2 replies to this topic

[MHazard]

I'm a fan of the Fleming novels and generally rate the movies quality by how much of the novel it incorporates. There are times though when the movie improves upon something from the novel. The example I can think of is GF where the plot to rob Ft. Knox in the book was as a practical matter impossible. In the movie Goldfinger only intends to irradiate the gold, making it worthless which was possible and made the scheme more plausible. Can anyone think of any other examples of a movie improving upon something from the novel.

[00Twelve]

First, Casino Royale. Some will argue (not me, necessarily) that it didn't improve on the Vesper suicide situation, but I personally think the movie improved on the book in many respects, especially the stairwell fight, shower, and poison martini scenes. I also appreciated the change to poker, but that's shaded by my living in today's time. The plot elements added in on either side of the original story would have made the book too long for Fleming's standard, but it fleshed out the original story very well IMO. I would have maybe enjoyed a little more Felix, but it was handled well also. Great adaptation.

Second, FRWL. The cinematic fight on the Orient Express was a vast improvement on the literary version. Also, the addition of the helicopter and boat action scenes helped with pacing, IMO.

Third, GF. Yes, the Fort Knox change was sorely needed, and the demise of Mr. Solo was well done.

Fourth, TB. I suppose it was a good change to have a fist fight on the Disco at the end, even if it was sped up and chopped to hell.

Next, OHMSS. Thought the extended car chase was an improvement, but still would have liked to have seen the SPECTRE car go off the cliff.

DAF. Not much could be called an improvement, but I did like the inclusion of Amsterdam as Bond's insertion point as Franks, rather than London. 'Bout it.

The Spy Who Loved Me. Yep.

TMWTGG. Scaramanga's interest in 007 was very interesting, if a bit far-fetched that Bond would have such a public reputation. Also liked the idea of the secret constructible gun.

TLD. Thought the film fleshed out the defection sequence quite well.

Dr. No. The spider was a more visually obvious threat than a centipede, for those that know nothing of centipedes. Also the plot point with Miss Taro was a good addition.

Other than these, I don't think I really saw anything I considered an "improvement." I'll probably eat that when someone else thinks of something I forgot.

[Major Tallon]

Dr. No. The spider was a more visually obvious threat than a centipede, for those that know nothing of centipedes. Also the plot point with Miss Taro was a good addition.

The spider worked well, but I've seen one of those centipedes at the Chicao Museum of Natural History. Yikes! Not much relation to the little bugs we've all seen. To have one of those things on you would give you nightmares for the rest of your life.

Not, I suppose, that having the tarantula wouldn't!