41 replies to this topic

[JimmyBond]

It's been quite a while since Bond stayed in America for the duration of a film (A View to a Kill wasnt it? If memory serves, Brosnan's Bond never went to America, Dalton's Bond was barely there, and Craig's Bond should be there for a quick action sequence, but still...

Well, what do you all think? Sure America is not as exotic as some of the places Bond has been to, but I think it would be a nice contrast to Craig's "ultra British" Bond (quick clarification, Brosnan's Bond was a bit on the American side, so he wouldnt seem so out of place in America).

Think Moore in Harlem, and that's how I picture Craig's Bond "fitting in" with American society.

[MrDraco]

The PTS could be Bond getting his luggage check at the airport... Or sleeping in one of those wonderful chairs.. (Sorry for being a smart LOL)---> I think it would be a nice idea though, but where ?

[dinovelvet]

When you put Bond in America you kind of lose the uniqueness of the series, you could be watching any other action movie. I'm not against a segment of a Bond film taking place in the USA, in fact I'm all for it, but not most of/the entire film as it would feel like a pretty generic flick, IMHO. One of the few things that hasn't changed in the Bond franchise throughout the decades is the use of exotic locations, its part of the appeal and mystique.

And technically Brosnan's Bond did go to America...the surfing scenes were shot in Hawaii

And Dalton's Bond "barely there"...? Does not the first third of LTK take place in and around Key West?

[Jackanaples]

The PTS could be Bond getting his luggage check at the airport... Or sleeping in one of those wonderful chairs.. (Sorry for being a smart LOL)---> I think it would be a nice idea though, but where ?

If they never have James Bond come back to the US again, that would be fine with me. I'm American, live in California, and get to see my country represented in movies, in tv, and in everyday life.

Also, for me, the American Bond girls are the least attractive by a huge margin. Denise Richards? Tanya Roberts? (Carey Lowell is quite something I'll grant you).

So, no to America as regards Bond films. If anything, I'd like to more of the UK in them.

[SecretAgentFan]

When you put Bond in America you kind of lose the uniqueness of the series, you could be watching any other action movie. I'm not against a segment of a Bond film taking place in the USA, in fact I'm all for it, but not most of/the entire film as it would feel like a pretty generic flick, IMHO. One of the few things that hasn't changed in the Bond franchise throughout the decades is the use of exotic locations, its part of the appeal and mystique.

And technically Brosnan's Bond did go to America...the surfing scenes were shot in Hawaii

And Dalton's Bond "barely there"...? Does not the first third of LTK take place in and around Key West?

Exactly, Dino! I also would prefer Bond to travel more, like he did in the old pictures and like he obviously does in CR. He has to be an agent working around the globe - not just one country.

[streetjive]

Also, for me, the American Bond girls are the least attractive by a huge margin. Denise Richards? Tanya Roberts? (Carey Lowell is quite something I'll grant you).

I have no complaints about the physical attractiveness of those ladies, although I might be inclined to say I found their acting abilities somewhat lacking...

There's a certain mystique associated with a foreign accent on an actress (and i'm not talking about Barbara Bach's disastrous attempt at sounding like a two-dimensional Russian...) that doesn't seem to attach to the American Bond girls who have graced the screen.

In that sense, I think it's great that EON have turned away from casting yet another American actress as the leading lady in Casino Royale - maybe they learnt their lesson after putting Teri, Denise and Halle in the hot seat...

As for Bond in the US - I think there are still so many incredible places Bond could go before he returns to the US. (But that's another thread entirely...)

Maybe i'm just somewhat miffed by the fact that whenever Bond visits the US in the films, he seems to find himself embroiled with a completely stereotypical fat obnoxious sheriff (DAF, LALD, TMWTGG, AVATK...)who's presence in the film is based solely on the somewhat misguided desire to provide a cheap laugh or two.

Ultimately, the travelogue aspect of Bond is one of the major appeals of the film series. We want to see Bond in unique, exotic, far-removed locations, not downtown L.A or Detroit...

(And that is my first post to this group. I hope I haven't offended anyone already...)

[Double-Oh Agent]

When you put Bond in America you kind of lose the uniqueness of the series, you could be watching any other action movie. I'm not against a segment of a Bond film taking place in the USA, in fact I'm all for it, but not most of/the entire film as it would feel like a pretty generic flick, IMHO. One of the few things that hasn't changed in the Bond franchise throughout the decades is the use of exotic locations, its part of the appeal and mystique.

And technically Brosnan's Bond did go to America...the surfing scenes were shot in Hawaii

And Dalton's Bond "barely there"...? Does not the first third of LTK take place in and around Key West?

Exactly, Dino! I also would prefer Bond to travel more, like he did in the old pictures and like he obviously does in CR. He has to be an agent working around the globe - not just one country.

I concur as well. Well said.

Almost all the most "exotic" and spyworthy places in America, in my opinion, have already been filmed--New York City (although not in depth), Las Vegas, New Orleans (although not during Mardi Gras but after Hurricane Katrina, it will likely be awhile before anything Bondian returns there), and Key West. (I don't consider San Francisco all that exotic.) About the only place worthwhile that's left might be Washington, D.C. MAAAAAYBEEEE Los Angeles.

[MarcAngeDraco]

I'd love to see an American location again, but I'd still want some exotic travel too...

[iexpectu2die]

To be honest (and with no offence intended to America!), I think that being un-American is what makes Bond unique, and makes the franchise what it is. American action films are easy to find, but Bond's class is very much drawn from the way he distances himself from that monotonous type.

[Spurrier]

I thought a lot of time was spent in New York and New Orleans with Live And Let Die. Am I incorrect?

[Vauxhall]

I thought a lot of time was spent in New York and New Orleans with Live And Let Die. Am I incorrect?

That's correct, and probably remains the Bond movie with most time spent in the USA. I'm not entirely sure that a movie set almost entirely in the USA would be the best move around this time in the franchise, for the reason that it would end up being comparable with 24 and other action movies. Bond has always travelled to more exotic locations in more obscure parts of the globe. But I wouldn't be opposed to Craig's Bond maybe having a few small scenes perhaps in and around Washington DC or New York. I could see him cutting quite an urbane figure in those types of location.

[Skudor]

I don't like the idea of a Bond film taking place largely in America. The locations need to be exotic and new to movies. America isn't.

[scottright]

I think a Bond movie in America could work - but it's all about the script and the story, more than anything. I mean - it'd be great to have 007 in Washington, DC (where I live) or in New York City - but there has to be a reason for him being here.

As for Bond being in Detroit...it's a whole lot more dangerous a place than Madagascar!

[Skudor]

I think a Bond movie in America could work - but it's all about the script and the story, more than anything. I mean - it'd be great to have 007 in Washington, DC (where I live) or in New York City - but there has to be a reason for him being here.

As for Bond being in Detroit...it's a whole lot more dangerous a place than Madagascar!

Actually, i'm in Detroit now and I'm still alive.

If they could find some new and exotic locations I'm all for it. I just think America has been done over and over in other movies. Part of the Bond magic is seeing new exotic locations.

[Tarl_Cabot]

No no no and neit, nine! Bond should be in exotic, exciting places...America is pretty dull as a locale. Besides, we have '24'.

[Judo chop]

Keep Bond's trips to the ol' US of A to a minimum please. As I had discovered from discussion in another thread, the US'ness of Goldfinger is primarily what keeps me from ranking that film as a top-5 Bond film. Kentucky? OddJob's drive to the junkyard? Fort Knox? All so dreary. And I'm no more impressed with the Nevada/Vegas scenery in DAF either. Yuck.

There is one very biased exception to my stance and that's if Bond was filmed in Chicago. It's my hometown and who wouldn't like to see their hometown in a Bond film? Still, I wouldn't want any more than 30 minutes of screen time based there.

As one poster already stated, the non-Americanness of Bond is part of the mystique. I believe that I have enough data from previous films to conclude that that is true.

[RJJB]

Keep Bond's trips to the ol' US of A to a minimum please. As I had discovered from discussion in another thread, the US'ness of Goldfinger is primarily what keeps me from ranking that film as a top-5 Bond film. Kentucky? OddJob's drive to the junkyard? Fort Knox? All so dreary.

I agree that Bond does not belong in the US. There are plenty of American production companies that can film here.

But I take issue with the "USness" of Goldfinger being an issue. Just where exactly does someone expect a movie based on robbing Fort Knox to take place?
Even before Goldfinger, people knew Ft. Knox to be the US gold depository. It was a logical locale for the movie. And it still lent itself to a degree of fantasy as it's been documented that the interior of the building as shown in the movie is nothing like its true composition. I'll take the reality of Goldfinger over the overblown fantasy that invaded the series any day.

Edited by RJJB, 30 August 2006 - 04:27 PM.

[OmarB]

Yeah, lots set the whole thing in Vegas and give Bond a Mustang to drive! It'll be great ... wait, I've seen that movie and it wasnt as impressive as one might think.

Too many movies are filmed here. We have seen NY, LA, and whatever other city or state you can think of. Bond's about getting out there where other movies are not usually filmed so it doesnt look like any other action movie.

[Judo chop]

Keep Bond's trips to the ol' US of A to a minimum please. As I had discovered from discussion in another thread, the US'ness of Goldfinger is primarily what keeps me from ranking that film as a top-5 Bond film. Kentucky? OddJob's drive to the junkyard? Fort Knox? All so dreary.

I agree that Bond does not belong in the US. There are plenty of American production companies that can film here.

But I take issue with the "USness" of Goldfinger being an issue. Just where exactly does someone expect a movie based on robbing Fort Knox to take place?
Even before Goldfinger, people knew Ft. Knox to be the US gold depository. It was a logical locale for the movie. And it still lent itself to a degree of fantasy as it's been documented that the interior of the building as shown in the movie is nothing like its true composition. I'll take the reality of Goldfinger over the overblown fantasy that invaded the series any day.

I was not suggesting that scenes involving Fort Knox should have been filmed in Panama, Portugal, Pompay or elsewhere. If you've got a script involving Fort Knox, then you must film in Fort Knox, period. No different in regards to DAF. If the story line takes place in Vegas, then you've got to film in Vegas and make the best of it. It's just an unfortunate side-effect that it's a dreary location (IMO).
In regards to overblown fantasy, that's an entirely different topic and need not have any connection with locale. Both overblown fantasy and down-to-earth realism can occur in either exotic locales or in a suburban grocery store.

[DamnCoffee]

Craig's Bond "fitting in" with American society.

That would be interesting

[I Like Sharks]

I don't think setting a Bond film in the US would neseccerily make it more dull or like an America action movie. The film dosn't have to be set in the same places as many American set movies and theres plenty of nice original locations. What about...

the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Explorer

The Rocky Mountains Rocky Photos

Alaska Alaska

Setting the enitre film in the US probably would'nt be a good idea but theres some beautiful locations that hav'nt been seen in a Bond film

[DamnCoffee]

I've always loved for Bond to go to the Grand Canyon - a fantastic location

[Judo chop]

I've always loved for Bond to go to the Grand Canyon - a fantastic location

Not that it's a bad idea, but I can't seem to resist the images of the Griswold family that come to my brain.

Edited by Judo chop, 30 August 2006 - 07:50 PM.

[Skudor]

I've always loved for Bond to go to the Grand Canyon - a fantastic location

Not that it's a bad idea, but I can't seem to resist the images of the Griswald family that come to my brain.

LOL... yeah. I'm not a huge fan of the idea.

[dinovelvet]

Almost all the most "exotic" and spyworthy places in America, in my opinion, have already been filmed--New York City (although not in depth), Las Vegas, New Orleans (although not during Mardi Gras but after Hurricane Katrina, it will likely be awhile before anything Bondian returns there), and Key West. (I don't consider San Francisco all that exotic.) About the only place worthwhile that's left might be Washington, D.C. MAAAAAYBEEEE Los Angeles.

I would add Miami to that list, though it seems CR will be using that location...but not actually going there

I wouldn't mind seeing Bond go to Hawaii.

[Daddy Bond]

Actually, 7 of the 21 Bond films take place (or are supposed to take place) in the U.S. (that's means that at least part of 1/3 of all Bond films have taken place in the U.S.):

Goldfinger
Diamonds are Forever
Live and Let Die
Moonraker
A View to a Kill
License to Kill
Casino Royale

GF and MR worked well in the US, but I was not fond of LALD, AVTAK or LTK in the US.

Actually, there are some really visually interesting places in the U.S. (more raw natural beauty than buildings and locations - but there too - there are exceptions - like the Hotel del Coronado in San Dieago California.

Folks not familiar with this go to www.hoteldel.com and you'll see what I mean. Check out there photo gallery. Check out the various interior and exterior shots. What do you think? Couldn't you see this locale in a Bond film??? While you're at it, try Googling for pics of the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course or La Jolla.

That gives me an idea. If you do know of an exotic looking U.S. location that would look great, please share it.

And no one has mentioned Hawaii - which is pretty exotic. But the U.S. produces much of the world's watched films and TV programs and seems too familiar and common to many because of that. Also, the U.S. is newer and has fewer culturally interesting buildings - almost none more than 250 years old.

Still, I prefer Bond in OTHER and, for me, less familiar places.

Regards

[Scottlee]

Yeah it would be nice to see Bond back in the USA. I wouldn't want him there for an entire film though. The same length of time he was there in License to Kill would do. I would also worry that an American location might lead to another annoying American casting in the Bond girl department ala Halle Berry.

[Double-Oh Agent]

Almost all the most "exotic" and spyworthy places in America, in my opinion, have already been filmed--New York City (although not in depth), Las Vegas, New Orleans (although not during Mardi Gras but after Hurricane Katrina, it will likely be awhile before anything Bondian returns there), and Key West. (I don't consider San Francisco all that exotic.) About the only place worthwhile that's left might be Washington, D.C. MAAAAAYBEEEE Los Angeles.

I would add Miami to that list, though it seems CR will be using that location...but not actually going there

I wouldn't mind seeing Bond go to Hawaii.

Oh yes, Miami. But you're right about Hawaii. That would be a good place for Bond to go to in the U.S.--probably THE best place. Alaska might not be too bad either.

[Pussfeller]

It might be interesting to set a Bond film set in certain parts of the US, and I don't see why that would necessarily mean an American Bond girl. Bond has never been in LA, has he? Maybe the Pacific Northwest, Chicago, Boston, or Houston. For some reason, I'd also like to see Bond in Canada.

But I would rather see Bond in Southeast Asia, Australia, South Africa, Iran, Argentina, Italy, and Scotland. I'd also like Bond to return to India and Japan.

[JWM]

what about las vegas again? Or maybe miami?