James Bond 007:
A Tribute
Fleming would publish a new Bond novel every year until his death in 1964; he would write forteen novels in all, including his posthumous works. His literary pieces would create a fan base including the likes of Anthony Burgess and John F. Kennedy.
Nine years after Casino Royale, Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli's EON productions would bring Dr. No to the silver screen. This set the precedent for the rest of the James Bond film series. Dr. No was the most implausible, science-fiction adventure in Ian Fleming's cannon, but all of the Bond movies would, more or less, follow in the vein of the first film. The emphasis was placed on exotic locales, extensive use of gadgets, and three women to shag per movie (in place of the singular "Bond Girl" in Fleming's lore.)
Much can be said about the elements that make James Bond so popular and enduring. He is the real man's man. James Bond, particularly Sean Connery's portrayal, is the penultimate chauvanist. He treats women like playthings and discards them as quickly as they arrive.
James Bond best exemplifies the "playboy lifestyle" that was idolized aout during the 1950's and 1960's. His world revolves around martinis, girls, and guns. James Bond travels to exotic places and shags exotic women. He enjoys the finest clothing, exquisite food, and enjoys liquor, although he never drinks to excess.
Agent 007 also embodies the British nationalism felt by Ian Fleming, a nationalism that dates back to the Empire and is nearly extinguished. James often finds himself fighting for the future of the world because the superpowers, normally the United States and Soviet Union, are too blinded by their angers to face their mutual terrorist enemy. The Americans and Soviets are usually buffoons who must be saved by James from their own boobery. And James Bond is not humble in the least about his British pride; the Union Jack is emblazoned proudly on his pens and parachutes, and plays from his lethal keychain.
There is a certain air of confidence that James Bond brings to the page and to the screen. He is always cool under pressure and nearly incapable of failure. James is never without a double entendre, witty comeback, or a sardonic remark to make upon the death of a villain. He enjoys high stakes and games of chance. Agent 007 is willing to make large wagers on games of chance, and he generally wins them.
James Bond is most relevant to today's generation because of his gadget fetish. This element of the character is almost exclusive to the movies and absent from the novels. James is rather childish around his newfound technology, but he puts it to clevr use in saving his own life. He takes an "easy come, easy go" attitude to all his gadgets, and they rarely return to poor Q in "pristine working order."
The best James Bond movies, in order of best to worst:
Note: Never Say Never Again, although an unofficial remake of Thunderball, makes the list because of its similarities to other Bond movies and because, in many ways, it is more faithful to Ian Fleming's original novel Thunderball. Casino Royale is a comedy and thus cannot be compared to the other Bond films. For this reason it is not on the list.
1. On Her Majesty's Secret Service
2. Goldfinger
3. From Russia With Love
4. Never Say Never Again
5. Tomorrow Never Dies
6. For Your Eyes Only
7. The World is Not Enough
8. Goldeneye
9. Licence to Kill
10. The Spy Who Loved Me
11.You Only Live Twice
12. Live And Let Die
13. Dr. No
14. Die Another Day
15. Thunderball
16. The Living Daylights
17. Moonraker
18. Diamonds Are Forever
19. Octopussy
20. The Man With the Golden Gun
21. A View to a Kill