955 replies to this topic

[Major Bloodnok]

Shmeckle was my FIRST IMPRESSION! He proved me wrong in spades! Good luck being a Bond babe. I do hope it's Bond 1987-1989.

Could you imagine Brosnan with a script as good as FRWL?

[Dalton's Wendy]

[quote name='Major Bloodnok' date='5 November 2005 - 12:35']Shmeckle was my FIRST IMPRESSION! He proved me wrong in spades!

Edited by Dalton's Wendy, 05 November 2005 - 05:52 PM.

[Major Bloodnok]

My bride, who is the tender young age of 28 (I'm 38, tubby and bearded so I got WAY lucky!) says her favorite is Sir Sean, but adds that she has really enjoyed Pierce.

To be absolutely clear, my favorites rarely hang on the actor playing Bond and have more to do with the quality of the movie. I know that sounds weird and I don't know if I can explain it clearly but I'll try.

I love Sir Sean as Bond.
I liked George Lazenby a lot.
I liked Roger Moore... most of the time.
I REALLY liked Timothy Dalton!
I enjoy Pierce Brosnan, and even as a heterosexual man can say that he is a pleasant man to look at.

However, Sir Sean's scripts were all great, with the exception of YOLT, which I'm still waiting to learn more about the fabled 3 hour version.

George's script was phenomenal- and his leading lady was exquisite.

Roger's scripts lacked the charm and danger of Sir Sean's.

Dalton's were either (a) not written for him, or ( not finished by Richard Maibaum- though I like Michael Wilson's writing a lot and wish he'd do more! I think the harder edge reflected on Dalton when it was a conscious decision by several people.

Pierce's scripts are too influenced by the rubbish of the day like XXX.

One thing that has remained fairly consistent is the "classic" style of filming. With only a few glaring stylistic choices in DAD they still look like they were made by someone over the age of 20.

That's why I suggested Timothy or Pierce with a FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE calibre script, or a Terrence Young calibre director?

[Dalton's Wendy]

My bride, who is the tender young age of 28 (I'm 38, tubby and bearded so I got WAY lucky!) says her favorite is Sir Sean, but adds that she has really enjoyed Pierce.

To be absolutely clear, my favorites rarely hang on the actor playing Bond and have more to do with the quality of the movie. I know that sounds weird and I don't know if I can explain it clearly but I'll try.

I love Sir Sean as Bond.
I liked George Lazenby a lot.
I liked Roger Moore... most of the time.
I REALLY liked Timothy Dalton!
I enjoy Pierce Brosnan, and even as a heterosexual man can say that he is a pleasant man to look at.

However, Sir Sean's scripts were all great, with the exception of YOLT, which I'm still waiting to learn more about the fabled 3 hour version.

George's script was phenomenal- and his leading lady was exquisite.

Roger's scripts lacked the charm and danger of Sir Sean's.

Dalton's were either (a) not written for him, or ( not finished by Richard Maibaum- though I like Michael Wilson's writing a lot and wish he'd do more! I think the harder edge reflected on Dalton when it was a conscious decision by several people.

Pierce's scripts are too influenced by the rubbish of the day like XXX.

One thing that has remained fairly consistent is the "classic" style of filming. With only a few glaring stylistic choices in DAD they still look like they were made by someone over the age of 20.

That's why I suggested Timothy or Pierce with a FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE calibre script, or a Terrence Young calibre director?

Major B., that was a very interesting post, and THE BABES thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Note to readers: See what you learn when you hang around this thread?

In reply to you:

1. I appreciated your summary of the 5 007s to date . . .

2. . . . along with your analysis of their respective scripts.

3. Yes, Diana Rigg was exquisite!

4. Question about Dalton's script. I was under that impression that Licence to Kill was written with him in mind, to showcase his dramatic abilities. Is this not so?

5. Enjoyed your comment about the fact that the movies all have the appearance of being made by someone over the age of 20!

However, I must add one remark to that last. Yesterday, I was listening to a tape someone recently sent to me of a talk given a year or two ago by Timothy Dalton to the students of the Savannah College of Art. In the course of the discussion, Mr. Dalton commented that LTK was the last of the Bond series to employ in the course of its filming actual, live stuntmen performing actual, live stunts. Since LTK, he stated, all the special effects are digitized.

He also mentioned how the Alpine chase scene in The Living Daylights was filmed in two different places, to produce the final effect. The Austrian police car scenes were filmed in Austria, while Mr. Dalton shot his half of the scene at Pinewood Studios. Interesting, isn't it?

One final note: congratulations on having a lovely, young bride! DALTON'S WENDY wishes to add one comment to yours, however:

Always remember: you aren't merely lucky -- you're good!

[Kara Milovy]

4.  Question about Dalton's script. I was under that impression that Licence to Kill was written with him in mind, to showcase his dramatic abilities.  Is this not so?

Yes, it was, but it went too far. Mr. B. is pointing out that Wilson's script should have been polished by Maibaum.

I don't think the LTK script was written with an understanding of how to accentuate Dalton's talents as Bond. The idea was too simplistic; 'dark, dramatic Bond = dark, dramatic script.' The result was gloomy. In fact, the modficiations to the TLD script that were made for the transition from Moore to Dalton were perfect. TLD let Dalton's dramatic nature breath by giving him some surrounding light, so he wasn't just dark, dark, dark. I hope that Haggis doesn't make the LTK mistake with CR; I hope he lets some light in.

However, I must add one remark to that last.  Yesterday, I was listening to a tape someone recently sent to me of a talk given a year or two ago by Timothy Dalton to the students of the Savannah College of Art.  In the course of the discussion, Mr. Dalton commented that LTK was the last of the Bond series to employ in the course of its filming actual, live stuntmen performing actual, live stunts.  Since LTK, he stated, all the special effects are digitized. 

Dalton is mistaken. DAD was the very first film to feature an entirely digitized stunt. The bungee jump in the teaser for GE is real, and in fact it's quite famous. The stunt flying was real, although "catching" the plane had to be digitized. The TND stunt flying was real. The TND motorcycle chase and jump were real, although the 'copter's propeller blades had to be digitized to make filming the hover work. The skiing and parasailing in TWINE were real. The surfing and the parachute jump in DAD were real.

[Major Bloodnok]

Due to the Writer's Guild strike, which Sir Sean mentioned in his Oscar acceptance speech, Richard Maibaum was unable to continue work on the screenplay. As I stated earlier I REALLY LIKE MICHAEL WILSON'S SCREENPLAYS (did you hear that Mr. Wilson?), but this one needed a "buffing." My comment to my friend as we exited the theater was, "I think there was one too many subplots in that one." Otherwise, as we all know, it was a great movie.

I can't speak to the Alpine chase scene except to say that the Alps do not extend between Batislava and Vienna. I've made that trip many times and it's closer to southern Indiana than Colorado. I suspect they filmed it in Tyrol, my personal favorite part of Austria.

[Major Bloodnok]

[quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='5 November 2005 - 12:48']

Could you imagine Brosnan with a script as good as FRWL?

[/quote]

Could you imagine DALTON in GoldenEye?


[/quote]

The dryhumping scene in the Turkish Bath would be beneath Dalton. But Famke is soooo hot!

[Lounge Lizard]

Suggestion of new topic, in case it hasn

[Dalton's Wendy]

Due to the Writer's Guild strike, which Sir Sean mentioned in his Oscar acceptance speech, Richard Maibaum was unable to continue work on the screenplay. 

Major, this latest of your always interesting and informed posts reminded me of Sir Sean's winning the Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance in 1987's The Untouchables. It prompted me to check out the occasion in my Inside Oscar book, and I came up with the following info, which I think some might enjoy reading:

The first award of the evening, for the category of Visual Effects, was presented by Connery. The audience was only aroused at the end of the montage when a figure emerged from a blast of light and a cloud of green smoke and intoned, The name's Connery, Sean Connery. The crowd was on its feet for the night's first standing ovation as the orchestra played the James Bond Theme.

Connery was expected to wipe out the competition in his category of Best Supporting Actor. A publicist informed the Los Angeles Times, "He would have to commit a felony not to win."

So everyone more or less knew Sean Connery's name was in the envelope, and Burt Lancaster led the second standing ovation for the actor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and a few enemies," Connery began, "this is the sixtieth anniversary of these Academy Awards and I realized just the other day that my first one and only attendance was thirty years ago -- patience is truly a virtue." He concluded, "If such a thing as a wish accompanied this award, mine would be that we ended the writers' srtike."

Connery grabbed a glass of wine on his way to the press tent, where he said, "The first thing I'm going to do is have a few drinks -- oops, I've started somewhat early."

[Dalton's Wendy]

[quote name='Lounge Lizard' date='5 November 2005 - 18:28']Suggestion of new topic, in case it hasn

[Lounge Lizard]

And I know the perfect female for the job -- me!  I've had tons of experience directing social events for 1,000 people, and I've had behind-the-camera experience in television, plus, as all my loyal readers know, I love James just the way he is: a connoisseur of the female of the species.

Toning down Bond's libido?  That would be as sacreligious as gelding Northern Dancer!

Of course, this might mean I would have to give up being the next Bond chick . . . then again . . . maybe not! 

GREAT idea, L.L.!  And, may I add, just another in the consecutive series of your great posts!

OKAY, HUNKS! Let's hear what you think of this idea!  The lines are open!

You flatter me too much, Dalton's Wendy. Now I might get lazy! But then again, you always manage to balance the flattery with some blissful bit of megalomania. The first Bond girl to also direct a Bond picture: 'We need to fire Craig and bring back Dalton. And we need more and tastier love scenes.' Clever plotting, lady.

[Major Bloodnok]

A good action director is a good action director regardless of gender. I think we can trust BB and MGW to not let anyone mess up Bond's character. I think that might be a deal breaker for many women directors.

Add Kathryn Bigelow to your list as well.

That said, I'm not sure I know of a female director that I would say, "Oh yeah! SHE should direct a Bond!" I don't mean it in a sexist way, I think there are many great female directors, many working in US television. I just don't know which would be a right fit for our favorite secret agent. There's more to Bond than action. I'd bet dollars to donuts there are several out there that would be better than say... Lee Tomahori or Roger Spottiswood. I'm unaware of them at this moment.

[Lounge Lizard]

I just don't know which would be a right fit for our favorite secret agent. There's more to Bond than action.

Thanks Major, and you're right, but I said genre pictures, not action pictures. Bigelow is a valid suggestion, and her output isn't strictly limited to action. Strange Days showed she could also do SF material, suspense and great visuals.

[Dalton's Wendy]

[quote name='Lounge Lizard' date='5 November 2005 - 19:16']
[/quote]

You flatter me too much, Dalton's Wendy. Now I might get lazy! But then again, you always manage to balance the flattery with some blissful bit of megalomania. The first Bond girl to also direct a Bond picture: 'We need to fire Craig and bring back Dalton. And we need more and tastier love scenes.' Clever plotting, lady.
[/quote]

Well . . . but of course, L.L., Darling!

And just imagine all the money the producers would save, because, by hiring me as both director and female lead, look at all the time that would be saved since the female star would understand instinctively and precisely just what mood, or action, the director is trying to create.

"Move a bit closer to Mr. Dalton, please, Wendy . . . "

I love this whole idea so much, that I've already put in a call to my people, to call TIMOTHY DALTON'S people, so they can do lunch next Tuesday . . .

[Major Bloodnok]

From what I can tell I don't think anyone would have to suggest you get closer to Mr. Dalton. I think your First A.D. would probably say they can't see him.

Has anyone noticed how Pierce didn't slag TD? I think I know why. Dalton's Wendy would smack him.

[Dalton's Wendy]

From what I can tell I don't think anyone would have to suggest you get closer to Mr. Dalton. I think your First A.D. would probably say they can't see him.

Ha! ROFL!!!!

Has anyone noticed how Pierce didn't slag TD? I think I know why.  Dalton's Wendy would smack him.

You -- can --just -- bet -- I -- would!

Cut out his tongue. That's what we do to squealers, rats, and bad-mouthers of dreamboats.

Or perhaps a horse's head in the bed would be a nice touch . . .

Am I ever glad you joined this forum, Major B.!

[Major Bloodnok]

I'm having fun.

I just dig Bond that much and if I can drop a useful bit of info every now and then I don't feel as bad about all those years I spent on the couch watching beta, then vhs, then laser discs and now dvds. Plus all those Bond books I read...

[Dalton's Wendy]

I'm having fun.

I just dig Bond that much and if I can drop a useful bit of info every now and then I don't feel as bad about all those years I spent on the couch watching beta, then vhs, then laser discs and now dvds. Plus all those Bond books I read...

. . . plus the Bond chick you married . . .

[Major Bloodnok]

Bond AND Jane Austen! We're perfect!

Which brings me to Colin Firth as Bond... what do the ladies think?

[Dalton's Wendy]

Bond AND Jane Austen! We're perfect!

Wait a minute . . . do you mean you and your wife? Or you and I? Because, of course, I love Jane Austen, too!

Which brings me to Colin Firth as Bond... what do the ladies think?

Ah, Colin -- beautiful Colin! He is a doll, and he looks very much like young Olivier. I have been following him (his career, of course! she averred with indignation) for quite a while now. Loved him in Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare In Love, Bridget Jones,Girl With a Pearl Earring -- but where I really, really adored him was in The Importance of Being Earnest. (Although -- I must say Rupert Everett really pulled the movie right out from under Colin). But Colin was ideal for his role.

Just not 100% certain if Colin is right for Bond. I'm just not convinced he has the requisite fire in the belly. Anyway, not sure if he's even available -- he's in great demand these days: filming one movie, another in pre-production, and four more announced for 2006. Well, when you're hot, you're hot!

[Bryce (003)]

Or perhaps a horse's head in the bed would be a nice touch . . .

I can arrange that.

[Dalton's Wendy]

Or perhaps a horse's head in the bed would be a nice touch . . .

I can arrange that.

So nice to have friends with connections!

[Alessandra]

I'm gonna throw some okra in this soup and call it gumbo.

I have to tell a story that changed the way I think about new Bonds.

In January of 1987 I was living in Milwaukee, goint to tech college. One Sunday I was reading the Milwaukee Journal (before it was absorbed by the Sentinel and turned into a hack-rag) when I stumbled across an entertainment article about the "new Bond." I had heard the role had gone to some guy named Timothy Dalton but I hadn't been following the production very closely.  This was probably due to being annoyed beyond words at the last film, which I thought was second from the bottom of the Bond films.

Then I looked at a picture of Dalton and d'Abo.  I thought she was a looker for sure.

Dalton looked, I swear, like Chevy Chase in this picture. My jaw hit the floor. Who was this shmeckle?  He looks like a dope!  What is goin' on in Cubby's head? Has he gone insane? 

Needless to say I was not enthusiastically waiting for THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. 

Then, later in the spring I went to see a movie (for some reason I remember it being an Eddie Murphy movie- maybe BEVERLY HILLS COP II...) and saw the teaser for TLD.  Holy cow- was I wrong! After that trailer I KNEW it was gonna be a good movie!  Then, not long after that I taped the television special hosted by Roger Moore, the name of which is escaping me right now.  Happy Birthday 007, maybe. This hour long special ended with a preview of the upcoming film, including interviews with Mr. Dalton himself. This dude was the real deal! He not only knew the Bond movies- he was interested in doing the Bond of the books. And I had to admit, he was not a bad looking guy, something my wife recently confirmed as we watched TLD together for the umpteeninth time.

Now, to be honest, had I seen BRENDA STARR before TLD I probably still wouldn't have been excited to see it.  Had I seen HAWKS I would have though he was a heck of a dramatic actor but I still wouldn't have seen him as Bond.

My point is: Even though I've seen Daniel Craig in a couple movies and we are being inundated with pictures of him, and many folks think he's wrong for Bond- I gotta wait and see the movie, or at least a teaser. I remember only too clearly my first impressions of Mr. Dalton, and I feel like I can safely say in this discussion that Dalton was GREAT as Bond.

As for beautiful Bond women- unknowns are great, as long as they can act. We've seen a few that can and a few that can't. Then again, Tanya Roberts was already known when she did AVTAK and she... well, I wasn't impressed.

My choices of (fairly) unknown ladies are Rose Byrne (TROY, WICKER PARK), Amy Allen (STAR WARS prequels) and Genevieve O'Reilly (now that I've finally seen her scenes from REVENGE OF THE SITH).

Or maybe they should just use Dalton's Wendy or Alesandra.

Hi Major, and thank you very much for your contribute.. and appointing Wendy and myself for possible contenders as Bond girls!
We do look the part, that's certain (err.. ok maybe not in my case, but in Wendy's case.. FOR SURE!!! )
As for DIVINE Timothy.. Wendy has already made great points.
He was Bond even before being Bond. Which in my opinion doesn't apply to Craig. But, you're right, that sometimes we are all fooled by first impressions... (doesn't often happen to me, but there's always a first time!)
Ah Rose Byrne as Bond girl. I agree. But I still have to put in a good word for my compatriot Giovanna Mezzogiorno !

[Bryce (003)]

So nice to have friends with connections! 

You have no idea.

Did I ever mention that I used to date an Italian girl with a very large and established family?

They still consider me one of their own even though she's now happily married to someone else (fine chap) with a beautiful daughter.

[Alessandra]

Bond AND Jane Austen! We're perfect!

Which brings me to Colin Firth as Bond... what do the ladies think?

AAAAHH wait wait, wait a minute here!
We're talking about MY favourite novelist (together with E.M. Forster and Henry James) and my favourite secret agent all at once! Timeout please, I need to breathe! lol
Ok Colin Firth.
Now, I'll say something which will sound strange to Anglo-saxon women, because I know Colin Firth is a GOD to them.. but.... NO WAY MR DARCY WAS LIKE HIM!!
My favourite man character in novels EVER was the most gorgeous, charming man that ever walked on earth.. and that translates into.... Colin Firth?!?!? no, no and no!! lol
that translates into a Cary Grant or a George Clooney, not into a Colin Firth!
He played the part of Mr Darcy very well, but didn't look the part enough to me. not saying he was totally looking wrong, just... not enough!
I much prefer him in "Bridget Jones's diary", where he still plays Darcy, but not the real one. He's charming and nice, but doesn't need to be the most good-looking, charming man on earth, so he's perfect.
As for him as James Bond, for the reasons stated above.. I'd vote no.
He's also not the kind of guy who looks really hard in action scenes..and I would see him think "goodness, what am I doing" when holding a gun, rather than "your time is over, now."
he's the guy you like to present to mom as your fiancee, not the irresistible, strong and yet supersexy, charming, stylish and elegant spy you'd have to keep away from your mom.. before she falls for him too!

[Alessandra]

[quote name='Bryce (003)' date='6 November 2005 - 19:38'][quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='6 November 2005 - 10:31']So nice to have friends with connections!

[Dalton's Wendy]

As for beautiful Bond women- unknowns are great, as long as they can act. We've seen a few that can and a few that can't. Then again, Tanya Roberts was already known when she did AVTAK and she... well, I wasn't impressed.

My choices of (fairly) unknown ladies are Rose Byrne (TROY, WICKER PARK), Amy Allen (STAR WARS prequels) and Genevieve O'Reilly (now that I've finally seen her scenes from REVENGE OF THE SITH).

Or maybe they should just use Dalton's Wendy or Alesandra.

Hi Major, and thank you very much for your contribute.. and appointing Wendy and myself for possible contenders as Bond girls!
We do look the part, that's certain (err.. ok maybe not in my case, but in Wendy's case.. FOR SURE!!! )

Thank you, Ale Darling! What a lovely thing to say!

As for DIVINE Timothy.. Wendy has already made great points.

And would love to make more . . . Anytime, Mr. D.!

[Bryce (003)]

erm. I don't recall you dating my cousin, Bryce!

If she's a curvy Italian with hazel eyes and went to school in California, we may almost be family.

[Alessandra]

erm. I don't recall you dating my cousin, Bryce!

If she's a curvy Italian with hazel eyes and went to school in California, we may almost be family.

OMG I was JOKING... but the description you gave EXACTLY fits my cousin! lol see where people end up with jokes?? in trouble! lol

[Bryce (003)]

erm. I don't recall you dating my cousin, Bryce!

If she's a curvy Italian with hazel eyes and went to school in California, we may almost be family.

OMG I was JOKING... but the description you gave EXACTLY fits my cousin! lol see where people end up with jokes?? in trouble! lol

If her name's Carla, we ARE related.