Olivia Howard’s best Bond
Labelled James Blonde even before Casino Royal had been released, it seemed as though the producers of the franchise had forgotten what James Bond was supposed to look like. Fleming’s description was of a tall and dark spy. However, after five similar looking actors, the franchise began to lose its edge and audiences were becoming bored. The casting of Daniel Craig provided the franchise with a new and violently fresh approach to the films. Blonde and stocky, casting Craig was a genius move disguised as one of the biggest casting blunders in film history. Craig has in fact dragged the somewhat tired idea of Bond into a new and epic era.
Tomas Badger’s favourite villain
Standing bold and boisterous, Auric Goldfiner exemplifies the quintessential Bond villain. Played by German Gert Frobe and dubbed by Michael Collins, we first witnessed the deathly deceit of the Gold obsessed criminal in 1964’s aptly titled ‘Goldfinger’. His fetish for women dressed only in gold paint appears flamboyant and now iconic, aiding the suave stylisation of the classic Bond films that can’t be matched in contemporary additions. In the infamous laser scene Bond hesitantly asks, “do you expect me to talk?” Goldfinger extravagantly replies “no Mr Bond I expect you to die”; creating one of the most nostalgic moments in 007 history.
Olivia Howard’s best Bond Girl
In 1969 a new Bond came onto the scene, Australian model George Lazenby. With him came the only girl Bond ever marries, Tracy Di Vincenzo played by Diana Rigg. After a string of slightly dim and uninteresting Bond girls, Tracy with her sincerity and attitude, achieved a real and heart breaking relationship with the spy. Her death provides one of the franchises most heart-breaking and tear jerking moments. As Bond holds his dead wife and states that she will be okay, that they had all the time in the world, Tracy reveals Bond as a man, bare and exposed, a very rare moment for him indeed.
Emily Murray’s Top Five Bond Songs
1. Paul McCartney & the Wings: ‘Live and Let Die’
A true classic which many consider to be the best. The dramatic and up-tempo sections encapsulate the drama and excitement of Bond, whilst the slower parts add to the power and emotion of the film
2. John Barry and Orchestra: ‘James Bond Theme’
Written for the first Bond film, Dr. No, it set the tone for all other Bond songs. Barry set the standard high with memorable motifs and a classy feel
3. Tina Turner: ‘GoldenEye’
Turner at her best, she invokes a feeling of suspense and tension to match the film. The sensual lyrics are perfect for her voice, making this one of the sexiest Bond songs
4. Shirley Bassey: ‘Diamonds Are Forever’
This really is the height of class of Bond songs thanks to Bassey’s powerful voice and the orchestral music. It certainly is one of the most memorable and celebrated
5. Jack White & Alicia Keys: ‘Another Way To Die’
Written for Quantum of Solace it helped bring Bond into the modern age. With an electrifying guitar riff, White has written the rockiest Bond theme, making it both different and exciting