James Bond's POV in the films

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• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  November 2017 Posts: 14,571

  Cool thread. I remarked on Bond's point of view in CR (coma scene) once before, and that it was exciting that we, the viewer could see through Bond's eyes as if we were him. I didn't realize though that there were so many other examples.
  
  Only last night I was thinking of the scene in TSWLM where Bond awakens after being knocked out by Anya's sleeping gas cigarette. I think we see from his POV- his vision go from blurry to adjusted.
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  November 2017 Posts: 14,571

  How about some others from CR:
  
  - when Bond reads Vesper's phone (the phone looks straight on, parallel to the screen, not on an angle like other phone close-ups);
  
  - one shot when Bond is looking for Vesper in her red dress, and spots her amongst the crowd
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  November 2017 edited November 2017 Posts: 1,889

  QBranch wrote: »

  Cool thread. I remarked on Bond's point of view in CR (coma scene) once before, and that it was exciting that we, the viewer could see through Bond's eyes as if we were him. I didn't realize though that there were so many other examples.
  
  Only last night I was thinking of the scene in TSWLM where Bond awakens after being knocked out by Anya's sleeping gas cigarette. I think we see from his POV- his vision go from blurry to adjusted.

  
  That's basically the reason I made the thread. It's refreshing to see through Bond's eyes every now and again and makes it a tad more visceral of an experience if you notice it (or not hehe). I guess it also goes to show the great lengths/amount of effort that the filmmakers go into for deciding shots and therefore making a better movie.
  
  So anyway, for those that know about it and want a reference, or those that didn't notice but want to see them, I've posted as many screen-caps as possible. (And no, I'm not here to promote their caps website. ;) )
  
  I'll add that TSWLM example, along with many more, later this weekend!
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  November 2017 edited November 2017 Posts: 14,571

  Nice, will be interesting to see how many are in the latest film, SP. Bond awakening in the torture chair etc. I guess any scene where Bond wakes up would likely have a POV shot. We'll 'see' as we go.
• 0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"

  November 2017 edited November 2017 Posts: 28,694

  The two that instantly come to mind for their style are those in GF and OHMSS where a dozed Bond comes out of his knocked out state from a previous moment.
  
  For GF I of course mean the moment when he wakes up to see Pussy after Goldfinger has him tranquilized:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/blu-ray/Goldfinger/images/Goldfinger-450.jpg
  
  Bond's view of Pussy is blurred at first as we witness his senses coming back to him, a nice touch.
  
  
  And for OHMSS it's a similar moment when Bond wakes up after being knocked out in a trap set by Bunt and his eyes focus on an angel on the Christmas tree next to him:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/blu-ray/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service/images/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service-0758.jpg
  
  I should also note that we get a POV shot from Bond's eyes as the trap is sprung on him by Bunt, which you can see here:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/blu-ray/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service/images/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service-0749.jpg
  
  Interestingly enough, when Bond wakes up from being knocked out the camera also seems to mimic the POV of the ornament on the tree as well, as the camera zooms out from Bond's face in close-up to a position that would be occupied by the tree top:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/blu-ray/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service/images/On-Her-Majestys-Secret-Service-0757.jpg
  
  
  I like the GF and OHMSS examples because they simulate for the audience not only what Bond sees, but what he feels. We get to come out of a comatose spell with him to see what dangers are near, or in the case of GF, what beauty there is to behold.
  
  
  Additionally, I'd also like to mention one of my favorite uses of POV in the series, which are Ted Moore's binocular POV shots in TB which I actually talked a bit about for a review of the film I did recently using this graphic that compiles all the shots in the film that fit this style:
  https://fortressoffleming.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cinematographytb3.jpg?w=730
  
  Moore had already given us a POV shot of Quist as he is chomped on by the sharks in Largo's pool, so his continued focus on that camera style only continues with his binocular shots that allow us to see what Bond is viewing while investigating the case at hand in the Bahamas. Point-of view shots are a constant feature of the film, whether the camera is simulating the viewpoint of Bond or the villains as they look through binoculars, or when the camera acts as Bond's own eyes as they are brought close up to a gadget or item of some importance to him, as in the briefing with Q seen here:
  https://fortressoffleming.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/gadgetstb2.jpg?w=730
  
  For From Russia with Love there's also the notable POV shot of Kerim/Bond looking through the sniper scope while waiting to kill Krilencu:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/From-Russia-With-Love/images/From-Russia-With-Love-204.jpg
  
  It seemed that Moore really liked to use POV shots to simulate certain moments of discovery for the audience, and that adds so much style to those early Bond films.
  
  
  I'll try to think of more examples to throw in later.
• thelivingroyale

  November 2017 Posts: 12,837

  I think that there might be one or two POV shots during the TSWLM ski chase but I'm not too sure.
  
  After seeing Hardcore Henry I think this is something I'd like to see more of in Bond. You can do some insane stuff with go pro cameras. Could be a cool way to introduce the next actor when Craig leaves. Big long first person action scene ending in a really cool stunt, then it finally switches to a regular shot (or he could just look in a mirror or something) to reveal the guy who's eyes we've been watching through: the new James Bond.
• RichardTheBruce I'm motivated by my Duty.

  November 2017 Posts: 13,789

  MOONRAKER
  
  OO7 in freefall looks through his own hands down to the freefaller with the parachute.
  
  OO7 in the helicopter piloted by Corinne views the Drax facility.
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/Moonraker/pages/Moonraker-067.htm
  
  OO7 views the documents through his OO7 camera.
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/Moonraker/pages/Moonraker-145.htm
  
  OO7 in Rio looks through the telescope and sights Goodhead.
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/Moonraker/pages/Moonraker-415.htm
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  November 2017 Posts: 14,571

  Can Bond waking up to seeing Pussy Galore be classed as Bond's POV? She seems to be looking slightly to the right of the screen.
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  November 2017 Posts: 1,889

  For GF I of course mean the moment when he wakes up to see Pussy after Goldfinger has him tranquilized:
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/blu-ray/Goldfinger/images/Goldfinger-450.jpg
  
  Bond's view of Pussy is blurred at first as we witness his senses coming back to him, a nice touch.

  Hmm, I don't know. She's meant to be looking at Bond, but she isn't looking directly at the camera. I know the filmmakers used a blur transition to mimic him waking up, it's just that the camera is slightly off. A failed POV attempt maybe?
  
  All the other instances are great. You also made some good points about Ted Moore's work which is something that gets overlooked. As the viewer, we take a lot in without thinking about the effort and thought process going into each and every shot and how it makes it more immersive and adds to the style, as you put it.
  
  I guess I'll edit these into my original post so we have them all in one place.
  

  MOONRAKER
  
  OO7 in freefall looks through his own hands down to the freefaller with the parachute.
  OO7 in the helicopter piloted by Corinne views the Drax facility.
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/Moonraker/pages/Moonraker-145.htm
  OO7 in Rio looks through the telescope and sights Goodhead.
  https://screenmusings.org/movie/dvd/Moonraker/pages/Moonraker-415.htm

  
  These too, thanks.
  
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  November 2017 Posts: 1,889

  So what's the verdict on close-ups of Bond looking at something he's holding? Personally, I don't think it should really be included. Mainly because they are what the name suggests; close-ups. The whole frame is full. If it were more 'realistic', we'd see his arm or at least a further view, no?
  
  Furthermore, in films like OP Bond checks his watch maybe 20 times (first because of the egg tracker and then to know how long he has until the bomb goes off). Not only is it exhausting finding them all, but it's also not particularly interesting to look at these screencaps. Sounds like a cop out I know, but I think my first argument kind of seals the deal anyway.
  
  If someone vehemently disagrees with that then you can go search for those. :D
• Major_Boothroyd Republic of Isthmus

  November 2017 edited November 2017 Posts: 2,722

  I'm guessing all the sniper moments would count? Especially the sniper sequence in TLD when he's aiming at Kara and similarly in LTK when he's on the verge of assassinating Sanchez at the casino.
• TheWizardOfIce 'One of the Internet's more toxic individuals'

  November 2017 Posts: 9,117

  FRWL - There's a shot during the fight where Grant comes at him with a quick flurry of blows.
  
  LTK- When he's waterskiing.
  
  A Go-pro shot during both the big stunts in the GE PTS would have been awesome.
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  November 2017 Posts: 14,571

  BondAficionado wrote: »

  So what's the verdict on close-ups of Bond looking at something he's holding? Personally, I don't think it should really be included. Mainly because they are what the name suggests; close-ups. The whole frame is full. If it were more 'realistic', we'd see his arm or at least a further view, no?

  I get what you're saying here. Bond looking at Vesper's phone doesn't count because for him to see what we see, he would need to hold the phone 1 inch from his face :))
  

  BondAficionado wrote: »

  Furthermore, in films like OP Bond checks his watch maybe 20 times (first because of the egg tracker and then to know how long he has until the bomb goes off). Not only is it exhausting finding them all, but it's also not particularly interesting to look at these screencaps. Sounds like a cop out I know, but I think my first argument kind of seals the deal anyway.
  
  If someone vehemently disagrees with that then you can go search for those. :D

  I wouldn't bother listing all the instances he looks at his watch in the one film. Just show one good example then move on.
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  December 2017 Posts: 1,889

  I've updated the list with CR and AVTAK. I wasn't paying too much attention to the shots during the latter, however. So there will be some that I've missed.
  
  Something interesting that I've come across after rewatching CR is that there are many POV shots from Bond during the Madagascar chase in particular. It explains why it makes for such a good action scene. Basically we're put right in the center of the chase as Bond and thereby making it even more thrilling to experience.
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  December 2017 Posts: 1,889

  Birdleson wrote: »

  Good idea for a thread. It is motivating me to get going on my long ago announced thread about extras that look at the camera. That happens a lot.

  
  Sure, why not? I'd be willing to help you with that if you want.
• TheWizardOfIce 'One of the Internet's more toxic individuals'

  December 2017 Posts: 9,117

  What about POV of other characters in Bond films?
  
  The only one I can think of is Q looking at that display watch in OP as Bond zooms on that birds tits.
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  December 2017 Posts: 1,889

  Birdleson wrote: »

  BondAficionado wrote: »

  Birdleson wrote: »

  Good idea for a thread. It is motivating me to get going on my long ago announced thread about extras that look at the camera. That happens a lot.

  
  Sure, why not? I'd be willing to help you with that if you want.

  
  Maybe early next year we can undertake that. There are a good dozen I know by heart.

  
  Okay.
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  May 2019 Posts: 14,571

  Just spotted Bond's POV in LTK. Upon arriving at Hemingway House, when he gets to the top of the stairs, he checks out the guard up in the lighthouse, and then tilts down towards M as he approaches from behind.
  
  https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/general/558x200/56761927__oVHdib42ZWVf2qoHGaOF4ASiryMQT9AgVPYhc-EN40.jpg
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  May 2019 Posts: 1,889

  QBranch wrote: »

  Just spotted Bond's POV in LTK. Upon arriving at Hemingway House, when he gets to the top of the stairs, he checks out the guard up in the lighthouse, and then tilts down towards M as he approaches from behind.
  
  https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/general/558x200/56761927__oVHdib42ZWVf2qoHGaOF4ASiryMQT9AgVPYhc-EN40.jpg

  
  I'll add it to the list, thanks.
  
  I actually forgot about this particular thread. Mainly because the observation never sparked much discourse/interest. But now that you've reminded me of its existence, and I've finished that longest single take page (fascinating stuff imho), I'll recommence my efforts shortly.
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  May 2019 edited May 2019 Posts: 14,571

  Nice one.
  

  BondAficionado wrote: »

  I've finished that longest single take page (fascinating stuff imho)

  Sounds interesting. Where can I find the page, or have you yet to post it?
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  May 2019 Posts: 1,889

  QBranch wrote: »

  Nice one.
  

  BondAficionado wrote: »

  I've finished that longest single take page (fascinating stuff imho)

  Sounds interesting. Where can I find the page, or have you yet to post it?

  
  Finished it last November. Voila: https://www.mi6community.com/discussion/15814/bond-film-statistics-09-forklift-ground-conveyor-appearances/p11
• QBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.

  July 2019 Posts: 14,571

  Bond's POV in MR: When the laboratory door begins to seal, he looks at the top of the door. The next shot shows the top of the door, then tilts down to the bottom. Shot cuts back to Bond looking at the bottom of the door.
• BondAficionado Former IMDBer

  July 2019 Posts: 1,889

  How do I keep on forgetting about this thread?! Thanks I'll add it tomorrow, @QBranch. Was planning to watch it. Today I'll do all of LTK. (Bond mini-marathon this week.)
• The_Bleeding_Heart Oakland, CA

  July 2019 Posts: 34

  I may have to add a couple of Bond POV shots in previous films:
  
  1. Traction table scene in Thunderball.
  2. When Bond wakes up post plane crash with Natalya and sees Xenia hovering in the helicopter (GoldenEye).