, had no right to breathe.

Birdleson wrote:

In many ways Moore is closer in line with Fleming's Bond than the others. Obviously not Moore's goofier side and antics, but Fleming's Bond is an erudite Englishman. This is reflected in Moore's demeanor, actions and voice. He can be a cold-blooded killer when necessary, but takes no pleasure in the act of killing. When I read Fleming, the Bond in my head (though not quite so pretty) is nearer to Moore than the rest.

I couldn't agree more. Obviously Moore and the producers went overboard on the slapstick comedy in his era but let's not forget that he was originally considered for the role because he exuded that upper class, old school British gentleman that Fleming had envisioned. Rog could be serious and lethal when called upon but he always struck that perfect balance between the two worlds of gentleman and killer.

It's a while since I read Casino Royale but one think stuck in my mind - Bond referring to Vesper as 'Darling', a term I can only recall once in the films, when Bond referred to Solitaire and Rosy as such in LALD.

It did back up what @Birdleson says