122 replies to this topic

[Harmsway]

I'm kind of surprised to not see this scene in anyone's list. I feel FYEO established Moore as James Bond more than most of the previous 4 movies combined, and the casino scene was a big part of that, IMO.

Really? I thought that was perhaps the least memorable casino scene in the franchise. The backgammon game in OCTOPUSSY was miles more iconic for Moore, in my opinion. But to each his own.

[Scottlee]

I have to vote for the Dr No casino scene, simply for THAT line

[DaveBond21]

I have to vote for the Dr No casino scene, simply for THAT line

Yeah, fair enough, and great music in the background too!

[Turn]

Dr No - This scene was something of a make or break. If you don't buy the character in this scene or if it doesn't come off, the rest of the film or series may not have worked. It works perfectly and sets the tone. The best.

Thunderball - Shows off Bond's cocky, confident side and his cool way of engaging the enemy and annoying him while attracting the woman. No. 2 for me.

OHMSS - Not so much a great gambling scene as one that shows Bond using his wits to turn a situation his way.

DAF - Bond as ultimate winner thing starts to get a little thin here, but great lines make it fun.

TMWTGG - Not much of scene, this one.

FYEO - Doesn't have much of an impact as Bunky isn't a very interesting character to have Bond beat up on. It may have been more interesting to see Bond beat Kristatos or maybe even one of Columbo's men if not Columbo himself.

Octopussy - My favorite Moore gambling scene. His delivery of "double sixes" without even looking is Rog at his best. His cocky factor rivals Connery's in this scene, albeit in a different way.

LTK - Nice Dalton got to do a casino scene even if it isn't a great one.

Goldeneye - Good to get Bond in his element. I like the way this scene takes its time and doesn't force anything unlike:

TWINE - A forced scene if ever there was one. It's as if the writers said "We've got to get Bond in a tux and into a casino." Or maybe it was the producers who said it. Either way, it doesn't work well.

Casino Royale - I hope it tops them all.

[Double-Oh Agent]

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE is nice, but just isn't as cool as it could be (partially because Lazenby isn't all that cool, so his presence doesn't really carry it all that much, and the casino setting isn't all that fantastic).

I think George Lazenby is okay but the big problem with this scene, for me anyway, is that we see Bond sit down at the game and then cut a little later to him having won some more chips only to lose the next hand. We never see him win a hand. Not one! Surely, EON could have put a shot of Lazenby winning once and upping his coolness and Bondian status, but no. As it is, he's the only Bond we never actually see win at the gaming tables.

[DavidSomerset]

I think George Lazenby is okay but the big problem with this scene, for me anyway, is that we see Bond sit down at the game and then cut a little later to him having won some more chips only to lose the next hand. We never see him win a hand. Not one! Surely, EON could have put a shot of Lazenby winning once and upping his coolness and Bondian status, but no. As it is, he's the only Bond we never actually see win at the gaming tables.

As my dear friend Ace would have put it to Wooden George :
"Leh hoo ze herr." (loser)

[erniecureo]

I'll go with the traditional...Dr. No, followed by Thunderball, followed by OHMSS.

DN: The Line. Ultra cool, ultra suave. And I love the hypnosis-effect of "Looks like you're out to get me."

TB: Beat a guy out of his money and steal his woman. Awesome. Plus, I love the little bit of business with the girl and Bond sidestepping together at the entrance.

OHMSS: Tracy's intro is cool--and who doesn't like cleavage? Plus, watch when Lazenby enters--the two women in the foreground both stop talking and follow him with their eyes. Another subtle bit of business that speaks volumes about the director's attention to detail.

I don't want to rile anyone, but I dislike the scenes in NSNA, OP and DAF.

NSNA: A video game? So beneath Bond it's unspeakable. Besides, the game's boring as hell.

OP: Backgammon--why not Trivia Pursuit, or (smirk) Connect Four? Seems dorky. And the dice thing was a rip-off of Oddjob's golf ball trick. But I suppose it could have been an homage.

DAF: Half of Bond's bets at craps are horrible--pure sucker bets. I'd rather he won from skill, not luck. Too be fair though, his literary incarnation played roulette (Heaven forbid!), so what the hell.

I wonder how CR will fit on the list? I've heard one of the best extras in movie history might just be in this one.

(Blush). Here's hoping. If it happens, CR goes right to the top of the list.

[DaveBond21]

(Blush). Here's hoping. If it happens, CR goes right to the top of the list.

Yeah, here's hoping. It is great that you are in the movie, ernie!!

[sharpshooter]

My favourite casino scenes SO FAR, I predict Royale's lengthy scene will top them all, are the Thunderball scene, and the GoldenEye scene. Both are effortlessly cool and relaxed scenes. They take their time, not in a rush.

[DaveBond21]

Thunderball scene, and the GoldenEye scene. Both are effortlessly cool and relaxed scenes. They take their time, not in a rush.

Yes, very good point, they are relaxed and don't rush. I like any Bond scenes with interesting set design or scenery to take their time.

[00Twelve]

Y'all make a fine point about TB and GE.

[DaveBond21]

Both GE and TB have classy casino scenes. I really like the whole atmosphere and the set design for both.

I like the FYEO casino too though...

[DaveBond21]

So does anyone now have CR's casino scene(s) at the top of their list?

[bill007]

As much as I love CR, and what it has done for me as a Bond fan, I still covet the Dr. No/Connery scene. The iconic signature delivery of THE line.

[Forward Look]

So does anyone now have CR's casino scene(s) at the top of their list?

The use of Texas Hold 'Em poker in place of baccarat/chemin de fer in the novel is a good call, more people understand a form of poker that is currently more popular today. Has anyone in the forum played the types of poker used in the Bond books?

[moorebond82]

Octopussy.

[00Twelve]

Well, now I gotta change my record. Casino Royale. Never expected to see that much suspense in a Bond film's casino scene.

[DamnCoffee]

Casino Royale is now at No. 1.

[dodge]

Deal me in, too, on CR. And let me raise with this: I'll put Craig's 'That last hand nearly killed me' right up there with Sean's 'Bond, James Bond.'

[annita]

Deal me in, too, on CR. And let me raise with this: I'll put Craig's 'That last hand nearly killed me' right up there with Sean's 'Bond, James Bond.'

that was an awesome F*** you to Le Chiffre.

I also want to add what Bond said to Le Chiffre after he mocked him for changing his shirt...
Le Chiffre: You have changed your shirt Mr.Bond, I hope our little game is not causing you to perspire.
Bond: Maybe, but I won't worry so much until I start weeping blood...*Bonds looks up an stares at Le Chiffre with such loathing*

[Double-0-Seven]

Casino Royale is now at the top of my list. A lot of suspense and very enjoyable to watch. On Her Majesty's Secret Service and Dr. No are tied for a close second.

[DaveBond21]

'That last hand nearly killed me'

Fantastic line!!!....

[FlemingBond]

Thunderball. I like the double meaning's. "You're Spectre against mine"

[DaveBond21]

Thunderball. I like the double meaning's. "You're Spectre against mine"

Yes, cool line, in a great scene. Bond loves getting on the villain's nerves.

[DaveBond21]

Le Chiffre: You have changed your shirt Mr.Bond, I hope our little game is not causing you to perspire.
Bond: Maybe, but I won't worry so much until I start weeping blood...*Bonds looks up an stares at Le Chiffre with such loathing*

Great scene, I agree. Thought I'd add to this thread to see what some of the newcomers think of the various casino scenes.

[Cruiserweight]

I like the casino scene in Octopussy.The short scene in TMWTGG was nice to.

[Publius]

I do have a soft spot for LICENCE TO KILL's scene - I think it's really well-executed.

I don't know if you still feel this way, but what I love about it (aside from its beautiful look when Bond first walks in, a shot I wouldn't expect with Glen at the helm) is that Bond is playing a game against the house, not an opponent - very fitting given his solo quest to bring down one powerful man... who just so happens to own the casino, and thus IS "the house."

Anyway, Casino Royale has since taken the top spot in my list of favorite casino scenes. It really is the best "action" in the entire film, with Bond showcasing his class, sense of humor, and fearlessness alike as he's locked in a battle of wits with quite the worthy adversary (and one of the best villains in the series, mixing realistic/down-to-earth motivations with Fleming-esque bizarre qualities).

[Mister E]

LTK's casino scene was the worst in the franchise's history to me. Dalton looks uncomfertable and stiff and watching him feels like a chore.

[DaveBond21]

I do have a soft spot for LICENCE TO KILL's scene - I think it's really well-executed.

I don't know if you still feel this way, but what I love about it (aside from its beautiful look when Bond first walks in, a shot I wouldn't expect with Glen at the helm) is that Bond is playing a game against the house, not an opponent - very fitting given his solo quest to bring down one powerful man... who just so happens to own the casino, and thus IS "the house."

Anyway, Casino Royale has since taken the top spot in my list of favorite casino scenes. It really is the best "action" in the entire film, with Bond showcasing his class, sense of humor, and fearlessness alike as he's locked in a battle of wits with quite the worthy adversary (and one of the best villains in the series, mixing realistic/down-to-earth motivations with Fleming-esque bizarre qualities).

They somehow managed to get the balance right between the poker game (and accompanying tension) and the fight and other scenes while Bond and Vesper are there. But Casino Royale has a number of casino scenes, and that is the difference between that movie and some of the others in this topic. By the way, I also love the scene of Bond and Vesper having dinner after he has won.

[john.steed]

No contest for me- Dr. No. One of the great character inroductions in movie history.