11 replies to this topic

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

The Bond film have always been evolving, changing and re-inventing to one extent or other. Even the gun barrel has been moved but the PTS has stayed strong since 1963. It struck me today that I sometimes find films with a PTS (or a title sequence at best) easier to settle into over films that just begin.
I know Hunt and Young initiated this for the Bond series. We are told they chose to place the chase sequence in From Russia With Love before the titles. As the Russia PTS is somewhat low key got me thinking if they knew this idea would become a big advantage to the consecutive films in terms of story telling and excitement.
Generally all the Bonds begin well and this is something in no small part due to the PTS device. They either have a good opening stunt or introduce something that later helps with the plot. It's a great excuse to inject some cinematic style into the films, and not to mention very helpful when it comes to introducing a new Bond actor.
I wonder if the films would have been less successful without it - after all a films opening is surely important in order to sustain it's audience and keep them engaged in the story.
Imagine each film starting like Dr No, then having a great stunt but no pause for breath and that chance to settle down before the real story begins.....

[Publius]

Good topic.

I know that, for me, the PTS/titles/movie format is an even more important element to the formula than Q, Moneypenny, the gunbarrel, and quite a few other "checklist" items. It's probably second only to the Bond theme in that regard, and personally I'd be sadder to see it go than even that. As you point out, it's a great cinematic device for easing an audience into a film, and fits perfectly with Bond's larger-than-life persona and adventures.

[Guy Haines]

It is part and parcel of the Bond films. And, whilst I liked the way the gunbarrel was worked into the opening of Casino Royale, I think it should have been restored for the start of Quantum Of Solace, together with the James Bond theme. Putting them at the end - well, I take the points some have made elsewhere about the gunbarrel being used to wrap up the CR/QoS story arc, but for me its absence at the start of QoS made the car chase opening seem like, well, just another car chase opening from any other action film.

[Mark_Hazard]

I know Hunt and Young initiated this for the Bond series. We are told they chose to place the chase sequence in From Russia With Love before the titles.

Perhaps they got the idea from another Sean Connery film, I noticed a few years ago that Tarzan's Greatest Adventure also contains a PTS (the earliest that I recall), is there another that pre-dates this?

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

I know Hunt and Young initiated this for the Bond series. We are told they chose to place the chase sequence in From Russia With Love before the titles.

Perhaps they got the idea from another Sean Connery film, I noticed a few years ago that Tarzan's Greatest Adventure also contains a PTS (the earliest that I recall), is there another that pre-dates this?

I don't know, be interesting to know how common a PTS was pre 1963, but the more I think about it the more a coup it was for the series to have the PTS in Russia With Love and continue to use it.

[DaveBond21]

Interesting topic, and it should really be moved to the "General Discussion" board, not least because it will get more replies there.

I think the PTS will always be part of Bond films. I just hope the gunbarrel returns to the start too.

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[Messervy]

I know that, for me, the PTS/titles/movie format is an even more important element to the formula than Q, Moneypenny, the gunbarrel, and quite a few other "checklist" items.

Yes, same for me.
It's all about the mood it conveys, the atmosphere of the film you're about to see. You get a glimpse, you're breathless for more, but you have to wait until the Titles end (hence enjoying the Titles' theme even more since you're thrown inot it) to get to the core.
It's a great way of building up excitement.

[double o ego]

Yes, this is a good topic and I agree the PTS is unique and important. In fact, the PTS serves as the movie's impact statement, which largely determines if the movie is going to grab and maintain the attention of the audience. Leaving that aside the PTS acts as an almost seperate entity on its own. As a fan I look forward and anticipate what will happne, and how will it end. Its definitely an iconic signature for the Bond movies.

[Guy Haines]

It doesn't matter, necessarily, if Bond isn't even in the PTS. In FRWL we have Grant killing a Bond impersonator. In LALD, three men are killed in very different ways. In TMWTGG, the PTS is all about the villain - Bond is there, quite literally, as a dummy. And we are left wondering what this has to do with what is to come, and why? I wonder if, for Bond 23, it might be an idea to open with the gunbarrel and the Bond theme, but have a short PTS in which Bond doesn't appear, but which sets up the rest of the story. It might credit the audience with some intelligence, rather than assuming that they could only be hooked if our hero is in our face, doing his stuff, from the opening seconds of the film.

[DaveBond21]

It doesn't matter, necessarily, if Bond isn't even in the PTS. In FRWL we have Grant killing a Bond impersonator. In LALD, three men are killed in very different ways. In TMWTGG, the PTS is all about the villain - Bond is there, quite literally, as a dummy. And we are left wondering what this has to do with what is to come, and why? I wonder if, for Bond 23, it might be an idea to open with the gunbarrel and the Bond theme, but have a short PTS in which Bond doesn't appear, but which sets up the rest of the story. It might credit the audience with some intelligence, rather than assuming that they could only be hooked if our hero is in our face, doing his stuff, from the opening seconds of the film.

Good point, Guy. I'd be up for that. Similarly, I wouldn't mind the opposite - a PTS which has no connection to the rest of the film featuring the end of one of Bond's previous missions.

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[captnash2]

am glad the PTS is now the shorter, sharper tease in the craig bond era and not the sometimes bloated mini movie it sometimes became in past.

though i loved them too.

[Harry Fawkes]

I’m still waiting for that great Bond PTS, tell you the truth.

In my book there hasn’t been a great PTS since Octopussy.

‘Fill her up please.’

Classic. Simply classic.

Yep, I’m still craving for something on the lines of GOLDFINGER and OCTOPUSSY.

Cruel smile, raised eyebrow, devil-may-care look and that classic Bond line after going through hell and back:

‘Shocking. Positively shocking.’

But then, that’s me. All to their own I suppose.

Harry Fawkes