James Bond saga

James Bond

James Bond is one of the most popular characters in postmodern universal culture. In addition to movies, novels, and short stories, its products also include video games and an role-playing game.

It was created by Ian Fleming, English journalist and novelist. Debuted in Casino Royale, first novel with Bond as protagonist, published in 1952

James Bond and their faces on the big screen

Among the 24 “official” James Bond films, six actors have played the mythical spy. Each one has imposed their personal stamp on it, some more successful than others.

Sean Connery is considered by many the best of all. The Scotsman used his charisma to endorse all the defining features of the Bond captured by Fleming in his novels. It is both deadly and seductive.

He starred in 8 films from 007: Dr. No (1962) and From Russia with love (1963), both directed by Terrence Young. Later they would happen to him Goldfinger by Guy Hamilton (1964) and Operation Thunder, again with Terrence Young behind the scenes (1965).

Connery wanted to end his cycle as Bond in We only live Twiceby Lewis Gilbert (1967). But was "forced" to return to the franchise in Diamonds for eternity by Guy Hamilton (1971).

To replace him, in 1969 Australian George Lazenby was hired, who assumed the role in On her majesty's secret serviceby Peter Hunt. The film was an outstanding critical and box office success. However, the public ended up rejecting the work of such an actor, who would not play the character again.

In 1983, Connery had time to return to the role in Never say neverby Irvin Kershner. This is one of the three “unofficial” Bond films. Based on the novel Operation Thunder, the title of the film is a mockery of the actor himself, who in 1971 had assured that he would never play the character again.

Roger Moore: The English Lord

Roger Moore

After the failure of Lazenby, the leaders of Eon Production (official producer of the saga) looked for a London actor to take on the role.

Roger Moore was chosen. His Bond, relaxed and warm, took a step away from Fleming's original vision. This style caught on with the majority of the public. But the most purist fans of the character were not at all satisfied.

Debuted with Live and Let Die (1973), followed by The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), both by Guy Hamilton. Later they would arrive The spy who loved me (1977), y Moonrakerby Lewis Gilbert. His cycle would close with the trilogy Only for your eyes (1981) Octopussy (1983) and Panorama to kill (1985), all by John Glen

Timothy Dalton: the misunderstood

Dalton dispensed with the warmth of Moore and endowed the character with toughness and coldness.

 The most enthusiastic assured that his interpretation was the living image of the character described in Fleming's stories. However, less extreme fans of the spy did not fully identify with the renewed James Bond.

Dalton would participate in only two films: High voltage (1987) and License to kill (1989), both by John Glen.

Pierce Brosnan: The Irish Agent

Brosnan took on the role in 1995. His debut was in Goldeneyeby Martin Campbell. His plot is not based on any of the novels written by Fleming or by the writers who continued with the character after the death of its creator in 1964.

He became a revitalizer of the franchise from every point of view. It was the first to exceed $ 300 million at the box office.

Brosnan's acting work was considered the best since Connery left the role.. The Irishman would return for three additional installments. The tomorrow Never Die by Roger Spottiswoode (1997), The world is never enough by Michael Apted (1999) and Die another day by Lee Tamahari (2002).

Daniel Craig: tough to kill

007

Although the films with Brosnan as protagonists only increased the fan club around James Bond, the producers felt that the time to restart the franchise had come. This is how they decide to return to the origins and to adapt Casino Royale, the first novel of the character.

 Bond was 40 again, so the Irish actor was too old to continue playing him. Was replaced by Daniel Craig, British actor trained in the London theater tradition.

This selection generated doubts and concern among fans. But Craig hardly appeared in the opening sequence of Casino Royale (Martin Campbell, 2006), all that was forgotten. Craig's Bond is so cold and ruthless like the one played by Timothy Dalton. But he is also human and vulnerable.

For Quantum of Solance (2008) the producers recruited Swiss director Marc Foster. His filmography included tapes such as Discovering Neverland y Moster's Ball.

However the great leap in quality would come with the hiring of Sam Mendes for chapter 23: Skyfall (2012) The English director, also trained on the London theater stages, became the first "author" to take over a James Bond film. (Mendes won an Oscar in 1999 for his debut feature: American Beauty).

In addition, the Bond played by Craig took on darker tones, while being filled with doubts.

Skyfall became the highest grossing film in the entire franchise, exceeding one billion dollars worldwide. It was also highly praised by international critics.

Mendes and Craig repeated in Spectre, which is to date the last chapter of the extensive and seemingly inexhaustible filmography of James Bond.

The future

Despite the rumors, Daniel Craig is confirmed to take on the role of MI6 spy in at least one more film. It is also certain that Mendes' cycle as a filmmaker ended in Spectre.

To direct the next spy tape "Licensed to Kill", the loudest names have fans of the character very excited. These are the Canadian Denis Villanueve (Blade Runner 2049) and the British Christopher Nolan. Both filmmakers have also publicly declared interest in taking on the saga.

Image sources: Viralizalo /  The Indian Express / Rumba Caracas


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.