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What attracts non Brits to Bond?
Just curious. As a Brit, my chest swells a little when Roger Moores parachute opens in TSWLM, or seeing DC on the rooftop overlooking London at the end of Skyfall. That level of affection wouldn't be there for say a French, German or American character - like the dreadful XXX. Partly because of the lack of British iconic characters in cinema, partly because it's nice to see a character who's humour and background I can relate to. And the UK box office figures speak volumes.
What's the attraction for you non Brits? Is it cool seeing the Union Jack parachute or not?
What's the attraction for you non Brits? Is it cool seeing the Union Jack parachute or not?
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Comments
I'd also like to take this chance to say I hope nobody here thinks of us American Bond fans any less than British fans. I'm not saying anybody does that here but I hope that is not the case
Most of Hollywoods output is set in American locations, American scenarios, and American values.
Bond isn't.
Bond would rather be in Istanbul then Indiana, Corfu then Connecticut and La Paz then LA.
That makes it more accessible to the rest of the world. They might see their city in a Bond film rather then LA or New York yet again.
I do think the fact that James Bond flies the world and has international adventures helps its accessibility.
What about LTK, DAF or LALD? ;)
Seriously, I suppose it's the exoticism people like. The picturesque locations and the glamour.
I am actually talking about non Bond films in comparison...
Well, I always admired Brits ;-). And I have a weakness for Brits. And to be honest, they are our overseas neighbours, being a Dutch native :-).
I've always admired this small but important country. In fact, I'm have planned to move to London once I finish university, in about two years time.
Back to question, I like everything which is British, and, of course, James Bond is part of the pack isn't it. Plus, he's so cool.
He's everything a perfect hero should be. Brave, loyal to his friends and strong.
Bond is resourceful and intelligent. Since the Dalton's days, he even began to acknowledge his weaknesses. He also make me laugh from time to time. He's one of the rare fictional character I can really feel and care for.
I even consider him a friend, because friends are there to make you have a good time, forget your worries and enjoy life. Finally, like me, Bond cinema version was born in 1962, and we grew up together. He's always been there for me.
totally agree
:D
He's British, stop trying to piggy back on our success! Cmon, you guys have tons of film characters, let us have this one ;)
Yeah but we have Jason Statham :P
1. 90% of Americans love ESSPLOSIONS and action in general
2. 40% of Americans are aware enough to enjoy Bond's humor
3. 49% of Americans are male, which are genetically wired to enjoy either the women, explosions, etc.
4. The other 51% of Americans are female, and enjoy Bond and the exotic locations (as much as the explosions and look to the women for fashion).
Other countries look to Bond for a real sense of escapism. Many people internationally can not afford the summer and winter vacations like Americans, nor do they often get many movies at their local cinema. To them, Bond is the 'outside world' so they eat it up.
I think spy films in general are great internationally because there's an excuse to travel the world and have one night stands.
The Arthurian Legend, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, on and on. Damn you people know how to write! :-(( I also love the Brittish sense of humor. I'm a big Monty Python fan. Spaced, Faulty Towers, Bean, all that stuff is awesome. I've owned a region free DVD player for some time and buy from Amazon UK whenever I can. I started getting into other mysterious series beyond Holmes like Poirot, Inspector Morse, and so on. And I finally got around to watching Dr. Who. So wow, so much good stuff!
For me, Bond is the crown jewel among all the Brittish franchises I am into.
I think the attraction to an iconic British hero like Bond is the dynamics of his personality and profession. He's an orphan - which makes him an outsider in many parts of society no matter where one lives - and didn't fit in that well in the schools he attended. It made him the ideal candidate for his profession, yet at the same time it would continually pose a challenge psychologically, because having to keep his personal relationships few in number and at a distance so he could remain detached enough to be a "blunt instrument" would just keep himforever isolated. Combine this with another of the classic, historic, literary aspects of the British - or in actuality - Celtic icon in a long line of heroes beginning with King Arthur, St. George, Robin Hood, etc., then wrap it up in a character who enjoys material luxuries only because he knows every day could be his last and fortify it with modern technology and current geopolitical threats and you have not only a real person that can be related to and appreciated (as all countries do for those who serve for the common good - police, military, medical, etc.) but also someone who we accompany on amazing adventures around the globe. There have been many adventure films that take the hero to exotic locations where they encounter beautiful women and nasty villains, but Fleming just got the mix right from the beginning (which is why he had so many copy cats). He made a character as iconic and universal as Sherlock Holmes or Tarzan, but the filmmakers took it a step further by keeping him relevant with the times.