Sean Connery’s legacy in film history is irrefutable just as much as his contribution to the evolution of late 20th-century cinema. Despite the era’s misgivings and misogyny, Connery remains an irrevocable icon for his role as James Bond in the franchise’s first live-action film Dr. No. His blue-eyed, broad-shouldered, and laid-back charm not only hypnotized millions but also brought the Scotsman fame on a level previously unheard of.
Sean Connery in Goldfinger [Credit: United Artists]However, under fame’s seductive grip, Connery ended up shunning other roles that would go on to become equally iconic in the years to come. Sadder still, the actor blatantly used his fame as a tool to lord over industry producers and directors for a bigger payday.
Sean Connery Passed Up on Iconic Role Due to James Bond
Ruthless, sadistic, and diabolical, Brick Top remains one of the most exaggerated and terrifying on-screen villains to date.
Sean Connery in Goldfinger [Credit: United Artists]However, under fame’s seductive grip, Connery ended up shunning other roles that would go on to become equally iconic in the years to come. Sadder still, the actor blatantly used his fame as a tool to lord over industry producers and directors for a bigger payday.
Sean Connery Passed Up on Iconic Role Due to James Bond
Ruthless, sadistic, and diabolical, Brick Top remains one of the most exaggerated and terrifying on-screen villains to date.
- 4/18/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Beyoncé is never too shy to pay homage to the past and she set the internet ablaze when she recently sampled Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” When Sinatra explained the song, Queen B’s decision to sample it made so much sense. In a way, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” paved the way for some of Beyoncé’s best songs.
Nancy Sinatra said ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” is perfect for certain women
During a 2004 interview with Hot Press, Sinatra discussed the impact music had one her life. “The music is the thread all the way through,” she said. “Classical piano for 12 years and teaching 40 girls in school how to sing in four-part harmony were two of my early passions. I lost my way for a little while but after my first so-called marriage (to teen idol Tommy Sands) ended I was able to...
Nancy Sinatra said ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” is perfect for certain women
During a 2004 interview with Hot Press, Sinatra discussed the impact music had one her life. “The music is the thread all the way through,” she said. “Classical piano for 12 years and teaching 40 girls in school how to sing in four-part harmony were two of my early passions. I lost my way for a little while but after my first so-called marriage (to teen idol Tommy Sands) ended I was able to...
- 4/12/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lashana Lynch became the first woman to own the 007 title in the 2021 James Bond tentpole “No Time to Die,” but it turns out a plan to make James Bond a woman was actually pitched over 60 years prior. In Nicholas Shakespeare’s upcoming biography of Bond author Ian Fleming, titled “Ian Fleming: The Complete Man,” it’s confirmed that producer Gregory Ratoff floated the idea of casting Susan Hayward in a film adaptation of Fleming’s first Bond novel “Casino Royale.”
Shakespeare writes in the biography (via IndieWire): “Since the mid-1950s, many well-known actors had been approached [to play Bond]. Gregory Ratoff had the arresting idea of having Bond played by a woman, Susan Hayward. Ian had entertained several possibilities, from Richard Burton (‘I think that Richard Burton would be by far the best James Bond’), to James Stewart (‘I wouldn’t at all mind him as Bond if he can slightly...
Shakespeare writes in the biography (via IndieWire): “Since the mid-1950s, many well-known actors had been approached [to play Bond]. Gregory Ratoff had the arresting idea of having Bond played by a woman, Susan Hayward. Ian had entertained several possibilities, from Richard Burton (‘I think that Richard Burton would be by far the best James Bond’), to James Stewart (‘I wouldn’t at all mind him as Bond if he can slightly...
- 4/8/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
“It was all me, James. It’s always been me,” the villain played by Christoph Waltz reveals to super spy James Bond. “The author of all your pain.”
The name of that author? Ernst Stavro Blofeld. When Waltz revealed himself as Blofeld in 2015’s Spectre, he reversed a problem that had plagued the Bond franchise for decades: the long absence of 007’s greatest recurring arch-enemy and the huge stakes that came along with his every appearance.
How could the man who escaped every death trap and seduced every woman lose his man? How did the notoriously controlling Eon Productions, which owns the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels, let one of its most important characters slip through its hands?
Turns out, the true author of Bond’s pain is the copyright office and the he said/she said litigation that slows down big budget productions.
The Birth of Blofeld
Ernst...
The name of that author? Ernst Stavro Blofeld. When Waltz revealed himself as Blofeld in 2015’s Spectre, he reversed a problem that had plagued the Bond franchise for decades: the long absence of 007’s greatest recurring arch-enemy and the huge stakes that came along with his every appearance.
How could the man who escaped every death trap and seduced every woman lose his man? How did the notoriously controlling Eon Productions, which owns the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels, let one of its most important characters slip through its hands?
Turns out, the true author of Bond’s pain is the copyright office and the he said/she said litigation that slows down big budget productions.
The Birth of Blofeld
Ernst...
- 4/1/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has gotten support from a former James Bond actor after rumors the Bullet Train star got offered to be the next 007 agent.
George Lazenby, who portrayed Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, gave his seal of approval to Taylor-Johnson following reports he was in contention for the role.
According to a recent TMZ report, Lazenby said Taylor-Johnson would be able to “handle the stunts and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.”
Lazenby noted that he doesn’t think Taylor-Johnson has the role yet because “when he auditioned for the part back in the 1960s, he went through a bunch of different tests and auditions before he won the role.”
James Bond was most recently played by English actor Daniel Craig, who took over the role in 2006’s Casino Royale. Craig would continue portraying the spy in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, 2012’s Skyfall,...
George Lazenby, who portrayed Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, gave his seal of approval to Taylor-Johnson following reports he was in contention for the role.
According to a recent TMZ report, Lazenby said Taylor-Johnson would be able to “handle the stunts and all the ladies who love a man in a tux.”
Lazenby noted that he doesn’t think Taylor-Johnson has the role yet because “when he auditioned for the part back in the 1960s, he went through a bunch of different tests and auditions before he won the role.”
James Bond was most recently played by English actor Daniel Craig, who took over the role in 2006’s Casino Royale. Craig would continue portraying the spy in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, 2012’s Skyfall,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Sir Sean Connery is popularly known for being the first actor to portray the famous fictional British secret agent James Bond on-screen. He starred in a total of seven James Bond movies from 1962 to 1983, with Never Say Never Again being his last appearance as the 007 agent.
The Scottish actor was regarded as one of the finest actors in the industry and for his service to drama he was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France and a Knight by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. Not only was Sean Connery a brilliant actor, but he was also one of the brave ones who faced a real-life mobster with no hesitance on his face.
Sean Connery in Dr. No Jay Leno says Sir Sean Connery was a ‘tough guy’
Jay Leno appeared on The Pete and Sebastian Show, and during the conversation, the television host and comedian remembered...
The Scottish actor was regarded as one of the finest actors in the industry and for his service to drama he was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France and a Knight by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. Not only was Sean Connery a brilliant actor, but he was also one of the brave ones who faced a real-life mobster with no hesitance on his face.
Sean Connery in Dr. No Jay Leno says Sir Sean Connery was a ‘tough guy’
Jay Leno appeared on The Pete and Sebastian Show, and during the conversation, the television host and comedian remembered...
- 3/23/2024
- by Avneet Ahluwalia
- FandomWire
The biggest, most audacious James Bond movie during Sean Connery’s celebrated run as the British superspy is 1965’s Thunderball, a spectacular adaptation of the Ian Fleming novel of the same name. Thunderball sees the insidious terrorist syndicate Spectre steal two nuclear warheads from NATO and hold the world governments hostage for £100 million. After a run-in with Spectre operatives at a local clinic while recuperating from a recent mission, Bond suspects the warheads are hidden in the Bahamas and convinces M to investigate further. Upon arriving, Bond matches wits with high-ranking Spectre figure Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi) and assassin Fiona Volpe (Luciana Paluzzi), romancing Largo’s girlfriend Domino (Claudine Auger) as he searches for the warheads.
Nearly 60 years after its initial release, Thunderball remains the highest-earning Bond film in North America after adjusting for inflation and is the second in the long-running series to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Nearly 60 years after its initial release, Thunderball remains the highest-earning Bond film in North America after adjusting for inflation and is the second in the long-running series to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
- 3/7/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Even the most die-hard 007 fans know that James Bond movies don’t always hit. There’s the yellow face of You Only Live Twice, the pigeon double-take in Moonraker, the surfing in Die Another Day. But never has the franchise done worse than when a certain Louisiana police officer bumbles into the otherwise solid Live and Let Die.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
Yes, I’m talking about Sheriff J.W. Pepper, a loudmouth distraction who sort of makes sense in the American-set Live and Let Die, but then he somehow also shows up in Thailand to further drag down The Man With the Golden Gun.
Modern viewers meeting the character for the first time today will likely be confused by Pepper’s shtick. But to the viewers of the early 1970s, Pepper not only hit as a funny joke, but he was very much in line with Bond’s history of pop culture Johnny-come-latelyisms.
- 2/23/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The name’s warning. Trigger warning. The British Film Institute is catching major flak for tacking on a disclaimer ahead of a collection of movies screening this season, including two James Bond pictures.
As per The Guardian, the London-based organization is including the following text ahead of their retrospective on composer John Barry, of course, best known for composing nearly half of the James Bond films: “Please note that many of these films contain language, images or other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then). The titles are included here for historical, cultural or aesthetic reasons, and these views are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.” The notes with You Only Live Twice also state that the movie “contains outdated racial stereotypes.“
One has to question the necessity of a trigger warning here, especially from a...
As per The Guardian, the London-based organization is including the following text ahead of their retrospective on composer John Barry, of course, best known for composing nearly half of the James Bond films: “Please note that many of these films contain language, images or other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then). The titles are included here for historical, cultural or aesthetic reasons, and these views are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.” The notes with You Only Live Twice also state that the movie “contains outdated racial stereotypes.“
One has to question the necessity of a trigger warning here, especially from a...
- 1/6/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
A season dedicated to composer John Barry, including two James Bond films, has received trigger warnings from the BFI. More here.
The BFI has unveiled a new season celebrating the work of composer John Barry. Titled John Barry: Soundtracking Bond and Beyond, the season includes two Bond films, Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice as well as films such as Midnight Cowboy and The Ipcress File.
The season has earned itself a trigger warning from the BFI, as reported by The Guardian. The blanket warning for all films reads: “Please note that many of these films contain language, images or other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then). The titles are included here for historical, cultural or aesthetic reasons and these views are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.”
Programme notes for 1967’s You Only Live Twice...
The BFI has unveiled a new season celebrating the work of composer John Barry. Titled John Barry: Soundtracking Bond and Beyond, the season includes two Bond films, Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice as well as films such as Midnight Cowboy and The Ipcress File.
The season has earned itself a trigger warning from the BFI, as reported by The Guardian. The blanket warning for all films reads: “Please note that many of these films contain language, images or other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then). The titles are included here for historical, cultural or aesthetic reasons and these views are in no way endorsed by the BFI or its partners.”
Programme notes for 1967’s You Only Live Twice...
- 1/5/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
A new season celebrating John Barry’s film soundtracks come loaded with offence warnings that don’t seem that necessary
• BFI season gives James Bond films trigger warnings
Culture warriors have heard a safety-catch being clicked firmly into place at London’s BFI Southbank for a forthcoming season of 60s movies – variously naughty, groovy and gritty – scored by the great composer John Barry: Soundtracking Bond and Beyond. The “Beyond” part means classics such as The Ipcress File and Midnight Cowboy, but obviously 007’s exploits are the main event.
And there’s a prominent warning: “Please note that many of these films contain languages, image and other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then).”
Those last four words will be savoured by historians of offence management: the additional pre-emptive assertion that some of this was iffy then, offensiveness is not relative and that was no excuse.
• BFI season gives James Bond films trigger warnings
Culture warriors have heard a safety-catch being clicked firmly into place at London’s BFI Southbank for a forthcoming season of 60s movies – variously naughty, groovy and gritty – scored by the great composer John Barry: Soundtracking Bond and Beyond. The “Beyond” part means classics such as The Ipcress File and Midnight Cowboy, but obviously 007’s exploits are the main event.
And there’s a prominent warning: “Please note that many of these films contain languages, image and other content that reflect views prevalent in its time, but will cause offence today (as they did then).”
Those last four words will be savoured by historians of offence management: the additional pre-emptive assertion that some of this was iffy then, offensiveness is not relative and that was no excuse.
- 1/4/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
There are countless ways to enjoy the James Bond series, and every 007 aficionado has their preferred method. And they'll talk your ear off about it. Some suggest starting with the highlights, the best of the best, and then doubling back to fill in the gaps. It's the most fun way to do it. Others will tell you to take a deep breath, lean into the wind, and just watch the whole shebang straight through in chronological order of release. It's the most rewarding way to do it (even though you'll suffer through some serious stinkers).
A similar logic applies to each individual Bond era. Some, like Timothy Dalton's brisk run as the world's most dashing secret agent, are over in the blink of an eye. Others, like Daniel Craig's modern reboot, actually demand a specific order to be fully appreciated. But Sean Connery, the first James Bond...
A similar logic applies to each individual Bond era. Some, like Timothy Dalton's brisk run as the world's most dashing secret agent, are over in the blink of an eye. Others, like Daniel Craig's modern reboot, actually demand a specific order to be fully appreciated. But Sean Connery, the first James Bond...
- 11/25/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
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Few characters in fiction have the pop culture presence of James Bond. Even those who have never seen a James Bond movie can probably tell you exactly how he introduces himself. Bond. James Bond. The name has become synonymous with spies, sex, and martinis that are shaken not stirred. But what if I told you that the name James Bond came from a big ol' bird nerd?
As recounted in the book "The Man with the Golden Typewriter" -- a collection of letters written by James Bond author Ian Fleming to his wife, publisher, editors, fans, friends, critics, and more -- the name James Bond was actually lifted from a noted ornithologist. How did this happen?
Ian Fleming (seen above on the set of "Dr. No" with James Bond actor Sean Connery) explained that at the time he was writing...
Few characters in fiction have the pop culture presence of James Bond. Even those who have never seen a James Bond movie can probably tell you exactly how he introduces himself. Bond. James Bond. The name has become synonymous with spies, sex, and martinis that are shaken not stirred. But what if I told you that the name James Bond came from a big ol' bird nerd?
As recounted in the book "The Man with the Golden Typewriter" -- a collection of letters written by James Bond author Ian Fleming to his wife, publisher, editors, fans, friends, critics, and more -- the name James Bond was actually lifted from a noted ornithologist. How did this happen?
Ian Fleming (seen above on the set of "Dr. No" with James Bond actor Sean Connery) explained that at the time he was writing...
- 10/21/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Few fictional characters don't require an introduction. James Bond is one of them.
Across 25 films, produced over 60-plus years, Ian Fleming's debonair, dangerous, and dashing spy has been at the center of a cinematic legacy that defies the odds. Perhaps only Sherlock Holmes offers comparison -- a character so iconic, so popular, so fully-formed, but also so flexible that it's impossible to imagine the modern pop culture landscape with him. Agent 007 set the standard. And then resets it every decade or so.
Of course, a character this important (to both fans and the producers crafting his movies) needs an actor capable of filling that tux and wielding that pistol. And here's the truth: There has never been a bad Bond actor. Sure, there have been plenty of terrible James Bond movies, but no actor has actually embarrassed themselves or the franchise. They've all shown up. They all understood the assignment.
Across 25 films, produced over 60-plus years, Ian Fleming's debonair, dangerous, and dashing spy has been at the center of a cinematic legacy that defies the odds. Perhaps only Sherlock Holmes offers comparison -- a character so iconic, so popular, so fully-formed, but also so flexible that it's impossible to imagine the modern pop culture landscape with him. Agent 007 set the standard. And then resets it every decade or so.
Of course, a character this important (to both fans and the producers crafting his movies) needs an actor capable of filling that tux and wielding that pistol. And here's the truth: There has never been a bad Bond actor. Sure, there have been plenty of terrible James Bond movies, but no actor has actually embarrassed themselves or the franchise. They've all shown up. They all understood the assignment.
- 10/14/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
The James Bond film series has never been known for its fealty to the original Ian Fleming source material, which comprise 12 novels and two short story collections. There have since been other books too, more than two dozen, in fact, all written by different authors. But the movies have only glancingly touched on them. Although some of the initial 007 films stayed fairly faithful to the source novels, the franchise began to veer away from the Fleming tales by the mid-1960s, only intermittently returning to them.
Intriguingly, recent (if dubious) rumors have suggested that Eon Productions has reached out to Christopher Nolan about directing the next two films in the series, which would also introduce a new Bond, but there’s no official word on what direction the property will take. There has been speculation that Nolan himself would like to go back to the books, period setting and all,...
Intriguingly, recent (if dubious) rumors have suggested that Eon Productions has reached out to Christopher Nolan about directing the next two films in the series, which would also introduce a new Bond, but there’s no official word on what direction the property will take. There has been speculation that Nolan himself would like to go back to the books, period setting and all,...
- 10/14/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
October has arrived, and Amazon Prime Video is not lacking in great new movies to stream this month. The bulk of the James Bond library is available to stream on Prime Video starting on Oct. 1, so pick your favorite era and play your marathon accordingly. There’s also a bona fide new release hitting just in time for Spooky Season – the 1980s-set time travel horror film “Totally Killer,” starring “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” lead Kiernan Shipka. And the Nicolas Cage Dracula film “Renfield” also hits Prime Video this month.
Whether you’re looking for scares, thrills or a classic rom-com, we’ve got you covered. Check out our picks for the best new movies on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below.
The James Bond Franchise Eon
Ok so this is more than one film, but if you’re a James Bond fan you can now stream a slew of entries...
Whether you’re looking for scares, thrills or a classic rom-com, we’ve got you covered. Check out our picks for the best new movies on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below.
The James Bond Franchise Eon
Ok so this is more than one film, but if you’re a James Bond fan you can now stream a slew of entries...
- 10/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
There’s a lot to watch on Prime Video in October and, as you may have guessed, there’s spooky stuff galore in amongst Prime’s usual rotation of extensive library content.
In the movie Totally Killer, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka travels back in time to the 1980s to stop a serial killer. Then there’s Make Me Scream, a Halloween special that challenges celebrities to “a gruesome game of terror.” Renfield will also be streaming on the service for anyone who’s been dying (muahahaha!) to catch the Nic Cage Dracula film.
Outside of Prime Video’s more creepy fare, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods will debut, Upload will be back for a third season, and new film Awareness should scratch your sci-fi itch. Meanwhile, for Frasier heads – those who consider themselves utterly Frasier-pilled – all eleven seasons of the Cheers spinoff show will be streaming at the touch of a button.
In the movie Totally Killer, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka travels back in time to the 1980s to stop a serial killer. Then there’s Make Me Scream, a Halloween special that challenges celebrities to “a gruesome game of terror.” Renfield will also be streaming on the service for anyone who’s been dying (muahahaha!) to catch the Nic Cage Dracula film.
Outside of Prime Video’s more creepy fare, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods will debut, Upload will be back for a third season, and new film Awareness should scratch your sci-fi itch. Meanwhile, for Frasier heads – those who consider themselves utterly Frasier-pilled – all eleven seasons of the Cheers spinoff show will be streaming at the touch of a button.
- 10/1/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
If you’re looking for a complete list of every new movie and TV show coming to Amazon Prime Video in October, you’ve come to the right place. This month kicks off with a slew of great library additions, from James Bond films to relatively new releases (“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and the Nicolas Cage Dracula movie “Renfield”) and beyond.
There are also some high-profile originals landing in October. The third season of the sci-fi comedy series “Upload” arrives on Oct. 20, while Oct. 6 marks the release of the Prime Video original film “Totally Killer,” a fun slasher set in the 1980s that stars Kiernan Shipka.
Check out the full list of what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below, followed by a complete list of new arrivals for Freevee in October as well.
Arriving October 1
Frasier, Seasons 1-11 (1994)
Hit, Season 3 (2020)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
A Guy Thing...
There are also some high-profile originals landing in October. The third season of the sci-fi comedy series “Upload” arrives on Oct. 20, while Oct. 6 marks the release of the Prime Video original film “Totally Killer,” a fun slasher set in the 1980s that stars Kiernan Shipka.
Check out the full list of what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in October 2023 below, followed by a complete list of new arrivals for Freevee in October as well.
Arriving October 1
Frasier, Seasons 1-11 (1994)
Hit, Season 3 (2020)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
A Guy Thing...
- 9/30/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Slayyyter is sitting on a couch in Room 49 of the historic Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood. She’s bare-faced, barefoot, and sporting a silky, off-white nightgown as she takes sips of her iced coffee. “I feel like if you die here, you’re immortalized in Hollywood culture,” she muses. Last night’s empty bottles of Dom Pérignon and a half-eaten cake sit on the kitchen counter. It’s the morning of her 27th birthday.
“I’m really weird with this place,” the pop singer continues, casually citing the number...
“I’m really weird with this place,” the pop singer continues, casually citing the number...
- 9/20/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we look at Oscars categories from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winners stand the test of time.)
Best Original Song is such an odd category. On the Academy Awards broadcast, it is the one that gets the most airtime, as it is typical to perform all five of the nominated tunes during the show. While this is technically meant to showcase the nominees, it is really an excuse to break up what would be a fairly monotonous, long awards show.
However, most of the songs nominated for Best Original Song aren't all that interesting. A lot of the time, these tunes aren't integral to the film itself in the slightest, and they are simply musical wallpaper to play over the end credits of a movie as you file out of the theater. This is also the category most susceptible...
Best Original Song is such an odd category. On the Academy Awards broadcast, it is the one that gets the most airtime, as it is typical to perform all five of the nominated tunes during the show. While this is technically meant to showcase the nominees, it is really an excuse to break up what would be a fairly monotonous, long awards show.
However, most of the songs nominated for Best Original Song aren't all that interesting. A lot of the time, these tunes aren't integral to the film itself in the slightest, and they are simply musical wallpaper to play over the end credits of a movie as you file out of the theater. This is also the category most susceptible...
- 9/17/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Clockwise from top left: Skyfall, The World Is Not Enough, The Spy Who Loved Me, Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice (MGM)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Since the first time he suavely announced “Bond. James Bond,” cigarette dangling from his lips, in 1962’s Dr. No, we’ve been naturally compelled to...
Since the first time he suavely announced “Bond. James Bond,” cigarette dangling from his lips, in 1962’s Dr. No, we’ve been naturally compelled to...
- 9/6/2023
- by Scott Huver
- avclub.com
There are few casting decisions in cinema history as important or impactful than that of Sean Connery as James Bond in "Dr. No." Ian Fleming's novels introduced us to the now-iconic MI6 spy 007, but it wasn't until 1962, when the first cinematic adaptation of those texts arrived, that the world at large came to know Bond, James Bond. Connery's casting is, perhaps, more than any other part of Terrence Young's seminal film, credited for its success. And even though Connery was a not terribly well-known actor at the time, he had a couple of demands that needed to be met before agreeing to take the part.
Published in 2015, Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's book "Some Kind of Hero" chronicles the history of the "James Bond" films in great detail. In covering "Dr. No," the book contains an excerpt from an interview with Connery, who recalled how his journey as 007 began.
Published in 2015, Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury's book "Some Kind of Hero" chronicles the history of the "James Bond" films in great detail. In covering "Dr. No," the book contains an excerpt from an interview with Connery, who recalled how his journey as 007 began.
- 8/21/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
For a long time, "Moonraker" was considered by many hardcore James Bond fans as the nadir of the franchise. Based on the third novel in Ian Fleming's 007 series, the film was rushed into production to take advantage of the blockbuster sci-fi craze kicked off by George Lucas' "Star Wars" and Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Like most adaptations of Fleming's work pre-2006's "Casino Royale," the film was a goofy, gadget-laden departure from Fleming's grittier, more grounded books. But for some, "Moonraker" went several steps too far.
From the cheeky references to the aforementioned '70s smashes (particularly punching in a door code with the five-note "Close Encounters" theme) to the laser-gun battle on Hugo Drax's space station, "Moonraker" played like self-parody. And to a degree, it is. But now that we've seen the series successfully course-correct several times over the next four decades,...
From the cheeky references to the aforementioned '70s smashes (particularly punching in a door code with the five-note "Close Encounters" theme) to the laser-gun battle on Hugo Drax's space station, "Moonraker" played like self-parody. And to a degree, it is. But now that we've seen the series successfully course-correct several times over the next four decades,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me" is a landmark James Bond film for several reasons. For one, it fully cemented Sir Roger Moore as Bond, establishing his take on the character as distinctive and separate from Sean Connery and George Lazenby. For another, it introduced another recurring character to the continuity-lite franchise: Richard Kiel's imposing (and mostly silent) henchman, Jaws. The film also featured a then-groundbreaking stunt sequence, a buzzworthy moment that helped it become the massive box-office hit the franchise needed in order to continue at all after the underperformance of "The Man With the Golden Gun."
Most intriguingly for the spy movie in general, however, "The Spy Who Loved Me" introduced the notion of detente between Her Majesty's Secret Service (represented by Bond) and the Kgb (represented by Barbara Bach as Anya Amasova). This spirit of tolerance and occasional cooperation continued throughout the next several Bond films,...
Most intriguingly for the spy movie in general, however, "The Spy Who Loved Me" introduced the notion of detente between Her Majesty's Secret Service (represented by Bond) and the Kgb (represented by Barbara Bach as Anya Amasova). This spirit of tolerance and occasional cooperation continued throughout the next several Bond films,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
James Bond is dead. Daniel Craig's version, that is. Buried beneath a hail of ballistics at the end of 2021's "No Time To Die," Craig's 007 was the first in the franchise's more than 60-year run to ever die on-screen (and not the fakeout "You Only Live Twice" kind). If you'd merely heard about, rather than witnessed, such an unprecedented and momentous moment in Bond history, you might think Craig's tenure in the tux was the finest the saga had ever seen, fully justifying longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in their decision to have England's greatest spy Kia. But you'd be wrong.
The prevailing view of the Craig era goes like this: 2006's "Casino Royale" is one of, if not the best Bond movie ever made, but its follow-up, 2008's "Quantum of Solace" was a historic blunder that nearly derailed the whole enterprise just as it was getting started.
The prevailing view of the Craig era goes like this: 2006's "Casino Royale" is one of, if not the best Bond movie ever made, but its follow-up, 2008's "Quantum of Solace" was a historic blunder that nearly derailed the whole enterprise just as it was getting started.
- 8/17/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
To legions of James Bond fans, there is only one true Agent 007: the legendary Sean Connery. Connery’s early Bond films — Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever — established the template for the suave, debonair, and resourceful secret agent that has been maintained through all of the films (and stars) that have followed. As successful as he was playing Bond, though, the late actor once told us that, in real life, he didn’t think he had what it takes to be a good spy. (Click on the media bar below to hear Sean Connery) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sean_Connery_Spy_.mp3
All of Sean Connery’s classic Bond movies are available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and most digital platforms.
The post Sean Connery Was A Great James Bond, But It Was All An Act appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
All of Sean Connery’s classic Bond movies are available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and most digital platforms.
The post Sean Connery Was A Great James Bond, But It Was All An Act appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 8/9/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Jon Hamm is a married man.
According to multiple reports and images that surfaced over the weekend, Hamm wed actress Anna Osceola on June 25 during a ceremony held at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, a site that was featured in the finale of Mad Men, the critically acclaimed TV series that made Hamm a star. The location served as a stand-in for the Esalen Institute in the episode, and it has also been seen in The Sandpiper and National Geographic’s Big Sur: Wild California.
Per TMZ, the couple walked down the aisle to the theme song from the 1967’s James Bond franchise entry You Only Live Twice, and they did so in front of a starry guest list that included good friend Tina Fey, (newlywed) Billy Crudup, Paul Rudd, Mad Men co-star John Slattery, Larry David, Brooke Shields and others.
A representative for Hamm declined comment.
Per People, Hamm,...
According to multiple reports and images that surfaced over the weekend, Hamm wed actress Anna Osceola on June 25 during a ceremony held at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, a site that was featured in the finale of Mad Men, the critically acclaimed TV series that made Hamm a star. The location served as a stand-in for the Esalen Institute in the episode, and it has also been seen in The Sandpiper and National Geographic’s Big Sur: Wild California.
Per TMZ, the couple walked down the aisle to the theme song from the 1967’s James Bond franchise entry You Only Live Twice, and they did so in front of a starry guest list that included good friend Tina Fey, (newlywed) Billy Crudup, Paul Rudd, Mad Men co-star John Slattery, Larry David, Brooke Shields and others.
A representative for Hamm declined comment.
Per People, Hamm,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola tied the knot in Big Sur, California, on Sunday.
Their wedding took place in the same location where they filmed the Mad Men finale in Anderson Canyon.
The star-studded wedding had some famous guests, including Tina Fey, Billy Crudup and Paul Rudd.
The two walked down the aisle to the James Bond 1967 movie You Only Live Twice theme song.
The couple first met back in 2015 on the set of Mad Men. In 2020, they were seen together romantically on several occasions, including on coffee runs together. A few weeks later they confirmed that they were dating.
In September 2021, they went on their first vacation together to Italy.
In March 2022, they stepped onto the red carpet together for the first time at an Oscars afterparty. After this, they were spotted at several screenings, including the movie they both star in Confess, Fletch. They also attended the musical...
Their wedding took place in the same location where they filmed the Mad Men finale in Anderson Canyon.
The star-studded wedding had some famous guests, including Tina Fey, Billy Crudup and Paul Rudd.
The two walked down the aisle to the James Bond 1967 movie You Only Live Twice theme song.
The couple first met back in 2015 on the set of Mad Men. In 2020, they were seen together romantically on several occasions, including on coffee runs together. A few weeks later they confirmed that they were dating.
In September 2021, they went on their first vacation together to Italy.
In March 2022, they stepped onto the red carpet together for the first time at an Oscars afterparty. After this, they were spotted at several screenings, including the movie they both star in Confess, Fletch. They also attended the musical...
- 6/26/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
The superhero comic books of Marvel and DC use a static timeline, where no characters permanently age. That's what makes "Batman Beyond" so unique; following in the thematic footsteps of "The Dark Knight Returns," the show depicted a Bruce Wayne who'd aged out of the cowl. In his place, he trained teenage Terry McGinnis as the new Dark Knight. The film "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" even provided a definite end for "Batman: The Animated Series," showing via flashback the final battle between the original Batman and the Joker; the latter abducts Robin (Tim Drake) and tortures/brainwashes him into "Joker Junior." Tim ultimately snaps and kills the Joker with his own spear gun.
However, the next DC Animated Universe series, "Justice League"/"Justice League Unlimited," went back to the "present"/contemporary era. This left the creators constrained by what they established in "Batman Beyond" — or did it?
In...
However, the next DC Animated Universe series, "Justice League"/"Justice League Unlimited," went back to the "present"/contemporary era. This left the creators constrained by what they established in "Batman Beyond" — or did it?
In...
- 6/3/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Michael G. Wilson, the longtime producer of the James Bond movie franchise and co-steward of the 007 brand (alongside his half-sister Barbara Broccoli), always had a clear vision for the film that would follow Casino Royale. Kind of. While audiences only realized how great Daniel Craig was in the tuxedo after that ambitious reboot landed in cinemas in November 2006, the filmmakers long recognized they were making something special. So even as Casino Royale was still in pre-production, Wilson took longtime Bond scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade aside to make sure that the next Bond movie would spring smoothly out of Casino Royale’s ending.
If you don’t recall, Craig’s debut as 007 recreated the bitter denouement from Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel, with Bond realizing the woman he loved, Vesper Lynd was dead, and that she had betrayed him due to blackmail by a hidden enemy. “The job’s done,...
If you don’t recall, Craig’s debut as 007 recreated the bitter denouement from Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel, with Bond realizing the woman he loved, Vesper Lynd was dead, and that she had betrayed him due to blackmail by a hidden enemy. “The job’s done,...
- 5/3/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
“All of our scotch whiskey has a color, this one is Swiss Gold,” said the dapper man pouring small drams during Thursday’s tasting for Macallan’s newest offering, The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary release, a series of six bottles — one to signify each decade of the Bond franchise — and priced at a very on the nose $1,007. The evening went down at the historic 1926 Lloyd Wright-designed landmark, the Sowden House, in the heart of Los Feliz, which has been seen in Curtis Hansen’s L.A. Confidential and Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator.
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary sold in an edition of 1,000 bottles for each decade and will be divided up between New York, Miami and Los Angeles markets and released one per month starting now. Decade 1, an homage to the 1960s Sean Connery-era Bond, features a package design that includes production sketches from 1964’s Goldfinger,...
The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary sold in an edition of 1,000 bottles for each decade and will be divided up between New York, Miami and Los Angeles markets and released one per month starting now. Decade 1, an homage to the 1960s Sean Connery-era Bond, features a package design that includes production sketches from 1964’s Goldfinger,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Jon Alain Guzik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Eon Productions prepares to reboot the James Bond movie franchise for the second time in the 21st century, there is a lot of apprehension about what that will look like in the 2020s. While 2021’s No Time to Die was the first 007 flick made after the #MeToo movement began an ongoing (and hopefully lasting) change in the culture, that film also was designed from the ground up to be the swan song of a very distinct and strangely already antiquated version of the character from less than 20 years ago: Daniel Craig’s brooding, tortured superspy.
Going into that movie, Craig’s Bond had retired and attempted to settle down—something Ian Fleming’s original literary creation occasionally fancied yet never got past a doomed walk down the aisle—and by the end of No Time to Die, the same actor’s interpretation of the character was a father...
Going into that movie, Craig’s Bond had retired and attempted to settle down—something Ian Fleming’s original literary creation occasionally fancied yet never got past a doomed walk down the aisle—and by the end of No Time to Die, the same actor’s interpretation of the character was a father...
- 2/28/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Idris Elba has seemingly given the definitive word on the longstanding rumour that he could be the next James Bond.
The Wire star has been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 for years now, joining actors such as Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson among the most frequently mentioned contenders.
Craig made his final film appearance as Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die. His replacement has yet to be announced.
Speaking on Tuesday (14 February) to the World Government Summit in Dubai, Elba appeared to put the rumours to bed for good.
Elba mentioned Bond when he was asked about the forthcoming film sequel to Luther, the BBC series in which he plays psychologically tortured cop John Luther.
“It’s very dark,” Elba said. “We’ve been working on the TV show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and...
The Wire star has been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 for years now, joining actors such as Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson among the most frequently mentioned contenders.
Craig made his final film appearance as Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die. His replacement has yet to be announced.
Speaking on Tuesday (14 February) to the World Government Summit in Dubai, Elba appeared to put the rumours to bed for good.
Elba mentioned Bond when he was asked about the forthcoming film sequel to Luther, the BBC series in which he plays psychologically tortured cop John Luther.
“It’s very dark,” Elba said. “We’ve been working on the TV show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and...
- 2/14/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
February ushers in a new slate of movies and TV shows making their way to HBO and HBO Max, from a slew of James Bond movies to the recently released Olivia Colman-led “Empire of Light” to, yes, the Puppy Bowl.
“The Terminator,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Footloose,” “Taxi Driver” and “The Silence of the Lambs” all mark notable library offerings this month, in addition to “Superbad,” “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” and “Eighth Grade.”
Despite HBO Max pulling a number of originals from its roster over the past several months, HBO Max originals premiering on the platform this month include a Dionne Warwick documentary, an adult European animated series titled “Poor Devil” and “Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special” based on the popular animated series.
HBO Max is also beefing up its sports offerings by streaming soccer matches featuring the U.S. national teams,...
“The Terminator,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Footloose,” “Taxi Driver” and “The Silence of the Lambs” all mark notable library offerings this month, in addition to “Superbad,” “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” and “Eighth Grade.”
Despite HBO Max pulling a number of originals from its roster over the past several months, HBO Max originals premiering on the platform this month include a Dionne Warwick documentary, an adult European animated series titled “Poor Devil” and “Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special” based on the popular animated series.
HBO Max is also beefing up its sports offerings by streaming soccer matches featuring the U.S. national teams,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and HBO Max got the memo. With its list of new releases for February 2023, the HBO streamer is bringing a very special Valentine’s Day episode into the fold.
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special premieres on Feb. 9 and finds Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together. Consider this a fun little aperitif for the fast approaching Harley Quinn season 3 – which will feature none other than freshly-installed DC czar James Gunn. Other HBO Max original series this month include another C.B. Strike special on Feb. 6 and Spanish-language animated comedy Poor Devil a.k.a. Pobre Diablo on Feb. 17.
February also looks to be a jam-packed month for movies on HBO Max. February 1 sees the arrival of many appealing library titles like Birdman, Casino Royale, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Terminator. Later on HBO Max...
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special premieres on Feb. 9 and finds Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together. Consider this a fun little aperitif for the fast approaching Harley Quinn season 3 – which will feature none other than freshly-installed DC czar James Gunn. Other HBO Max original series this month include another C.B. Strike special on Feb. 6 and Spanish-language animated comedy Poor Devil a.k.a. Pobre Diablo on Feb. 17.
February also looks to be a jam-packed month for movies on HBO Max. February 1 sees the arrival of many appealing library titles like Birdman, Casino Royale, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Terminator. Later on HBO Max...
- 2/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
For a long time, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was the “lost” James Bond film. The sixth in the series, released in 1969, it came out at a time when tastes were changing and the initial Bond-mania of the mid-1960s had arguably peaked. It also didn’t help matters that Sean Connery had left the role following the previous movie, You Only Live Twice, and that producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman decided to go with an inexperienced unknown from Australia, George Lazenby, as the new 007.
Although the film did reasonably well at the box office, with 82 million in total receipts, that was still a drop-off from You Only Live Twice and a fairly steep fall from the heights of Goldfinger and Thunderball. Add to that the fact that Lazenby left the series after finishing his one picture—despite being offered a long-term contract—and you have a...
Although the film did reasonably well at the box office, with 82 million in total receipts, that was still a drop-off from You Only Live Twice and a fairly steep fall from the heights of Goldfinger and Thunderball. Add to that the fact that Lazenby left the series after finishing his one picture—despite being offered a long-term contract—and you have a...
- 1/16/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Tár writer/director Todd Field discusses a few of his favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
Tár (2022)
Man With A Movie Camera (1929)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
The Big Parade (1925)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Crowd (1928)
Star Wars (1977)
The Servant (1963)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
The Three Musketeers (1973) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Figures In A Landscape (1970)
M (1931)
M (1951)
I Am Cuba (1964)
The Cranes Are Flying (1957) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Letter Never Sent (1960)
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)
The Towering Inferno (1974) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary
The Great Waldo Pepper (1975)
The Sting (1973)
The World of Henry Orient (1964) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Thelma And Louise (1991)
Murmur Of The Heart (1971)
The Silent World (1956)
Opening Night (1977)
The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
Tár (2022)
Man With A Movie Camera (1929)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
The Big Parade (1925)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Crowd (1928)
Star Wars (1977)
The Servant (1963)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
The Three Musketeers (1973) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Figures In A Landscape (1970)
M (1931)
M (1951)
I Am Cuba (1964)
The Cranes Are Flying (1957) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Letter Never Sent (1960)
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)
The Towering Inferno (1974) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary
The Great Waldo Pepper (1975)
The Sting (1973)
The World of Henry Orient (1964) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Thelma And Louise (1991)
Murmur Of The Heart (1971)
The Silent World (1956)
Opening Night (1977)
The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s...
- 1/10/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The mean-spirited children’s books of Roald Dahl have, rather oddly, become indelible classics. That’s probably because Dahl — a former British espionage agent, and writer of even grimmer short stories for adults — was under no illusion that childhood was a wonderful time.
Books like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda” and “The Witches” confirm what most children already suspected: that adults have a general disdain for kids, and that if kids were going to survive, they’d have to save themselves. At their best, adaptations of Dahl’s work capture that cynical spirit. At their worst, they fall prey to Dahl’s basest instincts, an unfortunate tendency towards bigoted portrayals and unhealthy themes.
When exploring every Roald Dahl movie, however, you can’t stop at the kids’ films. Dahl was also a screenwriter who adapted the works of other authors to the big screen, and not every filmmaker was...
Books like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda” and “The Witches” confirm what most children already suspected: that adults have a general disdain for kids, and that if kids were going to survive, they’d have to save themselves. At their best, adaptations of Dahl’s work capture that cynical spirit. At their worst, they fall prey to Dahl’s basest instincts, an unfortunate tendency towards bigoted portrayals and unhealthy themes.
When exploring every Roald Dahl movie, however, you can’t stop at the kids’ films. Dahl was also a screenwriter who adapted the works of other authors to the big screen, and not every filmmaker was...
- 12/25/2022
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
It’s been 60 years since “Dr. No” introduced the most famous fictional spy to movie audiences, opening with a black and white graphic of an eye, inserted with the image of a man turning and pointing a gun – accompanied by one of the most famous instrumentals in cinema history. In the six decades since, there have been 25 Bond films with six different actors portraying the suave spy, as well as 25 accompanying theme songs ripe for debate over which is best.
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
- 11/24/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It’s been 60 years since “Dr. No” introduced the most famous fictional spy to movie audiences, opening with a black and white graphic of an eye, inserted with the image of a man turning and pointing a gun – accompanied by one of the most famous instrumentals in cinema history. In the six decades since, there have been 25 Bond films with six different actors portraying the suave spy, as well as 25 accompanying theme songs ripe for debate over which is best.
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
- 11/23/2022
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Diamonds might be forever, but James Bond isn’t. At least not naturally. While the character has survived 60 years, the changing mores and attitudes of several generations, and multiple recastings, it is never a foregone conclusion that 007 will soldier on into the next decade. And in 1995, things looked particularly perilous for the character just as Pierce Brosnan slipped into the tuxedo.
Brosnan was, of course, famously cast as Bond before that moment, having been slated to appear nearly a decade earlier in The Living Daylights (1987). But due to a television contract, he was forced to drop out of a role that millions of television viewers thought he was perfect for. In the interim, the world changed. The Cold War that defined Ian Fleming’s early spate of Bond novels, and certainly 007’s post-World War II persona, had ended. The early ‘90s were an era of good feelings and dubious optimism,...
Brosnan was, of course, famously cast as Bond before that moment, having been slated to appear nearly a decade earlier in The Living Daylights (1987). But due to a television contract, he was forced to drop out of a role that millions of television viewers thought he was perfect for. In the interim, the world changed. The Cold War that defined Ian Fleming’s early spate of Bond novels, and certainly 007’s post-World War II persona, had ended. The early ‘90s were an era of good feelings and dubious optimism,...
- 11/19/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
The role of James Bond has been officially and canonically played to date by just six actors: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig (David Niven and Barry Nelson don’t count as part of the canon). It’s traditionally been one of the most sought-after parts in all of cinema history, so it makes sense that while only those half-dozen stars have filled 007’s shoes over the 60-year course of the franchise, dozens more have tried out for the part and didn’t make the cut.
Although original producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman of Eon Productions (still run to this day by Broccoli’s descendants) always insisted that the character of Bond be English, the role has only been played by three Englishmen to date: Moore, Dalton, and Craig. The other Bonds have hailed from Scotland (Connery), Australia (Lazenby), and Ireland...
Although original producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman of Eon Productions (still run to this day by Broccoli’s descendants) always insisted that the character of Bond be English, the role has only been played by three Englishmen to date: Moore, Dalton, and Craig. The other Bonds have hailed from Scotland (Connery), Australia (Lazenby), and Ireland...
- 11/17/2022
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
When the government of the United Kingdom needs something impossible done, they call James Bond. Since 1962, we have watched 007 prevent madmen from flooding the Earth, knocking over rockets, starting a world war via the news media, and shooting people on an elaborate funhouse island. With his array of gadgets and unflappable charm, MI6’s best secret agent knows how to work his way out of any difficult situation, making the world safe for British Imperialism and unfettered capitalism.
But, of course, Bond is a figure of fantasy, not a real person, and real people rarely overcome such unlikely odds. At least, that was the case for director Sam Mendes, who faced a difficult situation while shooting the follow-up to the critically-praised Skyfall.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter about the 10th anniversary of Skyfall, Mendes explained that his first Bond movie had the public opinion stacked against it, in part...
But, of course, Bond is a figure of fantasy, not a real person, and real people rarely overcome such unlikely odds. At least, that was the case for director Sam Mendes, who faced a difficult situation while shooting the follow-up to the critically-praised Skyfall.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter about the 10th anniversary of Skyfall, Mendes explained that his first Bond movie had the public opinion stacked against it, in part...
- 11/15/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
It's the 10th anniversary of the best post-2000 Bond movie. Sam Mendes' 2012 spy film "Skyfall" is the twenty-third in the long-running series of James Bond movies, an atmospheric masterwork that features Daniel Craig's third performance as the fictional MI6 agent.
"Skyfall" sees Bond re-entering into MI6 service after his assumed shooting death and taking on a mission which sends him to the brave new world of Shanghai in pursuit of a mercenary known as Patrice (Ola Rapace), the man for whom the bullet that wounded Bond was intended for. Bond is tasked by his MI6 superior M (Judi Dench) to find Patrice, the sensitive hard drive he holds, and information about his mysterious employer. The ensuing confrontation is gorgeously lit and impeccably shot under the supreme lens of cinematographer Roger Deakins; the two men fight in silhouette, backlit by LED panels of bright, glowing jellyfish, and few words are...
"Skyfall" sees Bond re-entering into MI6 service after his assumed shooting death and taking on a mission which sends him to the brave new world of Shanghai in pursuit of a mercenary known as Patrice (Ola Rapace), the man for whom the bullet that wounded Bond was intended for. Bond is tasked by his MI6 superior M (Judi Dench) to find Patrice, the sensitive hard drive he holds, and information about his mysterious employer. The ensuing confrontation is gorgeously lit and impeccably shot under the supreme lens of cinematographer Roger Deakins; the two men fight in silhouette, backlit by LED panels of bright, glowing jellyfish, and few words are...
- 11/9/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
It’s been six full decades since Sean Connery looked up from a handful of cards and announced, “The name’s Bond, James Bond.” All this time later, and despite hearing that catch phrase being repeated in oh, so many variations, we’re still hanging onto every word.
The James Bond franchise has been one of the most important, and certainly among the longest, in film history. Back when it started, Eon Productions (originally helmed by producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Satlzman) were releasing a new Bond movie every year; more recently, we’re lucky if we get the next one every couple of years. Nonetheless, Eon and the James Bond character have remained preternaturally consistent, reliably turning out new adventures, and ever creating new fans from one generation to the next. The times change; the world changes; 007 does not.
These days he feels like a throwback to a forgotten type of action movie.
The James Bond franchise has been one of the most important, and certainly among the longest, in film history. Back when it started, Eon Productions (originally helmed by producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Satlzman) were releasing a new Bond movie every year; more recently, we’re lucky if we get the next one every couple of years. Nonetheless, Eon and the James Bond character have remained preternaturally consistent, reliably turning out new adventures, and ever creating new fans from one generation to the next. The times change; the world changes; 007 does not.
These days he feels like a throwback to a forgotten type of action movie.
- 11/8/2022
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Sixty years is a long time in the lifespan of a human being. And in the life cycle of a fictional character’s popularity, it’s usually unthinkable: a vast ocean of time which is rarely crossed by products of something as fleeting and fickle as pop culture. Nevertheless, six decades since Sean Connery first donned the tuxedo and uttered the iconic line of “Bond, James Bond,” the 007 character has endured in popularity.
In fact, during the character’s golden jubilee in 2012, Bond became arguably bigger than ever with the 50th anniversary also coinciding with the highest grossing Bond film at the box office, courtesy of Skyfall… of course that record only holds if you don’t count inflation, or certainly the amount of tickets sold by Connery’s fourth outing as MI6’s best man, Thunderball (1965). Either way, even the dour and brooding Craig movies still act as a reflection,...
In fact, during the character’s golden jubilee in 2012, Bond became arguably bigger than ever with the 50th anniversary also coinciding with the highest grossing Bond film at the box office, courtesy of Skyfall… of course that record only holds if you don’t count inflation, or certainly the amount of tickets sold by Connery’s fourth outing as MI6’s best man, Thunderball (1965). Either way, even the dour and brooding Craig movies still act as a reflection,...
- 11/4/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Undoubtedly one of the top-grossing films in 2002, Austin Powers in Goldmember, the third movie in the Austin Powers movie franchise, grossed 296.7 million on a budget of 63 million. At a time when spy movies like James Bond were becoming overly cliché, the Austin Powers movies series and its parody theme was a good comedy relief. If you were quite familiar with some James Bond movie plots like Goldfinger, The Man with the Golden Gun, You Only Live Twice, and The Spy Who Loved Me, it’s easy to see a semblance in Goldmember. However, a significant aspect of the
The Memorable Cast of 2002’s “Austin Powers in Goldmember”...
The Memorable Cast of 2002’s “Austin Powers in Goldmember”...
- 10/27/2022
- by Yin
- TVovermind.com
Sean Connery needs no introduction. His career in television and film spanned nearly 50 years and encompassed a wide range of beloved characters and projects. Known for his tall, rugged appearance, Connery got his start in theater productions, TV shows, and films throughout the 1950s, getting his first big break as Bond, James Bond, in 1962's "Dr. No," the first silver screen adaptation of the classic spy from Ian Fleming's novels. The film introduced the world to Connery's rough yet charismatic persona and was successful enough to kick off a franchise that continues today. Connery appeared as Bond in six total series installments, and his outings as the character established the paradigm that all subsequent Bond actors would follow to various degrees.
Connery's place in cinematic history would be secure even if James Bond was the only character he portrayed. However, he was a versatile actor and managed to avoid being typecast,...
Connery's place in cinematic history would be secure even if James Bond was the only character he portrayed. However, he was a versatile actor and managed to avoid being typecast,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Joe Garza
- Slash Film
Dwayne Johnson has said that he’s far more interested in playing James Bond than a villain in the action franchise.
The actor’s grandfather Peter Maivia, who was also a wrestler, played a “bad guy” opposite Sean Connery in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice.
In a new interview, Johnson was asked what film series he’d most like to appear in, when he recalled his family connection to 007.
“You know my grandfather was in You Only Live Twice?” he told LadBible. “He was, he was a bad guy in You Only Live Twice. He had this amazing fight scene with Sean Connery. Yeah, I could see that... I would easily say James Bond.”
Adding that he would also like to appear in a Star Wars film, he continued: “I see myself as James Bond. F*** the villain! An American Bond? It can happen, right? It’s like Henry Cavill playing Superman.
The actor’s grandfather Peter Maivia, who was also a wrestler, played a “bad guy” opposite Sean Connery in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice.
In a new interview, Johnson was asked what film series he’d most like to appear in, when he recalled his family connection to 007.
“You know my grandfather was in You Only Live Twice?” he told LadBible. “He was, he was a bad guy in You Only Live Twice. He had this amazing fight scene with Sean Connery. Yeah, I could see that... I would easily say James Bond.”
Adding that he would also like to appear in a Star Wars film, he continued: “I see myself as James Bond. F*** the villain! An American Bond? It can happen, right? It’s like Henry Cavill playing Superman.
- 10/25/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Documentary
“Escape From Kabul Airport,” a documentary airing on BBC Two in September, will tell the inside story of the 18 days in August 2021, when the U.S. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, and the subsequent evacuation of thousands of Afghan citizens from Kabul airport after the Taliban seized the city.
The documentary is an Amos production for the BBC, in association with HBO and in collaboration with Arte France. It is produced by Emmy and BAFTA-winning Dan Reed (“Leaving Neverland”) and directed by Jamie Roberts (“Four Hours At The Capitol”).
The film combines never before seen on-the-ground archival footage from the evacuation, alongside interviews with evacuees, eye-witnesses, U.S. Marines and Taliban fighters.
Roberts said: “When the images of the chaotic Kabul airlift flashed across the news I immediately wanted to know more about what this historic moment looked and felt like on the ground, through the eyes of the people who were there.
“Escape From Kabul Airport,” a documentary airing on BBC Two in September, will tell the inside story of the 18 days in August 2021, when the U.S. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, and the subsequent evacuation of thousands of Afghan citizens from Kabul airport after the Taliban seized the city.
The documentary is an Amos production for the BBC, in association with HBO and in collaboration with Arte France. It is produced by Emmy and BAFTA-winning Dan Reed (“Leaving Neverland”) and directed by Jamie Roberts (“Four Hours At The Capitol”).
The film combines never before seen on-the-ground archival footage from the evacuation, alongside interviews with evacuees, eye-witnesses, U.S. Marines and Taliban fighters.
Roberts said: “When the images of the chaotic Kabul airlift flashed across the news I immediately wanted to know more about what this historic moment looked and felt like on the ground, through the eyes of the people who were there.
- 8/26/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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