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However, one thing I'm pretty bad at talking about is myself!
Is that all you had time for before Grant arrived, or is there more?
1.) How did you become interested in James Bond?
My interest in the Bond films started as a teenager, which in the midst of the Roger Moore era. Moonraker was the first Bond film I saw in the theatres. It was the action and the risqué humor that captured my attention. As time passed and when video rentals became accessible, I was able to watch all of the Bond films. I had a greater appreciation for the series when I saw the earlier Connery films. Bond’s return in GoldenEye and Casino Royale were amongst my favorite cinematic experiences.
I do have one funny story to share. I hadn’t quite left the nest yet when Octopussy came out. My mom almost stopped me from seeing Octopussy because she thought it was a “dirty movie” (porn film). Like that would stop me.
2.) Of course with any high points in the series, we all have a low point. What are some of the low points for you in the EON series of James Bond films? Also, why do you feel that way?
I think the low point was during the Dalton Era when EON was financially struggling and the end of the Brosnan Era. In no way do I blame Dalton for the lull of the late 80s. Dalton was under appreciated by the mainstream audience and for whatever reason, just didn’t connect with Dalton. It also didn’t help that 1989 was a banner year in cinematic films.
Brosnan, to his credit, did the best with the cards that he had been dealt. Other than GoldenEye, his other films were just stinkers.
3.) With SP just months away, tell us about your enthusiasm for it: have you followed production every step of the way, or are you still in the dark about things? What're you excited for and what aren't you looking forward to?
SPECTRE cannot be released in the States soon enough for me. I’m looking forward to SPECTRE’s release more than I was with Skyfall. What excited me the most about SPECTRE was that Christoph Waltz was cast to play the lead villain. I loved him in Inglorious Basterds. If Waltz’s character in SPECTRE is anything like his Nazi character in Inglorious Basterds, SPECTRE is going to be among the classics. I try to minimize learning about aspects of SPECTRE other than what is publicly released prior to the film’s release. I did not look at the leaked script.
4.) What are your thoughts on Sam Mendes returning for SP? This is the first time (since John Glen) that a director has returned to direct back to back Bond films.
I think Mendes did a bang up job in Skyfall and was glad to hear that he is returning for SPECTRE. Mendes does an excellent job in character development, such as with Moneypenny in Skyfall. I expect that to continue with SPECTRE.
5.) What would you like to see story wise with Bond 25? And what more do you think Daniel Craig can bring to the role?
I’m kind of hoping they continue the Blofeld storyline in Bond 25. I know there’s rumblings of this being Craig’s last Bond film, but I would like SPECTRE to not be Daniel’s swan song. I wouldn’t mind seeing further character development with M, Q and Tanner.
6.) What are your thoughts on each of the actors to play Bond? Also, who is your favorite? Least favorite?
Let’s rank them.
1. Connery – The original and the writer of the Bond character blueprints. I didn’t like that he became a parody of himself at the end, but his first four films stand the test of time for the Bond character.
2. Craig – He proved that dirty blondes can be Bond in Casino Royale. Daniel may yet move into my #1 spot depending on how SPECTRE turns out.
3. Dalton – Timothy deserved a better legacy. His two films, particularly The Living Daylights was as close to perfection to Fleming’s Bond as we got.
4. Moore – Definitely the best person that played Bond. Despite the lighter tone of Bond, Roger could still bring a badass side out (TMWTGG, kicking Locke’s car off the cliff. Unfortunately did not age well with the role.
5. Brosnan – Looked the part and did quite well for himself in GoldenEye. Unfortunately for Pierce. Did the best with what he was dealt with in the preceding three films.
6. Lazenby – Great in the action scenes and with Tracy’s death scene. Would have preferred to see him in Diamonds are Forever over Connery.
7.) What is your absolute favorite Bond film and why? What is your least favorite and why does it sit at the bottom of your ranking?
Favorite: Casino Royale – A masterful job in modernizing Ian’s first novel. When I saw the African Rundown scene, Holy S**t I said to myself in the theatre. My mind was blown away. It was at that moment when I knew Casino Royale would be great and that the franchise had moved on from that DAD drivel. The chemistry between Craig and Eva Green was the best of any Bond/Bond Girl dynamic done. A solid cast all around. Not really a glaring flaw to be found in CR.
Least Favorite: Die Another Day – What is there that hasn’t already been panned about DAD. It actually started out promising, but then became utter nonsense. Horrible acting, script and CGI brought it to depths lower than the Earth’s core below the Marianas Trench.
8.) What are some of your thoughts on the other areas of Bond: Favorite novel? Favorite games? Favorite song and soundtrack?
Novel: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – The film was true to the novel. Fleming captured the joy in Bond chasing the one, stopping Blofeld, marrying Tracy, only to crash to sheer heartbreak when Tracy is murdered shortly after the wedding perfectly.
Games: Never really played any of the Bond games. I heard GoldenEye was excellent. For those of you from the 80s generation, do you remember an arcade game called Sly Spy? Many elements of the Bond franchise were included. I don’t mind telling you I spent a lot of quarters on that game.
Song: John Barry’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. I could hear that song on loop for the rest of my life and I would not be driven mad by the repetition.
Soundtrack: Let’s stick with OHMSS. Throw in one of the greatest voices of all time, Louis Armstrong with John Barry’s brilliant instrumentals and you have a terrific one-two soundtrack punch that can’t be matched.
9.) What are your favorite aspects of the Bond film series? And if you were able to bring something to the films/character what would you add to the series if you could? Or, rather, what would you bring back that we haven't seen in a while?
For me, it’s the action, Bond’s interaction with the ladies and light humor that keeps me captivated.
I would like to see the continuation of the character development. We all know the characters, but how did they get to where they are and why did they choose their current paths. We got it with Moneypenny and there’s still a lot we need to learn about Bond. This is part of the reason why I believe the Craig Era has been so successful.
I would like to see a formidable henchman return to the series. Hopefully we’ll get it with David Bautista in SPECTRE.
10.) If you could put yourself in one Bond film, which film would it be and why is that?
I mentioned this in the thread a while ago, but it would be Thunderball. My time at the health spa would be a lot more enjoyable with Pat. I would get to dance with danger with Fiona. And I would also enjoy watersports with Domino. Not to mention staring down Largo during baccarat, swimming with the sharks, wild boat rides and some deep sea diving.
Obviously I’m not going to say From Russia With Love for the simple fact that Kerim doesn’t make it to the end of the film.
I'm curious to read the rest of @Kerim's interview. Perhaps he can tell us about the salt mines! Or maybe not ;)
By the way, I'm also available for an interview if anyone is interested :)
What utter nonsense. I cannot believe I wasted time reading that...is what I'd say if this was from some one on the watching grass grow and viewing paint dry forum that I may or may not also be a member of.
Wow @Kerim, you really have led a particularly fascinating life. And I'm more than happy to hear about it. Can't wait for the next Q & A's.
Just let me get changed into my favourite jacket.
i can't bring up the name of that movie without getting a giggle from at least one person lol.
For me, it’s the action, Bond’s interaction with the ladies and light humor that keeps me captivated.
All I can say is, for a guy named Kerim, I expected the "action" and "Bond's interaction with the ladies" [so daintily worded, dear Kerim] to be of prime importance.
The appreciation of humor, though ...! Well, coming from a man so dour, somber, truculent, and who never cracks a smile (basically the biggest wet blanket on the forum) - I was a tad surprised.
NOT.
So yes, you can just flip what I said about you and humor upside down and you've got it right. ;)
Also, just to mention that I have a far greater appreciation for Tomorrow Never Dies than you do, @Kerim. I love that film. But I do appreciate what you said about Brosnan's last 3 films being basically crap on a plate, him doing the best he could with the material and co-stars.
EDIT: Up next will be the legendary @DarthDimi! Look for his answers to the first set of questions in the coming days.
"He was buried with work."
In all seriousness, he does manage to drop in and out here and there, I think his private life and occupation probably keep him so bogged down that his free time is spent in other ways, which is totally understandable. Hopefully he returns one day soon so I can continue to interview him.
some people a little better, I know many probably know each other
from being here for years, while us newbies need a little help. ;)
It would certainly be great if we could have this but it might be wishful thinking.