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Hopefully it wont be the same this time.
It's my aim not to be slow moving - again, not throwing anyone under the bus, but it only ever stalled because people would take too long of a hiatus or not be able to answer questions for weeks on end.
The first interview is already underway and I'll have it posted by Friday, hopefully.
In that case stick my name on the list then @Creasy47 me olde chum.
I've got you added. I think to make it fair for everyone (since in years past, I'd have whoever I'm interviewing elect the next person to be interviewed), I'll just go down the list I have running on the first page so everyone will inevitably get a turn.
Of course, look forward to reading them.
Benny interviewed me years back, but that was a year or so before SP released I think. It could use an update, maybe I'll do one once everyone else has a go.
1.) So first, tell us a bit about yourself and your life.
Well, as my username brazenly admits; my name is Craig. I'm twenty-six years of age. I'm from Ireland, born and bred in Dublin, but now residing in the countryside. I've been working in media production since I was 15/16. I started off as a Behind The Scenes photographer and slowly worked my way up the ladder, eventually getting into production management and producing. I've had a fairly hectic career thus far – I've produced two indie features and about a half-dozen or so short films. I've also written and directed two of my own shorts (a third is in post-production) and I'm in the middle of getting production going on my feature directorial debut, which I've also written. I have been trying to get it off the ground for about a year now, and things are finally starting to come together. Hopefully 2019 is my year. I studied Film in college, achieving a 1:1 in Film as an Undergrad, and then receiving a First Class Honours in Digital Film Production at a Masters level from UWS. Though, admittedly, I've both learned more from and found more satisfaction in working in the indie film sector. Beyond that, I enjoy working with animal rights charities (my family has been involved in dog rescuing for nearly ten years), walking my own dogs (we have four), sitting in the local pub on a Friday night with my mates beating angry old men at pool, writing, and working out in the gym. I previously competed at a National Level in Powerlifting, but injured myself in September 2017 and haven't competed since, though I still train four or five times a week. That's about it as far as the big things that define me, other than my love for Bond.
2.) How did you become interested in James Bond? Did it begin with the novels, the films, or something else, and what exactly kickstarted your fandom? Also, what inevitably led you to our forums?
You know, I can never pinpoint the exact moment that it all began. However, I can tell you that it definitely stemmed from my Father. I remember my first Bond film on the big screen – TOMORROW NEVER DIES, aged 5. Brosnan was “my” Bond, like many others on the forums. Before that, though, I have fond memories of a VHS copy of GOLDFINGER in my old house in Dublin. Before we made the jump to the countryside, I had four or five go-to movies when it came to weekends and sick-days from school. GOLDFINGER was one of those. When I was about seven years old, we were getting the Christmas decorations down from the attic. I had seen THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH the previous week, so Bond was on my mind. While up there, I found three books, each worn down and ripped on the outside but perfect in the middle. You could just make out the titles; FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, LIVE AND LET DIE. They had belonged to my Grandfather, who had died before I was born - passed down to my father, who had forgotten about them when we moved house (we moved around a lot when I was younger), and then found their way into my hands. Those were my first exposure to Fleming and his creation, and from there everything blossomed. They're still around somewhere, though I have since replaced those copies with something less sentimentally valuable. I can't remember what exactly brought me to the forums, but I'm glad to have been around her for so long. Without my daily Bond chat-fix, I'd end up driving people crazy.
3.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite films throughout the series? Do any of them definitively sit in first and last place, with no intention of shifting them? If so, why are they your favorite/least favorite?
I'll focus on the positive stuff as much as I can, for the sake of making these answers a pleasant read; FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE sits definitively in my number one spot. It's simply a perfect film in my eyes, and the fact that of the three books mentioned above, it was the first I chose to read, helped immeasurably. It not only is the epitome of pure Bond, but it also kickstarted a personal love of Cold War espionage flicks in general that led me to other interesting spy characters and stories throughout the years that have influenced my own project choices in my own career. It's a film that is so 60's yet has a certain sexy classiness, clever writing, interesting supporting characters and stunning Barry score that makes it timeless. The same can be said for all the great Bond films, but for me, nothing beats Connery in 1963 – he was just that damn cool. Conversely, the Connery of 1971 anchored my least favourite Bond film. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER certainly has its merits, but for someone who has ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE as his second favourite film, I just can't help but utterly hate what they chose to do while also being totally understanding of why they chose to do it.
4.) Throughout the series, what would you say are some of the higher points/moments for you? Lower points/moments?
A permanent high-mark is the character's first introduction. It is one of those moments in cinema history that doesn't lose its impact regardless of repetition or imitation. “Bond, James Bond.” One other of note that I've always loved, is Dalton's introduction in the part – I'm not a huge lover of the Moore era despite being a massive Moore fan, and I think that Dalton's first few moments as Bond are among the most intensely badass of the franchise – right from the slow turning reveal on the cliff accompanied by Barry's strings, all the way to his parachute opening. The same could be said for Brosnan's first few moments, which were massively important to the series and equally as cool, even if I didn't get to experience it on a big screen properly. My personal favourite high mark was seeing CASINO ROYALE on opening night – myself and my Dad were both wary of Craig as Bond and we were happy to be proved wrong. I still remember the chuckles of the audience as Bond cheekily replies to Le Chiffre in the torture scene, and the cathartic sigh of relief we gave when the Bond theme kicked in over Craig standing over Mr. White with the UMP. “You know what? That was bloody fantastic.” As far as low-points go? Well, the second half of DIE ANOTHER DAY has a nice chunk of them. Though walking out of SPECTRE didn't feel all that great, either. Beyond that, we have all the obvious choices – Blofeld in drag, The Beach Boys etc. Outside of the quality of the films themselves, the stories of unease behind the scenes especially in the late 60s were always a tough thing to talk about, as is the Kevin McClory debacle and some of the Monty Norman stuff. But, with something as lucrative and beloved as Bond, there was always bound to be knocks.
5.) Give us your opinions on all of the actors to play Bond. Also, feel free to share thoughts on some of your favorite/least favorite directors, crew members, composers, etc. of the series.
I feel that we've been incredibly lucky to not have had a bad man in the tuxedo just yet. Nobody tops Connery for me (Dalton is a close second) but I think all six actors have been incredible at their best and still good at their worst. Even the forgotten Bond, Lazenby, could throw a punch like no other. As far as crew goes, well, I could write a bloody essay on that. John Barry, as I'm sure most with sense would agree, reigns supreme. He's not just the king of Bond, but he's also the greatest composer of the 20th Century, alongside Williams and Morricone. Directors? All I'll say is Terence Young created Bond, while Martin Campbell recreated him, twice. That should tell you how I feel about that particular department.
6.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite PTS's/finales? Villains? Allies? Bond girls? Henchmen?
The PTS of GOLDFINGER, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, TOMORROW NEVER DIES and CASINO ROYALE are hard to beat, I would say. Though I do have strong love for the boat chase in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and the beach fight in ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE. The dish fight in GoldenEye, the plane fight in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, and the battle for Piz Gloria in ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE are some of my favourite finales, while the Submarine fight in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH would be one of my least favourites, alongside the picture hanging nonsense of SPECTRE and the tedious oil-rig fighting in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Interestingly enough, I never really could pick a favourite villain. I've always found more entertainment in the henchmen, of which I'd have to go with Red Grant and Fiona Volpe – one purely because of Robert Shaw's animalistic performance and the other because I am a full-blooded male who would be absolutely happy to meet my demise at the hands of Luciana Paluzzi. My personal favourite Bond girls are Domino Derval, Natalya Simonova, and Vesper Lynd. As for allies, I'd have to go with Kerim Bey. He seems like the kind of guy who'd jump in for you in a bar fight and then buy you a round afterwards when you wipe the blood from your bottom lip. I like that.
7.) What's your favorite/least favorite soundtrack of the series? Favorite/least favorite title song?
ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE is the magnum opus of the series, soundtrack wise. Barry pushed himself with that one and gave the film a wonderful sonic atmosphere and sense of emotion and warmth that was both unique and still unmistakably Bondian. I love it dearly, though it is admittedly the best of a rather incredible bunch that are all top-drawer in their own right. While they're not bad scores in themselves, both Conti's work on FOR YOUR EYES ONLY and Eric Serra's GOLDENEYE are down the bottom for me as they have niggling issues that stop me from listening to them regularly.
8.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite stunts/action sequences/fights throughout the series? Lines of dialogue? Outfits? Feel free to wax poetic on other smaller aspects of the series you enjoy/dislike the most that we haven't covered.
The opium cargo net fight from THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS was iconic for me for so long. I'm a fan of a good scrap, so the Red Grant/Bond train fight and the Bond/Trevelyan fight from GOLDENEYE always rank highly with me. One of the most jaw-dropping action sequences of the current era has been the Madagascar chase in CASINO ROYALE – masterfully put together and escalates in tension and speed like any great action sequence should. The best pursuit since the tank chase in St. Petersburg in GOLDENEYE. A benchmark which the Craig era hasn't really managed to hit again.
THUNDERBALL is a glorious catalogue of fantastic lines, delivered by a star in his prime. “Wait til you get to my teeth”,“Do you mind if my friend sits this one out? She's just dead.” It also has one of my favourite moments, featuring Bond, a pair of sandals, and Fiona Volpe in a bathtub. Glorious. Honorable mentions to “Shocking. Positively shocking” from GOLDFINGER and “We aim to please”, the latter of which is one of my most used Bond quotes in everyday life.
As far as style goes, I could go for one of the many simple black tuxedos and call it a day. But the true standout to me is the grey Anthony Sinclair three-piece from GOLDFINGER. A classic. I love Craig's three piece Brioni suit featured in the last scene of CASINO ROYALE, too. And despite not being a fan of tan-suits at all, the tan Benjamin Simon suit Timothy Dalton wears in Tangiers in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS is a favourite of mine. He wore it very well and exuded the kind of simmering, anxious intensity that made him seem like Fleming's Bond lept off the page and pushed the screen Bond out of the way for a little while, despite the literary Bond generally not being as fashionable.
9.) What are some aspects you feel have been missing/lacking in the current era(s) that you wish they'd return to eventually? What are some aspects you hope to never see again?
I actually hope that the next era keeps the general tone of the Craig era but abandons the insistence of a personal angle being front and centre. Something like THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS would be perfect. I may be in the minority here, but I feel that fantastical Bond is not my cup of tea. The slightly surrealistic elements always work better when they are juxtaposed against something a bit more grounded. They feel unique and standout more. A man with metal hands is more interesting when he's trying to start armageddon on a Carribbean island that is just a Carribbean island. A nationality changing Korean general is just ridiculous when he finalises his plans in an Ice Palace. CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE had a nice balance of these elements (weeping blood, etc) contained within a gritty, grounded story that actually felt like it could happen. That is the kind of Bond I really enjoy. For example, I wouldn't be heartbroken if there weren't ever any crazy gadgets in a Bond film ever again. Yes, they are a staple and they do allow the filmmakers to give us some charming, funny scenes with our Quartermaster, but I'd take a more reserved suitcase of tricks being explained in M's office over a goofy scene in Q's labratory anyday. Nor would I be heartbroken if we never saw another skiing scene again. Skiing, to me, is just incredibly dull to look at. I love the chase scenes in ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE despite my indifference to skiing. Conversely I would love some underwater action scenes sometime soon. Bond scuba-diving may elicit the feelings of boredom to others that I get when I see skiing, but I personally adore it. I hope we never see a man in drag or a CGI tsunami ever again.
10.) Jumping to the other areas of Bond, what would you say are some of your favorite/least favorite novels of Fleming's and why? Some of your favorites/least favorites of the post-Fleming authors? If you have an interest in the James Bond video games, what are some of your favorites/least favorites and why?
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE are my favourite Fleming novels, not only for the reason that they were the first I read but they're also simply the best stories and that is seen by their respective films, which are also my number one and two. I'd have to go with THE SPY WHO LOVED ME as my least favourite – not only because Bond is not a predominant figure but I just was never all too engaged with the story in general. Of the continuation novels, I admittedly didn't bother too much with any of Gardner's work. I did however enjoy COLONEL SUN and both of the Horowitz novels. Horowitz was a favourite author of mine since my Alex Rider days, so I was glad he got the job and then did the job well.
Videogames, well.....as a kid I was hooked on NIGHTFIRE. It was my third Bond game. I missed the GoldenEye N64 buzz and only got round to it later. I had to settle for TOMORROW NEVER DIES and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH on PS1, which were fine but not mindblowing. NIGHTFIRE, on the other hand, was quite the experience and is still, for me, the best Bond game.
11.) What are your current thoughts on Bond 25 and the level of enthusiasm you have? Any expectations regarding the locales, the plot, the action scenes, who may star, etc.?
As I'm sure many have noticed, I'm remaining cautiously optimistic about BOND 25. I wasn't a fan of SPECTRE, a film which gets worse with each viewing, and I'm wary of how they may attempt to link the two together. However, a new Bond film is a new Bond film, and we have an exciting director on board who, based on his reputation, would not be onboard if he didn't have a cool idea of where to go with it. Fukanaga is notoriously stubborn and creatively steadfast, and I'll be very surprised if he produces anything less than a stellar outing. The Craig era has been a mixed bag for me – a blistering start has been offset by some dodgy decision making and an unfortunate dud of a fourth entry – but I absolutely love Craig in the part and he deserves to go out on a high. I'd love a lower-key affair, one that focuses on assassination and or/reconnaisance work of some description. Plenty of gunplay and fisticuffs through and one major action sequence that would blow our socks off for the finale. From what I've seen of the location rumours, I'm simply happy that we're getting away from England.
12.) What are your current thoughts on the future of the series, post-Bond 25? As you know, we'll have a brand new actor taking over in just a few years. Do you have any expectations for who it might be, what they might deliver, or just what direction the next era will take?
Short but honest answer; I genuinely have no idea and that is why I'm incredibly excited for it. Realistically, however, it will be the next Bond actor that my first-born will see on screen for the first time, so he better not screw it up.
13.) You can star in one Bond film: which one and why? Novel? Game?
From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Nightfire. Because, simply, they're all cool as f**k.
14.) You can take three Bond films, three novels, and three soundtracks with you to a desert island. Which ones do you take?
I'd take the books passed down to me by my Grandfather – FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE and LIVE AND LET DIE. For the sake of variety; from the films I'd take THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, GOLDENEYE, and CASINO ROYALE. The scores I'd bring would be ON HER MAJESTYS SECRET SERVICE, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, and YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE.
15.) In 2012, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond films. Where do you think the series might be in 2062, during its 100th Anniversary?
Hopefully in better shape than ever, but who knows? The way things are going we may be lucky and have a healthy Bond franchise that is still like the one we love, or he could be a completely different character. I do have a dream that the books will be properly adapted in a mini-series format, possibly with the likes of Amazon or Netflix. But it's increasingly unlikely that will ever happen, never mind by 2062. The world has no time for a flawed figure like Fleming's Bond these days. I figure Bond being in space will be a regular thing by 2062, anyway. Maybe we'll be seeing FROM MARS WITH LOVE.
16.) Share your dream ANYTHING for the series: Dream cast? Directors? Plot? Soundtrack? Set Pieces? Anything you care to share.
Selfishly, I'll admit that directing a Bond film is my dream. Love of Bond films, how they're all put together, and how the series has kept itself going over five decades was a real influence on me as an impressionable youngster. It was this impact, along with the impact of the films that you're going to ask about next, that led to me wanting to make films in the first place. I couldn't honestly say who I'd love to work with me on it as they would all be measured against the wonderful artists who have already worked on Bond films. I would, of course, find a way to bring Bond to Ireland, even if it was just for a PTS, possibly on a protection detail for M. I know of many local places that I would love to see get destroyed in a car chase. The plot would have to be a “whodunnit” in the style of DR. NO.
17.) Outside of Bond, what are some of your favorite films? TV shows? Novels? Artists/bands?
My favourite film of all time is Michael Mann's HEAT, which is a major influence on my writing and creative decision-making. The script for it is incredible and I consider it my Holy Bible. I enjoy the films of Brian De Palma, Sydney Pollack, Alan J. Pakula, Oliver Stone, Tony Scott, Hitchcock, Spielberg and Scorcese. TV shows? God, I'm going to struggle here. There's so much nowadays that it's hard to choose. I was a die-hard 24 fan throughout it's entire run; even through the dodgy seasons. I also loved THE SOPRANOS, THE WIRE, and ligher fair such as THE PRACTICE and BOSTON LEGAL. Recently I adored every second of THE AMERICANS, and I'm also a fan of HOMELAND. As far as authors go, my reading lists are a tad eclectic – everything from Fleming to Le Carre to Dennis Lehane, from Gillian Flynn to Anthony Horowitz to Martina Cole, all the way to Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Bukowski. Mental. I enjoy film scores predominantly as they are very stimulating for my work, but I also enjoy synthwave music and ambient electronic, as well as classic rock, motown, blues and modern indie rock. I saw Morricone last month in Dublin, but I also saw Gary Numan and Alannis Morrisette recently as well, and got Metallica and Foo Fighters tickets last week. Go figure.
18.) You can meet any three people who have ever existed, who do you pick and why?
Michael Collins (the proud Irish in me is showing), John Barry, Robert F. Kennedy. They're all people I admire in one way or another.
19.) You can be anywhere on this planet at any point in the past, which three do you choose and why? This can range from being at the inauguration of a President to being in the recording studio of one of your favorite songs to being on set during one of your favorite movie scenes being shot. Think on it!
The assassination of JFK, the setting sail of Titanic from Southampton, and the shooting of the coffee shop scene between De Niro and Pacino in HEAT. I wouldn't even know how to explain why, but the first two are points in history that have always fascinated me. The third is just an incredible meeting of two giants.
20.) Finally, I'll go with an oddball question (I'll try to change this up with each person interviewed, so make it good!): you're walking in a forest and you come across a black briefcase. You open it, and inside you find $5 million in cash and a note – all it says, in blood, is “Don't.” What do you do?
Take it. How often does an opportunity like that present itself? I'd rip the note up and go for it. I mean.....”don't” what? If I make it, I make it. If not, I'll die rich. That's the number one off my bucket list, right there. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't, as I always berate people who take the low-offer on THE CHASE at 5pm every day. Have a run at it, and if you need to fight for it then fight for it!
1.) So first, tell us a bit about yourself and your life.
*sits down and pours a glass of single malt*
Well, I'm about 6'4, thin built, blue eyes and 38 years old. I once wanted to join the airforce, didn't get through the fighter pilot selection, and ended up beeing a historian instead. Now I work in information management, have wife and a 5 m/o son who loves the James Bond tune. I used to travel as much as I could and I guess I've seen quite a few places. I loved to meet local people, and I'm still amazed about the way people think in other countries.
2.) How did you become interested in James Bond? Did it begin with the novels, the films, or something else, and what exactly kickstarted your fandom? Also, what inevitably led you to our forums?
As so many others, I really don't know. I remember sitting in front of the TV, together with my father and brother, Always watching a Bond-film whenever they came up. When I was 7 or so I gave my brother the dutch translation of From Russia With Love (book) as a present to my brother. So at that time i certainly was interested. The first one I finally saw in the cinema was GE (unlucky me was too young for the Daltons in the cinema) with my dad, and that definately got me hooked.
Around 2004, 5, I was studying at the University of Amsterdam and, now having a tv with remote control and a dvd player, I started to collect the movies one by one. A shop close to the Uni had them all stacked on shelves on the wall. I also started to collect the Fleming novels and thus was interested in the upcoming films. At the time there were not too many websites about Bond, but I liked MI6 and started to lurk about on the forums as well. It took me until 2006 to sign up though.
3.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite films throughout the series? Do any of them definitively sit in first and last place, with no intention of shifting them? If so, why are they your favorite/least favorite?
Yes, there's only one undisputed nr 1 for me, and that's Thunderball. It's got Sean in his ultimate Bond-swagger, by far the most fascinating women, the exotic locales, the misterious but vain villain, and the constant excitement and threat that I love so much in the novels. The addition of Luciana makes it even better then the novel. One I also really love but has had a lot of flak is QoS. I think it's Craigs best, even better then CR, even though the latter has a better (more consistent) story. On the other end of the spectrum we find DAF, because of the sloppy filmmaking, and DAD, because my expectations of Tamahori were so much higher after 'what becomes of the broken hearted'. The introduction is so good, and then boom, invisible cars with completely silent engines, in the snow making tracks that the guards don't see? I mean come on! if.... never mind, you get the picture.
4.) Throughout the series, what would you say are some of the higher points/moments for you? Lower points/moments?
Well I wish I could've been part of the spy craze of the sixties. Having such fantastic films come out must've been great. A definete high point, as was Skyfall. I loved that so many people flocked to Bond again. And LALD has this special place because of Roger Moore's introduction. Never was there more a gentleman walking the earth. Lows are the Connery-return for money and their sad film-results and the long hiatusses between the Dalton films and GE and inbetween the last films. It's unbeleveable that companies ae letting a sure-fire hit lay abandoned for so long. And of course McClory's idiotic behaviour and many of the continuation novels (looking at you Devil May Care!)
5.) Give us your opinions on all of the actors to play Bond. Also, feel free to share thoughts on some of your favorite/least favorite directors, crew members, composers, etc. of the series.
Nothing new here but Terence Young deserves first mention. After all he understood Bond best when it mattered most. And so he created the ultimate screen-James Bond. And Connery really is him, no doubt about it. At least in the first four films. It's a pity he didn't keep it up. Then this used car salesman came along and he sure looked the part, and if he'd kept his act together he would've been the greatest con in history. But Lazenby wasn't that strong and even lost his true love due to this. Still, I can only admire his jest for life and he sure brought that to the part. Moore was the ultimate English gentleman. Perhaps not completely fit for Bond but he was a terrific actor, no matter what he himself said. It's quite revealing that a passifist hating violence was the longest serving 'blunt instrument' for so long. Timothy to my mind is a bit miscast. He's too intellectual and though he does the spying-part extremely well ( I love the way he sows distrust with Sanches) his emotions are too thespian for Bond. Brosnan was the ultimate nineties' Bond. He shure looked the part and he was the remedy we all needed. He's to my mind the least gifted actor though and it shows (not that I minded in my teens!). Craig is an acting heavyweight. It so happened I saw him in Tomb Raider and thought 'he could be Bond. Nah, we've got a good one'. I was certainly surprised that he turned out to be the next one! He's subtle (aparently a bit too much for some members of the audience) and I think gives us the best incarnation for the times. Is he less cool then Connery. I think, in a way, yes. But the world isn't as stylish as it was. In fact I think Bond, also in this incarnation, brings us at least a reference of something to strive for.
Worst director by far is Lee Tamahori, and most underrated is Marc Forster. He tried perhaps a bit too much, but considering what he had to work with he delivered a very stylish film.
6.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite PTS's/finales? Villains? Allies? Bond girls? Henchmen?
The best PTS is in Casino Royale. It's a short story in itself, with Bond tricking Dryden in basically condemning himself. The tense but 'slow' situation balanced with the rather messy and gruesome fight. Love it. Honerable mention goes to the best stunt ever: TSWLM. I don't think I have a worst PTS though. Neither a 'best' finale. The worst is DAD's, with such juvenile humour. I guess there are a few allies universally beloved: Kerim Bey, Marc-Ange Draco, Milos Columbo. Boisterous life-loving men. Of course the first Felix was cool too, perhaps a bit too, and I regret that none of the other Felixes really worked as Felix to me. Even Jeafrey White isn't the Felix that Bond really needs, allthough he does seem to balance Bond a bit. It won't surprise many that I think Emilio Largo is the best villain. Those who consider him 'boring' look too supervicial to my mind. I love his interaction with Fiona:'you want Bond killed'. 'I can think of nothing better'. Fiona herself of course beeing the hottest thing since the invention of fire. Offset by the coolest beauty possible, Domino. You might almost think I like the movie Thunderball......
I guess Grant is the ultimate henchman possible, dispite the phone conversation Drax has when he calls 'henchman inc.'
7.) What's your favorite/least favorite soundtrack of the series? Favorite/least favorite title song?
I'm going to be boring here, it's Barry front, back and centre. Allthough I don't know which soundtrack is best, OHMSS or DAF. AVTAK should be up there too. And TB, but I wanted to let that one rest for a bit. The best title song is YOLT, followed by FRWL. I know it isn't a spectacular song and of course the 'classics' of Bassey are fantastic, as are the modern ones from Tina Turner and Adele, but I love the odd text, the fantastic melody and the relaxed atmosphere.
8.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite stunts/action sequences/fights throughout the series? Lines of dialogue? Outfits? Feel free to wax poetic on other smaller aspects of the series you enjoy/dislike the most that we haven't covered.
My favorite stunt is in CR, jumping those cranes. For someone with a fear of hight I don't think anything comes over as as tense as that sequence. The best dialogue is in Dr. No. I love the interaction at the table. James for sure meats a formidable opponent there. I think that clever bit, and the fact that it takes some time for Bond to uncover what's going on, makes it such a good film.
The Nehru jackets he and Bond wear are amongst the best outfits possible. It's funny how sometimes Bond's clothes seem to be so right, and sometimes so wrong (looking at Bond meeting Felix in GF). And of course Moore in his white tuxedo. It wouldn't have worked so well with any of the other actors.
9.) What are some aspects you feel have been missing/lacking in the current era(s) that you wish they'd return to eventually? What are some aspects you hope to never see again?
What has been really missing is straightforeward missions. No MI6 connection, no traitors, just the plain old 'there's something fishy going on and we can't find out what' kind of thing. Craig deserves one. It's one of the things I don't like about Purvis and Wade. They seem to need to make any script melodramatic. It gives us terrible lines (little finger) and even 'personal' connections. SP would've been so much better without the stepbrother angle. This never needs to return. I love the personal development, but as the books show, you can do that within the setting of the missions and grander then life villains.
10.) Jumping to the other areas of Bond, what would you say are some of your favorite/least favorite novels of Fleming's and why? Some of your favorites/least favorites of the post-Fleming authors? If you have an interest in the James Bond video games, what are some of your favorites/least favorites and why?
I think Fleming's writing is amazing, and I love all his work, even TSWLM. But the best are the short stories. And in those I think I love FAVTAK the most. Even though there's actually little happening, it's a tense read from start to finish, and I see it like a movie everytime I read the story. His worst to me (as a dutchman) is actually Moonraker. I don't like the fact that he stays in England, I think Krebs is too much of a stereotype and yes, London is saved and the sub sunk, but aparently many died in my country because of the floodwaves hitting the dikes and still they consider the mission a success. The continuation novels have been not much of a success with me, allthough Trigger Mortis at least seemed ok, good enough to order the latest one. And Colonel Sun wasn't too bad either. everything else ( I read CB and DMC) was rubbish.
I only ever played 'bloodstone', which I loved. It was quite a good story.
11.) What are your current thoughts on Bond 25 and the level of enthusiasm you have? Any expectations regarding the locales, the plot, the action scenes, who may star, etc.?
I'm avoiding most of the news tbh. The thing is a very talented director may end up crazy (Tamahori there). P&W are back which is half good news, and I understand Madeleine Swann will return. I think Seydoux is stunning and the character is interesting, but with P&W's writing, we probably end up with a personal story again. Bond had only two true loves, we don't need a third. So ambiguous is the answer. And then increadably excited when it hits the cinema's, because by then I've lost all rationale of course.
12.) What are your current thoughts on the future of the series, post-Bond 25? As you know, we'll have a brand new actor taking over in just a few years. Do you have any expectations for who it might be, what they might deliver, or just what direction the next era will take?
I'll take a wild guess and say Tom Ellis will be the next Bond. He's got the looks, and the talent. And I think they'll take Bond to a lighter direction. The thing is though, Bond is a very good barometer for the times, and with the current world becoming more and more unstable, there's really no way of knowing
13.) You can star in one Bond film: which one and why? Novel? Game?
hahaha guess..... Hint one: Fiona Volpe plays in it. .....
14.) You can take three Bond films, three novels, and three soundtracks with you to a desert island. Which ones do you take?
The films will be TB, QoS and, AVTAK. It has to be a Moore one and I love Walken’s Zorin. The novels are FYEO, Dr. No and TMWTGG. At least I have a lot of stories this way and there’s something about the last book that always grabs me. The evilness hidden in Scaramanga comes out so well written, he’s a continuous threat. The shootout I can read over and over again too. Love it. And Felix is there to help out of course.
The CR soundtrack is one I listen to a lot, so that one. DAF’s I love as well, and OHMSS.
15.) In 2012, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond films. Where do you think the series might be in 2062, during its 100th Anniversary?
Either we'll be back in the stone age due to global warming (the @DarthDimi scenario) or we'll have found a way to curb that threat. It would be amazing if the longest running frenchise would still be going, but I have my doubts. At the same time I understand there's a next generation Wilson learning the ropes, and if there's enough cash to cover a few misfires, it might keep on going. Let's hope so. The world deserves Bond. For now I just hope I'll be around to see for myself!
16.) Share your dream ANYTHING for the series: Dream cast? Directors? Plot? Soundtrack? Set Pieces? Anything you care to share.
I’d really love it if Bond would actually go to Croatia, and/ or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those countries are so stunning. Might as well also visit Belgrade. It would be great to see a bit more of the places, instead of the speed in which locations passed in the last few films. I’d also love it if they used the shootout of TMWTGG for real, including the steam train and the bridge. That in a tropical setting, with the mangroves, would be extremely cool.
17.) Outside of Bond, what are some of your favorite films? TV shows? Novels? Artists/bands?
There’s three films I think I love the most: The Man Who Would Be King, The Battle of Britain and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines. The first is an amazing story exceptionally filmed with true friendship (and icons) between Caine and Connery, and it shows. TBoB for the amazing masterpiece of a Salzman-production it is, and the fact that it boosted warbird preservation. And the latter as I think it’s one of the cleverest comedies of all time. If there’s one film that show why a European super state will never work it’s that one.
For now I’m a fan of The Grand Tour and Lucifer, but I’ve got hardly any time to watch anything these days. The books I read are study books and articles and not so interesting for everyone here, but for those interested I’d definitely recommend the biographies of both Livingston and Stanley. And I hope to get back to reading the discworld series by Terry Pratchett.
When it comes to music I go all directions, but as an eighties and nineties kid Guns ‘n Roses needs to be mentioned. But I love the Pet Shop Boys from that era as well, and you can turn on Handel’s Watermusic any moment of the day for me.
18.) You can meet any three people who have ever existed, who do you pick and why?
Roger Moore, for I think only being in his presence would make me a better person. Elon Musk as his mind fascinates me. The man doesn’t know danger and is one of the best driving powers in commerce at the moment and my great great grandfather, who lived in the Dutch East Indies. He was one of the biggest, if not the, entrepreneurs of his time there. He must’ve been quite the visionary.
19.) You can be anywhere on this planet at any point in the past, which three do you choose and why? This can range from being at the inauguration of a President to being in the recording studio of one of your favorite songs to being on set during one of your favorite movie scenes being shot. Think on it!
Being a fighter pilot in the Dutch East Indies in the end of the thirties, early forties. Perhaps not in the war itself as they didn’t fare well, but I love the aircraft from the era and the ones they flew. I’ve been to Indonesia and the country does feel like home to me, however odd that may sound.
20.) Finally, I'll go with an oddball question (This one is unique, so make it your own!): You come across a book, and as you open it and begin to read through it, you realize it's the story of your life in all of its moments and details. You come to the page that is the point you're at now: do you continue to read, knowing the events cannot be altered?
Hell no! If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that life is as unpredictable as can be. The most fun part of travelling is that you don’t know what you may find or where you may end up. Of course now I’m a dad I need to be far more responsible, but the best memories I have came from the utterly unexpected. I never understood people who plan their trips from the start to finish. And on a grander scale, If you would ask me four years ago if I would be married now I’d probably say yes, but I’d have the wrong woman in mind, because I met my soulmate only two years ago, when I was planning to leave the country. She’s the most amazing person there’s and we met purely by accident. SO no, life is full of surprises. You should keep it that way!
I aim to please, @Birdleson
To hell with culture!
You'll find the other fella is even more intresting. Indeed, top job @Creasy47 !
1.) So first, tell us a bit about yourself and your life.
My name is Trev. I'm 21 and living in California. There's not a lot to tell. I'm a raging Bond fanatic and I like to have a good time.
2.) How did you become interested in James Bond? Did it begin with the novels, the films, or something else, and what exactly kickstarted your fandom? Also, what inevitably led you to our forums?
My introduction was actually GoldenEye 007 on the N64. I'd never actually played any video games before and I was curious. I think a friend of my brother's had left the game and console there. Anyway, I played it and loved it. I decided to check out the GoldenEye film. I went to Costco and bought Volume 3 of the Ultimate Editions. I watched the movie in my grandmother's car on a portable DVD player and instantly fell in love. I was almost sad when the credits rolled. I watched the remaining films over the next few weeks. A fanatic was born. I got into the novels a few months later. This was in 2009. I'd loved Daniel Craig's first two films so I was hella excited for the next one. Then EON announced it'd been delayed. Lol perfect timing. I used the forums to keep informed on the production schedules for SF and SP. I finally decided to join once I got this email account sorted out.
3.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite films throughout the series? Do any of them definitively sit in first and last place, with no intention of shifting them? If so, why are they your favorite/least favorite?
My top five films are GE, LTK, TLD, CR, and QOS. These are the films that I watched the most as a kid and they, along with the other Brosnan films, hold a lot of nostalgia for me. After that, it's Connery's first four films and after that, my ranking changes all the time. Some days I rank the Moore films higher and some days, I'll prefer Brosnan's. The only films I don't hold in very high regard are YOLT, TMWTGG, and SP. YOLT and TMWTGG just really drag in the middle for me and SP has a ton of story issues that I just can't believe made it past the screenwriting process. The bland score, retcon, and yellow filter seals it's fate as my least favorite. But overall, I'm pretty happy with how most of the films have turned out.
4.) Throughout the series, what would you say are some of the higher points/moments for you? Lower points/moments?
The highest point is definitely the 60s. It was the Golden Age. Especially the first four films. I think every decade has its own merits though. The 70s films were fun and exotic, the 80s films were more grounded and had a great Cold War atmosphere with consistently good action, the 90s were more modern and action packed, and the 2000s films brought the series in a more realistic direction that kept the series fresh. Every era had something good. The 2010s for me is the low point for one reason:WE ONLY GOT TWO FILMS. And one of them is extremely mediocre. I guess the six year gap from 1989 to 1995 is worse though.
5.) Give us your opinions on all of the actors to play Bond. Also, feel free to share thoughts on some of your favorite/least favorite directors, crew members, composers, etc. of the series.
I love every Bond for different reasons. Connery is the total package though. The man has it all. Lazenby was a little wooden but he really shined in the physical department more than any other Bond apart from Craig. Moore, God rest his soul, was the quintessential gentleman spy. I really like the more lighthearted take. Dalton was the Bond of the novels and I love that. After twelve years of the lighter Moore films, he was a breath of fresh air. He should have had one or two more films. Brosnan, in my opinion, is a combination of all the best traits of the previous Bonds. He was the first Bond I saw so I'm a little biased. Craig is great but I don't think he's the best by a long shot. I preferred his harder portrayal in his earlier films but I can appreciate him in SF and SP as well. My favorite directors would have to be Terrence Young, Peter Hunt, John Glen, and Martin Campbell. They all just "got it". I don't have a problem with any of the directors although Lee Tamahori and Sam Mendes both went a little too far with their "vision". My favorite cinematographers would have to be Ted Moore, Michael Reed, Phil Mehuex, Roberto Schaefer, and Roger Deakins. John Barry and David Arnold are the best composers and I really hope Arnold returns. I think Eric Serra's score for GE is great and fits that film perfectly. The only composer I don't care for is Thomas Newman but that's mostly due to the copy and paste score for SP.
6.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite PTS's/finales? Villains? Allies? Bond girls? Henchmen?
My favorite PTS's are FRWL, GF, TSWLM, TLD, GE, TWINE, CR, and QOS. Absolutely flawless. The worst is AVTAK. It's fun but feels very tired. My favorite finales are TB, OHMSS, LTK, GE, and QOS. The worst ones are definitely DAF, LALD, DAD, and SP. Blofeld is the most iconic villain but my favorites will always be Dr. No, Scaramanga, Zorin, Sanchez, and Trevelyan. My least favorite villain is Kristatos. For allies, you can't go wrong with Kerim, Draco, and Zukovsky. I like Felix but his character wasn't exactly consistent. My least favorite allies are Hip and Lee. Just very forgettable characters. My favorite Bond girls? Tough one. Tanya, Pussy, Domino, Fiona, Tracy, Tiffany, Solitare, Anya, Melina, Pam, Natalya, Xenia, Elektra, Vesper, Camille, and Severine. My least favorites by far are Mary Goodnight and Madeleine Swann. My favorite henchmen are Grant, Oddjob, Wint and Kidd, Jaws, Necros, Dario, Stamper, Zao, and Hinx. The worst would have to be Hans and Mr. Kil.
7.) What's your favorite/least favorite soundtrack of the series? Favorite/least favorite title song?
My favorite soundtrack is a tie between OHMSS, AVTAK, and TLD. My least favorites are TMWTGG and SP. My favorite title song is either TLD, GE, or SF. I love DAF, LALD, AVTAK, and YKMN as well. The worst for me is TMWTGG or WOTW. We've had some great music in this series.
8.) What are some of your favorite/least favorite stunts/action sequences/fights throughout the series? Lines of dialogue? Outfits? Feel free to wax poetic on other smaller aspects of the series you enjoy/dislike the most that we haven't covered.
For me, some of the action and stunt highlights are the underwater action in TB, the skiing and climax of OHMSS, the PTS's of TSWLM, MR, GE, TWINE, DAD, QOS, and SF, the seaplane scene and truck chase from LTK, and the climax of SF. My favorite fights are the ones between Bond and Grant, Bond and Draco's man in Tracy's hotel room, the kitchen fight in TLD, Bond and Trevelyan, the Slate fight, and the train fight in SP. Some of my favorite lines are "Shocking", "Make sure he doesn't get away", "Our asylums are full of people who think they're Napoleon or God", "The things I do for England", "The thought had occurred to me", "I didn't recognize you with your clothes on", "That last hand nearly killed me", and "Now the whole world is gonna know that you died scratching my balls". There's so many more but I just can't think right now lol.
9.) What are some aspects you feel have been missing/lacking in the current era(s) that you wish they'd return to eventually? What are some aspects you hope to never see again?
Well, a decent gun barrel would be nice. I'd like to see some underwater and ski action. Maybe a big battle climax. We haven't had one since TLD. Honestly, I never wanna see SPECTRE return. They were great in the 60s. That's where they belong.
10.) Jumping to the other areas of Bond, what would you say are some of your favorite/least favorite novels of Fleming's and why? Some of your favorites/least favorites of the post-Fleming authors? If you have an interest in the James Bond video games, what are some of your favorites/least favorites and why?
My favorite novels will always be CR, LALD, FRWL, DN, GF, and TB. If I had to pick the best, it would be FRWL. I just love everything about it. The only ones I don't really care for are TSWLM and YOLT but I've only read those once so it might be time to give them a second chance. I didn't like TSWLM due to the absence of Bond and I just thought YOLT was kind of depressing. Of the post-Fleming books, I really enjoyed The Authorized Bio of 007, Devil May Care, and the second half of Solo. I've yet to read the Gardner and Benson novels but I've recently bought some. Controversially, I didn't care for the majority of Trigger Mortis or Forever and a Day. They just didn't grab me like the other continuation novels have. It tooks weeks for me to get through them. When it comes to the games, I've only played the ones for the N64 and Wii. I love them though and hope to play the Xbox games some day.
11.) What are your current thoughts on Bond 25 and the level of enthusiasm you have? Any expectations regarding the locales, the plot, the action scenes, who may star, etc.?
I'm excited but my expectations are pretty low at the moment due to my thoughts on SP and the fact that Madeleine is returning. I do like the rumored locations including Canada and Norway as I enjoy seeing locations that haven't been used in the series before.
12.) What are your current thoughts on the future of the series, post-Bond 25? As you know, we'll have a brand new actor taking over in just a few years. Do you have any expectations for who it might be, what they might deliver, or just what direction the next era will take?
I just hope they don't water down the character just to make certain audiences happy. I don't wanna any PC BS in my Bond films. I'm not sure where they'll take the series but I hope they bring it back to standalone missions with great action, Bondian music, and a decent amount of humor. So basically, I want a continuation of the Brosnan era. I think if Bond 25 is as critically and commercially successful as CR or SF, then it will probably be the template for the next few films.
13.) You can star in one Bond film: which one and why? Novel? Game?
I would wanna star in TB. The Bahamas, Luciana Paluzzi, Claudine Auger, Palmyra, the Disco Volante swimming, casinos, and martinis. Apart from that minor thing about nukes going off, I'm struggling to find any downsides lol.
14.) You can take three Bond films, three novels, and three soundtracks with you to a desert island. Which ones do you take?
The three films I'd take are TB, LTK, and GE. The three novels are FRWL, DN, and GF. The three soundtracks are DAF, LALD, and TLD.
15.) In 2012, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond films. Where do you think the series might be in 2062, during its 100th Anniversary?
I just hope the series is still actually going. At this pace, we'll only be on Bond 30 in 2062.
16.) Share your dream ANYTHING for the series: Dream cast? Directors? Plot? Soundtrack? Set Pieces? Anything you care to share.
My dream film would be a third Dalton film in 1991 or 1992. John McTiernan directs, the plot is what was written but a little more grounded, John Barry returns, and Catherine Zeta Jones is the Bond girl. The PTS would be a motorcycle chase along the Great Wall of China and we'd have a huge car chase through Hong Kong. Similar tone and style to GE.
17.) Outside of Bond, what are some of your favorite films? TV shows? Novels? Artists/bands?
This might be a long one. Some of my favorite films are Scarface, the Godfather films, Goodfellas, the Halloween series, Dirty Harry, Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Fright Night, The Lost Boys, License to Drive, The Hangover, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the first two Lethal Weapon films, and Layer Cake. My favorite TV shows are Miami Vice, The Sopranos, Sons of Anarchy, Animal Kingdom, Married...with Children, Two and a Half Men, Seinfeld, Frasier, and Archer. My favorite bands include Oasis, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, The Doors, Aerosmith, Linkin Park, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix, Heart, Blue Öyster Cult, Evanescence, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, ACDC, Genesis, The Who, Alice Cooper, Foreigner, The Eagles, U2, Lynryd Skynryd, Bad Company, Scorpions, and Dokken.
18.) You can meet any three people who have ever existed, who do you pick and why?
I'd pick Sir Roger Moore, John Wayne, and Jim Morrison. The first because he seemed like a great person to be around, the second because he's one of my idols and the type of guy I look up to, and the third because he's my favorite singer and had very interesting views on certain topics.
19.) You can be anywhere on this planet at any point in the past, which three do you choose and why? This can range from being at the inauguration of a President to being in the recording studio of one of your favorite songs to being on set during one of your favorite movie scenes being shot. Think on it!
I'd want to attend the premiere of one of Goldfinger, see Def Leppard live in 1983, and go see Oasis at Knebworth in 1996.
20.) Finally, I'll go with an oddball question (This one is unique, so make it your own!): You're given an option to visit an alien planet - it's an exclusive offer only offered up to you, and nobody else will ever have the chance to go. No harm will come to you and you're assured you'll make it back in one piece, but the issue: the ride there will take 20 years. You'll be frozen round trip, so aging won't be an issue, but the same can't be said for your friends back home. Do you take the opportunity, knowing everyone back home will have aged 40 years upon your return?
I'd have to say...not a chance in hell. I have no interest in going to space and I wouldn't wanna be away from my friends that long. Cheers.
@Remington I thought you were older than you are! Very mature Bond fan and insightful thoughts from you! Keep your comments coming!
Thanks @peter
Nice.
Thanks.
It's interesting to see where my opinions intersect with my fellow board members and I promise to keep up the pace everyone has set when my interview comes around.