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Haha! Maybe not QUITE anything.
A question (or two) if I may POAL, what concerns do you have for the future of the James Bond film series, and what are your thoughts on Octopussy?
(Gotta ask as it's one of my favourites)
As far as Octopussy goes, it's one I look forward to watching quite a bit. It's got a good plot, good action, and good (and bad for that matter) girls!
Did you know that Ian Fleming had dogs, one of which was called Satan? I kid you not.
Satan, the loveable red eyed demon dog. ;)
US President John Adams (1797-1801) also had a dog called Satan.
President Washington s dog was named Drunkard.
Here's the proof:
Did you get a reply?
The next person to be interviewed is: @4EverBonded!
I have sent her the first set of questions, and will post them as soon as she has time to reply.
1.) How did you become interested in James Bond?
I discovered James Bond in my teens. The first Fleming novel I read was Live and Let Die - which blew my mind, as part of it was set in my sleepy old town of St. Petersburg, FL. I mean, what are the chances?! I was flabbergasted. It was hardly a famous or exotic place! Just the opposite. I loved Fleming's writing immediately and was hooked. And, at age 15, I saw Diamonds Are Forever in the theatre, my first Bond film. I had been aware of the character James Bond in a more vague way also, simply from growing up in the 60's. Culturally, Bond was everywhere. But those were my first personal encounters. I read all the novels and shared them with my friends a little. I loved the James Bond I read about. When I saw DAF, however, it totally blew me away! Huge impact. I was dazzled to be shown that exciting, colorful, fantastical world of Bond on huge screen, with that immaculate Barry song sung so memorably by Shirley Bassey. It drew me in immediately. I was thrilled to pieces by this film and wanted to be in that world! Which is interesting also because even when younger I never liked neon lights, bright tacky nightclubs, or alcohol - ha! I remember wearing hot pants to high school and hoping I would somehow morph into Jill St. John. That, to my dismay, didn't happen. But what I gained was a huge love and appreciation for Sean Connery as the character I loved, James Bond. As I got older, my thoughts on DAF changed considerably, but it was a fun way to be introduced to the cinematic Bond.
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 was sorely disappointed in The Man With The Golden Gun. I remember grumbling leaving the theater. As much as I enjoyed Moore in Live and Let Die (I had no problems with him taking over as Bond), I felt that TMWTGG made Bond look stupid at times, conflicted, not nice to women, and he dropped his gun in the fun house (that bugged me no end). I loved the action sequences and thought Maud was beautiful. Nick Nack bother me. A lot about this film bothered me! The best thing by far was Christopher Lee. But the film slipped a full notch for me, into territory I found highly unsatisfying. The pennywhistle bleat during the superb (non CGI) car flip was just like someone letting out a big fart during a serious moment, thinking they are being funny. Completely wrong. Yes, I know Barry is on record as regretting that. In a nutshell, the film was all over the place and I was irked because it had real potential, that story. I thought Goodnight, as portrayed, was mostly an insult because she was only a willing bimbo in that film, barely any self respect or professional ability. The film still annoys me, but not as much as when I first left the theater mumbling into the night. They got it very wrong; they blew it, in my opinion. I was concerned about the series at that point.
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?
I am nearly beside myself with excitement for this film! Because I had such a satisfying experience with Skyfall - I managed to avoid all major spoilers! - I want to go into SPECTRE also mainly unaware of the plot, no major spoilers, so it will feel fresh for me. I barely read any threads now, to be honest. I do check the SPECTRE Production Timeline (what a valuable thread that is!) but still tiptoe in, hoping people will use spoiler tags till the very end. I will be disappearing from the entire forum - just like I did for Skyfall - from about mid October (I hope not earlier) till the first week in December. That is a very long stretch, and I hate that - but the film does not open here (Japan) until the first Sat. in DECEMBER. That kills me! Especially as last time Korea (just next door to me) had the film a full month ahead of us. :( Life can be so unfair ...
What I am looking forward to are these key things: Craig's Bond full on mojo working, more joy in his life, and with a babe who does not die in the end (still guessing on my part; I know nothing about the ending or most of the plot) ... superb cinematography ... and the wonderful long awaited tie in between all of Craig's Bond films - Quantum/SPECTRE .... that should be awesome! I sense it is well done. So much hangs on the script, though. They have great actors. Let me also add I am still thrilled that Monica Belucci is finally in a Bond film and indeed I think she is perfectly cast here. Also hoping (but unsure) for a smashingly good, Bondian flavored title song and a GREAT soundtrack (dear heavens, Newman has been encouraged/told often enough by now to up his game and I try to be optimistic that he has).
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 was very pleased, right from the get go. Thrilled he is on board. I want that continuity of a director doing two films in a row! And Mendes does not repeat himself. He is not boring or one to stick to a formula per se. I find him an intelligent, thoughtful director and I'm very happy indeed he has directed 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?
Bond 25? So you mean after SPECTRE? I want that one to be the Blofeld climatic film, to be one of the jewels in the entire history of Bond films. I think SPECTRE is shaping up to be one of the best, but I dearly hope that whenever Blofeld enters the story, it is not in SPECTRE or at least at the very end (which I think will happen). I want the Bond-Blofeld full engagement to be in Bond 25. And why would the producers and everyone concerned get it over with in just one film (SPECTRE)? Makes no sense from a business standpoint either. Craig is one of the greatest Bonds and brings everything - everything! - needed to that role, taking Bond from rookie 007 to a seasoned, burnt out agent, to one who is fully his best self again. He can bow out gracefully with Bond25 being his final film; I sense that would be the time for him to move on. I am quite optimistic about the rest of his tenure as Bond. Depends again on director and script; those are always so crucial. Craig's era is looking to be golden, with a minor bump being the uneven Quantum of Solace (which still has great moments). I still really love Skyfall and rank it in my top ten.
6.) What are your thoughts on each of the actors to play Bond? Also, who is your favorite? Least favorite?
My favorite Bond actor does change. Don't shoot me when I say this! I value all of the actors who portrayed Bond, with the very least liked one being Lazenby (he never convinced me, for one moment, that he was Bond; that is the main issue I have with him). But I like all of the rest for what they contribute to their films and to the series. I don't say that at all in a surface, flippant way either. I value what Sean gave us - for heaven's sake he forever stamped James Bond into our world with Dr. No, and nobody could have given us a better intro to the role! Moore was pure suave, grace, self assurance, and a sense of humor and real charm unique to him. At his finest, in The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only, Roger Moore shone as bright as any Bond ever will. Superb. Timothy Dalton was a grittier, more serious Bond and I was open to that; I wanted more from him for sure. I still love The Living Daylights, it is a fine, balanced Bond film. Pierce Brosnan brought much needed freshness and personal style & charm to Goldeneye, found his perfect form as Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies (just so excellent throughout!), wavered in The World is Not Enough, and was saddled with Die Another Day (something I would not wish on any Bond actor). Unlike many people, I think Pierce himself was a fine Bond in DAD, especially the first half. The film itself was a mire of crap, though, and it the last part it feels like Brosnan gave up and went with the flow. But I like Brosnan's Bond very much indeed. I don't waver in that. Daniel Craig had me from the moment he said, "I know where you keep your gun..." I felt a visceral thrill at those words. I was totally convinced in that moment (and thereafter) that this was Bond, James Bond. No doubts. Believe me when I say Daniel Craig is a thoroughly believable James Bond - he lives it, the character comes fully alive, he has depth, and I am very happy with him in the role. Overall ... I'll say, for today, my favorite Bond actor is Sean Connery (and I just this second realize I made you smile with that answer, SirHenry ...). ;)
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?
Oh man, I cannot choose! The top 3 or 5 move around for me. OK, I'll try. Favorite, not a strict critical assessment; my favorite ... OK, I'm going with The Spy Who Loved Me. :) It is a rollicking adventure, beautifully filmed with great locations and fantastic Ken Adam sets, perfect acting by Roger Moore. What is not to enjoy? I love it as much today as when I saw it in the theater and nearly stood up cheered, it made me so happy. I thoroughly enjoy Roger's chemistry with Barbara Bach. It has Jaws as not a full buffoon yet, and it is simply so much fun! It came along and saved the series for me, truly. It is the one Bond film I usually say I'd love to actually live thru. Great theme song, too.
Least favorite is DAD - totally disappointing even though it had promise (the first half is good and starts out strong) .... but soon became so awful it was embarrassing. And the worst theme song, which set me on edge and gave me a feeling of foreboding when I first heard it in the theater. Mind you, TMWTGG is down there at the bottom for me, too.
8.) What are some of your thoughts on the other areas of Bond: Favorite novel? Favorite games? Favorite song and soundtrack?
Favorite novel is Dr. No - I can relate to it, being a Tomboy growing up in semi tropical/tropical Florida, its location and story are wonderfully written! And I do like Honeychile Rider very much. Love the actual ending, too. ;)
I never play video or computer games. Next -
Favorite theme song ... difficult! "Goldfinger" is totally iconic for all the right reasons, but I truly love "Nobody Does It Better", "Diamonds Are Forever," "Live and Let Die", "You Know My Name" and "Skyfall". I'll go with "Goldfinger" to make it as clean and definite a #1 theme song as I can. Worst theme song is ..."Die Another Day" - but it really is a tie with the screechfest, "Another Way to Die". Ugh!! *shudder*
Soundtrack - wow! Just choose a John Barry. For me, "You Only Live Twice", "Diamonds Are Forever", "A View to A Kill," and "Octopussy" (the soundtrack very fine, better than the title song). I very much like George Martin's work with "Live and Let Die". I really enjoy David Arnold's work in Casino Royale, Tomorrow Never Dies (very good soundtrack!) and Quantum of Solace, too. I dislike Conti's for For Your Eyes Only, except it had moments. I think Hamlisch did okay with TSWLM, yes. I was quite disappointed with Newman, who did not do much memorable work at all for Skyfall. I'll go with "You Only Live Twice" soundtrack as a great favorite. But 2 others at least are closely nudging it ("A View to A Kill" and "Diamonds Are Forever").
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?
My favorite aspects of Bond films are: 1) they take me to another, fascinating and intriguing world with the main character being one I have loved for more than 40 years now, a world I could never personally experience 2) the music, which when done right (the majority have been) is different from other films' soundtracks and lends a special air to the whole world of Bond, 3) superb cinematography, the best in the business, 4) Bond films are a cut above and are classy, with highest quality production, materials, technical savvy, stunt team, everything - nothing should look cheaply done in a Bond film; and 5) Bond films are fun. ;)
Yes "fun". I don't mean silly humor, I mean I spend an enjoyable 2 hrs (approx.) in a theater having the time of my life, enjoying an adventure with James Bond and cohorts, that takes me around the globe and is hugely entertaining. It can be a more serious film and still be "fun" - and I don't mean the specific humor in it; I mostly mean it is very, very enjoyable. I am always more excited about a Bond film than any other film series, for sure. That has never waivered for me. I also like the continuity of Bond having his main support team of M, Moneypenny, Q, and Leiter (at least from time to time). They feel like family in a way. I hope Leiter pops in for Bond25 - I definitely hope that!
What would I add to the series, or bring back to it? That takes more thought. I'll need to get back with you, and I will. Offhand, I'd say more consistently great scripts, but that sound flippant, and I don't mean to be flippant. I think all the main ingredients are there now, in Bond films, but so much always hangs on the story, doesn't it? I would bring back Leiter as I mentioned. If I could bring back Mathis from the dead, I would! But I cannot, alas. With Monica as a Bond girl/lady finally, that gives me one thing I had wanted. I want to see a great relationship between Bond and M and Bond and Moneypenny. I do hope Fiennes and Harris get more screentime than their characters did in the older films. That does not mean I want them in the field, being a sidekick to Bond. But I hope the script can give us more of their relationship in good ways, balanced and interesting ways. I think that in SPECTRE we are getting some things I have wanted to see: a Bond with a lighter heart, fully in control, not filled with grief and angst, and that is what I want. It's time for that. Yes, I feel SPECTRE's story will be "personal" for Bond, because we know it involves his parents, his upbringing to a certain extent. I'm fine with that if it is well written. That does bring an emotional element, which I am all for (in general). Finding balance for humor and "personal" emotional ties in a Bond film is tricky! But good if it is balanced, for sure.
10.) If you could put yourself in one Bond film, which film would it be and why is that?
I rather answered that when I talked about "The Spy Who Loved Me" because it is the one I'd love to hop into. It is a rollicking great time, that's why! I'd LOVE to visit those places, with Roger Moore as that Bond. He was near perfect in this film. I can think of 4 others I'd enjoy actually living through, also ("For Yours Eyes Only," "Goldeneye," "From Russia With Love" and "Dr. No"). But I think my #1 choice would be "The Spy Who Loved Me." It's a blast! Do keep in mind I'm a woman, so I'm looking at it from the female characters' perspectives when you say for me to put myself in a Bond film. Craig's films are excellent yet the females have had too sad or dire consequences for me to want to be "in" in those films. ;)
Love your love for Spy, a truly wonderful film. And having recently watched Golden Gun you perfectly sum up my own displeasure with it.
Looking forward to the next part of this.
You're quite welcome, and I was also happy to see I wasn't the only one with a big distaste for TMWTGG; It's Bond, so I still do love it, even if it is one of my least favorites in the series.