jueves, 21 de junio de 2012
Skyfall footage shown in Barcelona
A few days ago there was a rumour of a 4 minute trailer for Skyfall, which many people dismissed. However, it turns out that four minutes of footage from the forthcoming James Bond film was shown at CineEurope in Barcelona yesterday and introduced by new Bond girl Berenice Marlohe.
While Skyfall isn't based on any of the 007 books, director Sam Mendes and 007 actor Daniel Craig have said repeatedly that they went back to the books and the early films to find out what they liked best but to bring something new to the character.
We'll see how well they succeed in October.
lunes, 11 de junio de 2012
50 years of 007: what a change there has been
Thinking about the new James Bond film coming out later this year, we really have come a long way since the first films staring Sean Connery. Connery wasn't really Ian Fleming's choice for the now iconic role, although his perfprmance in Dr No (1962) and From Russia With Love won him over and Fleming later acknowleged Connery by making him half Scottish, with a Swiss mother. You can learn more about how Sean Connery became James Bond here.
The early Bond films were quite close to Ian Fleming's stories, although it is certainly true that they added humour that was never in the books. Connery's one liners help relieve the tension, and are well thought out and delivered. However, after Fleming's death the filmmakers deviated from his material almost completely. You Only Live Twice has little to do with Fleming and became far more fantastic. Unfortunately, after returning to Fleming with On Her Majesty's Secret Service (with George Lazenby), they once again abandoned Fleming with Diamonds Are Forever and continued in that line throughout the Rogert Moore era.
In Diamonds Are Forever they also started to reply much more heavily on humour and Roger Moore's output was marred by the fact that the films became self parodies and playing nearly everything for laughs. Despite Timothy Dalton's more serious portrayal of 007, his films continued in the same line with poorly judged comedy and unbelievable gadgets; and so it continued with Pierce Brosnan.
The film makers pushed it so far with Die Another Day and an invisible car that they struggled to find a way forward. In the end they ditched Pierce Brosnan and made Casino Royale with a actor, Daniel Craig; they also rebooted the series and took it back to the beginning of James Bond's career as a secret agent for MI6.
While that film was well received, introducing us to a Bond who was more series than any other incarnation, the follow up was not. However, with Skyfall released later this year (check out info via TJBD) fans are once again awaiting the release with more than the usual excitement after a four year wait; it was originally due out last year, but MGM's financial problems meant that it couldn't be started.
Fingers crossed that they deliver the goods this time!
The early Bond films were quite close to Ian Fleming's stories, although it is certainly true that they added humour that was never in the books. Connery's one liners help relieve the tension, and are well thought out and delivered. However, after Fleming's death the filmmakers deviated from his material almost completely. You Only Live Twice has little to do with Fleming and became far more fantastic. Unfortunately, after returning to Fleming with On Her Majesty's Secret Service (with George Lazenby), they once again abandoned Fleming with Diamonds Are Forever and continued in that line throughout the Rogert Moore era.
In Diamonds Are Forever they also started to reply much more heavily on humour and Roger Moore's output was marred by the fact that the films became self parodies and playing nearly everything for laughs. Despite Timothy Dalton's more serious portrayal of 007, his films continued in the same line with poorly judged comedy and unbelievable gadgets; and so it continued with Pierce Brosnan.
The film makers pushed it so far with Die Another Day and an invisible car that they struggled to find a way forward. In the end they ditched Pierce Brosnan and made Casino Royale with a actor, Daniel Craig; they also rebooted the series and took it back to the beginning of James Bond's career as a secret agent for MI6.
While that film was well received, introducing us to a Bond who was more series than any other incarnation, the follow up was not. However, with Skyfall released later this year (check out info via TJBD) fans are once again awaiting the release with more than the usual excitement after a four year wait; it was originally due out last year, but MGM's financial problems meant that it couldn't be started.
Fingers crossed that they deliver the goods this time!
miércoles, 21 de diciembre de 2011
Albert Finney among big time talent in Skyfall
"Skyfall" is the name of the next James Bond adventure staring Daniel Craig and directed by Sam Mendes. Recently confirmed for the new film is Albert Finney, a big hitting star signed up to appear alongside him Javier Bardem, the highly regarded Spanish actor married to Penelope Cruz, and Ralph Fiennes as well as Bond regular Dame Judi Dench as M.
What is currently intriguing for many Bond fans is the lack of information regarding the characters these actors will be playing. Bardem is in a villain's role, as is Fiennes; however, the speculation that Fiennes will be resurrecting the character of Blofeld for Skyfall have been neither confirmed nor denied. There is also a strong rumour that Finney will be playing M's boss, although it is impossible to verify this claim as no reputable sources have been quoted for the information.
Director Sam Mendes is the man responsible for bringing onboard such heavyweight talent and while it is certainly an interesting approach to a James Bond film it leaves many people wondering what direction the new film will take and whether these actors will overshadow 007 himself, although Daniel Craig was a highly regarded actor before he took on the role of Bond.
You can read my article on Albert Finney to learn about his award from the Berlin International Film Festival and his other work since.
What is currently intriguing for many Bond fans is the lack of information regarding the characters these actors will be playing. Bardem is in a villain's role, as is Fiennes; however, the speculation that Fiennes will be resurrecting the character of Blofeld for Skyfall have been neither confirmed nor denied. There is also a strong rumour that Finney will be playing M's boss, although it is impossible to verify this claim as no reputable sources have been quoted for the information.
Director Sam Mendes is the man responsible for bringing onboard such heavyweight talent and while it is certainly an interesting approach to a James Bond film it leaves many people wondering what direction the new film will take and whether these actors will overshadow 007 himself, although Daniel Craig was a highly regarded actor before he took on the role of Bond.
You can read my article on Albert Finney to learn about his award from the Berlin International Film Festival and his other work since.
martes, 20 de diciembre de 2011
Ralph Fiennes to play Blofeld?
With countless devotees world wide, the 007 films always generate great expectation and Skyfall, which is presently in production, is no exception. The film, the twenty third in the James Bond franchise, had been beset by delays after the bankruptcy of Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer forced pre-production work to close down in 2010 and when released in October 2012 it will be 4 years since the previous movie.
When the producers of the James Bond films held a press conference at the beginning of November to reveal the name of the 23rd film in the series and introduce some of the cast and crew to the world's journalists, one of the big names to be confirmed was Ralph Fiennes.
While the announcement was not unexpected, since the tabloid press had been discussing it for several months, and Daniel Craig himself had admitted that there was a possibility that Fiennes would have a role, it was not revealed who he would play in the film, which will be called Skyfall.
Fiennes will appear alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond, Dame Judi Dench as his boss M, Naomie Harris as Eve, Berenice Marlohe as Severine, Spaniard Javier Bardem and another heavyweight actor in an unknown role, Albert Finney. While much was made of the press conference, little of substance was actually revealed beyond confirmation of the film's title and the actors. Intriguingly Daniel Craig wore a beard, which he was still sporting when spotted shooting some early scenes, although more recently he has been clean-shaven.
Fiennes was born in Suffolk in 1962 and moved with his family to Ireland at the age of 11 for several years. While in Ireland he was educated in West Cork before returning to Salisbury in England to finish his schooling. He then enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art & Design followed by RADA, after which he joined the National Theatre, where he first met Sam Mendes, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His early work includes TV movie A Dangerous Man: Lawrence after Arabia as well as an appearance in the popular UK television show, Prime Suspect. On the big screen he first appeared in a well-received version of Wuthering Heights; he played Heathcliff opposite Juliette Binoche.
His breakthrough role came soon after, earning him an Oscar nomination and winning a BAFTA. You can read my article on Ralph Fiennes to learn what that role was as well as his other work since.
When the producers of the James Bond films held a press conference at the beginning of November to reveal the name of the 23rd film in the series and introduce some of the cast and crew to the world's journalists, one of the big names to be confirmed was Ralph Fiennes.
While the announcement was not unexpected, since the tabloid press had been discussing it for several months, and Daniel Craig himself had admitted that there was a possibility that Fiennes would have a role, it was not revealed who he would play in the film, which will be called Skyfall.
Fiennes will appear alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond, Dame Judi Dench as his boss M, Naomie Harris as Eve, Berenice Marlohe as Severine, Spaniard Javier Bardem and another heavyweight actor in an unknown role, Albert Finney. While much was made of the press conference, little of substance was actually revealed beyond confirmation of the film's title and the actors. Intriguingly Daniel Craig wore a beard, which he was still sporting when spotted shooting some early scenes, although more recently he has been clean-shaven.
Fiennes was born in Suffolk in 1962 and moved with his family to Ireland at the age of 11 for several years. While in Ireland he was educated in West Cork before returning to Salisbury in England to finish his schooling. He then enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art & Design followed by RADA, after which he joined the National Theatre, where he first met Sam Mendes, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His early work includes TV movie A Dangerous Man: Lawrence after Arabia as well as an appearance in the popular UK television show, Prime Suspect. On the big screen he first appeared in a well-received version of Wuthering Heights; he played Heathcliff opposite Juliette Binoche.
His breakthrough role came soon after, earning him an Oscar nomination and winning a BAFTA. You can read my article on Ralph Fiennes to learn what that role was as well as his other work since.
martes, 19 de julio de 2011
The Bond girl "Algerian Love Knot" necklace
James Bond fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when Casino Royale arrived on the big screen in 2006. While there had been some controversy when Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond toward the end of 2005, the completed film, by Goldeneye director Martin Campbell, turned out to be the best James Bond film in many years; at least since The Living Daylights, or the very early days of Sean Connery.
In going back to the Ian Fleming source material, albeit updated, the producers and director created an unexpected critical and commercial success. And one of the things that helped propel it to such success was the strong cast, including Eva Green as Vesper Lynd.
The character of Vesper in the original novel is initially quite cool toward Bond, although not openly hostile as she is in the movie. However, just like in the film, she soon warms to 007 and they fall in love. Unfortunately Bond later finds out that she deceived him and she has been working as a double agent all along.
While it was never mentioned in the book, the screen version of Vesper wears an Algerian Love Knot necklace throughout. it consists of three metal tubes that have been interlinked, flattened and decorated in precious metals. When Bond finally realises what it is he concludes that it was a gift from a lover; he later meets her ex-lover in the 2008 follow up, Quantum of Solace.
The original necklace was designed by Sophie Harley especially for the film and as a hand made masterpiece is prohibitively expensive for most Bond fans; it is a lovely piece of work though.
Luckily budget Bonds and Bond girls can own an item of jewelry that is based on the original for a fraction of the price. Cast in a single piece there is a budget Algerian Love Knot available that doesn't match the original necklace but is an approximation of the original. While an approximation of the original it can still make a nice gift for a would be Bond girl. Let's hope she doesn't turn out to be a double agent like the original Vesper Lynd.
In going back to the Ian Fleming source material, albeit updated, the producers and director created an unexpected critical and commercial success. And one of the things that helped propel it to such success was the strong cast, including Eva Green as Vesper Lynd.
The character of Vesper in the original novel is initially quite cool toward Bond, although not openly hostile as she is in the movie. However, just like in the film, she soon warms to 007 and they fall in love. Unfortunately Bond later finds out that she deceived him and she has been working as a double agent all along.
While it was never mentioned in the book, the screen version of Vesper wears an Algerian Love Knot necklace throughout. it consists of three metal tubes that have been interlinked, flattened and decorated in precious metals. When Bond finally realises what it is he concludes that it was a gift from a lover; he later meets her ex-lover in the 2008 follow up, Quantum of Solace.
The original necklace was designed by Sophie Harley especially for the film and as a hand made masterpiece is prohibitively expensive for most Bond fans; it is a lovely piece of work though.
Luckily budget Bonds and Bond girls can own an item of jewelry that is based on the original for a fraction of the price. Cast in a single piece there is a budget Algerian Love Knot available that doesn't match the original necklace but is an approximation of the original. While an approximation of the original it can still make a nice gift for a would be Bond girl. Let's hope she doesn't turn out to be a double agent like the original Vesper Lynd.
jueves, 28 de abril de 2011
Solitaire: The Bond Girl From Live And Let Die
James Bond first meets Solitaire while being interrogated by Mr Big in Live And Let Die, the second of the James Bond books after Casino Royale. Originally from Haiti, she was initiated into voodoo while a child and possessed psychic powers.
In fact her only reason for being there while Bond is being questioned is to tell Mr Big whether James Bond is being truthful or not. In additon to being able to tell whether people are being truthful, she is also able to predict the future, and in fact decides to help 007 when she divines that he will rescue her from Mr Big.
Solitaire's is actually named Simone Latrelle, having received her nickname whilst still in Haiti because she avoided the romantic encounters with local men. When Bond returns to his New York hotel he is surprised to receive a message from him the girl; travelling to St Petersburg by train they are lucky to escape with their lives after disembarking early.
In the film the character was played by Jane Seymour and while the film varied considerable from the plot of the book - most of Roger Moore's films were very different from the Bond books - Solitaire remained quite close to the original. However, the reason for her avoiding men was underlined; she would lose her psychic gift unless she remained a virgin, something that was not even hinted at in the book. From that point on she must fake her powers in front of Mr Big.
Although she didn't go to bed with Bond, although the book closes while they are on leave together and it seems a matter of time, the film was quite different. From that point on she must fake her powers in front of Mr Big, who, since he is only employing her because she is psychic, would kill her if he found out.
The truth is she is tricked by Bond. When he offers her a pack of tarot cards she picks Lovers. It is only the audience that see that she has selected the card from a loaded pack; all the cards are the same.
In fact her only reason for being there while Bond is being questioned is to tell Mr Big whether James Bond is being truthful or not. In additon to being able to tell whether people are being truthful, she is also able to predict the future, and in fact decides to help 007 when she divines that he will rescue her from Mr Big.
Solitaire's is actually named Simone Latrelle, having received her nickname whilst still in Haiti because she avoided the romantic encounters with local men. When Bond returns to his New York hotel he is surprised to receive a message from him the girl; travelling to St Petersburg by train they are lucky to escape with their lives after disembarking early.
In the film the character was played by Jane Seymour and while the film varied considerable from the plot of the book - most of Roger Moore's films were very different from the Bond books - Solitaire remained quite close to the original. However, the reason for her avoiding men was underlined; she would lose her psychic gift unless she remained a virgin, something that was not even hinted at in the book. From that point on she must fake her powers in front of Mr Big.
Although she didn't go to bed with Bond, although the book closes while they are on leave together and it seems a matter of time, the film was quite different. From that point on she must fake her powers in front of Mr Big, who, since he is only employing her because she is psychic, would kill her if he found out.
The truth is she is tricked by Bond. When he offers her a pack of tarot cards she picks Lovers. It is only the audience that see that she has selected the card from a loaded pack; all the cards are the same.
miércoles, 27 de abril de 2011
Casino Royale - the first James Bond book
One of the reasons for the success of Casino Royale - the first of the James Bond books - and indeed, the success of the James Bond books and then the films is the combination of girls, guns, fast cars and exotic locations, all of which combined to produce a mixture that was unlike anything seen before by 1950s readers.
Here was escapism featuring the glamour of the Casino, fine wines accompanying haut cuisine and cold war villains that definitely played outside the rules. While the films made us get used to a huge range of improbably gadgets, the literary James Bond mainly relied on his wits.
In Casino Royale the gadgets are missing completely, although it does cross 007's mind that he might be able to extricate himself from a problematic situation if only he had a hidden weapon, with nothing to save him but his wits or just plain luck; only when these both appear to have deserted him does he wish for a quick death.
Compared with the films that came the following decade, the plot of Casino Royale has a straightforward plot which is easy to follow. With a single location too, it is a far cry from the continent hopping secret agent we are accustomed to today.
And while northern France may not seem particularly exotic a location to a modern reader, Normandy casinos were only for the wealthy in the days before mass tourism, bearing in mind that post war rationing was still in place when the book was published.
Even his relationship with the Bond girl might be unfamiliar. Vesper Lynd is a dark haired beauty who Bond initially finds quite cold. However, Vesper thaws out and James Bond falls in love with her, and gets close to marrying her. It is only at the novel's end that we find out that she wasn't all she appeared to be and rather than helping Bond had actually betrayed him.
You can easily find the Bond books, which are available from Amazon and all good bookstores.
Here was escapism featuring the glamour of the Casino, fine wines accompanying haut cuisine and cold war villains that definitely played outside the rules. While the films made us get used to a huge range of improbably gadgets, the literary James Bond mainly relied on his wits.
In Casino Royale the gadgets are missing completely, although it does cross 007's mind that he might be able to extricate himself from a problematic situation if only he had a hidden weapon, with nothing to save him but his wits or just plain luck; only when these both appear to have deserted him does he wish for a quick death.
Compared with the films that came the following decade, the plot of Casino Royale has a straightforward plot which is easy to follow. With a single location too, it is a far cry from the continent hopping secret agent we are accustomed to today.
And while northern France may not seem particularly exotic a location to a modern reader, Normandy casinos were only for the wealthy in the days before mass tourism, bearing in mind that post war rationing was still in place when the book was published.
Even his relationship with the Bond girl might be unfamiliar. Vesper Lynd is a dark haired beauty who Bond initially finds quite cold. However, Vesper thaws out and James Bond falls in love with her, and gets close to marrying her. It is only at the novel's end that we find out that she wasn't all she appeared to be and rather than helping Bond had actually betrayed him.
You can easily find the Bond books, which are available from Amazon and all good bookstores.
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