Shaken not Stirred:
Why James Bond Rules the World
Article By: Dan Clark
“Bond. James Bond.” Since the moment those words were spoken James Bond has been a mainstay in pop culture. What started as a novel series written by Ian Fleming has grown into one of the biggest franchises ever. Bond has been everywhere and has continued to rule the world since his arrival. With this year being the 50th anniversary of the release of Dr. No we are dedicating this month to the man with the License to Kill. When looking back at the lucrative history of James Bond one wonders what is the secret of this overwhelming success. I attempt to answer that question by looking at the 10 Reasons Why James Bond Rules the World.
1. Longevity
As one would think Bond has some staying power. Fifty years is quite a long time to stay relevant as a movie franchise. That’s longer than both Star Trek and Star Wars. While there certainly have been some ups and downs Bond has made it through it all. To put it in perspective when Dr. No was first released the average price for a gallon of gas was 31 cents, the cost of a gallon of milk was 49 cents, and the President of the United States was John F. Kennedy. Bond has seen the inauguration of 10 different presidents, the birth of the Civil Rights movement, the start and end of the Space race, and the revolution of the internet age. Considering how different the world is it is crazy to think that teenagers will flock to a film that started when their grandparents were their age. I cannot think of what else can claim that same fact. Plus Bond is far from stopping anytime soon. For as long as movies exist Bond will have a home.
2. Charisma
James Bond was not the first secret agent to hit the big screen so the question is what set him apart from all the rest. One aspect has to be the cool charm that oozes from the character. His first words, “Bond. James Bond” are not just a simple introduction, but an indication that he is here to ‘shake’ things up for everyone. By presence alone he can change the atmosphere of any room. He is the man that the most interesting man in the world wishes to be. The stylish suits, perfect hair, and lavish cars are simple extension of his charismatic personality.
3. Crazy Stunts
Practical effects always hold up better than CGI. We hear that a lot and it’s partially true. The key word that is habitually forgotten in that statement is good. Good practical effects hold up better than CGI. Bond is guilty of some pretty horrid rear projection that comes off as cheap and campy, but it is also responsible for some of the most spectacular set pieces in cinematic history. It would try to top itself time and time again with a number of impressive stunts that hold up to this day. Credit has to go the stunt men who legitimately risked their lives to bring us this fine entertainment. Even some of the rather lackluster Bonds have a shining moment or two thanks to some remarkable stunt work.
4. Ability to Adapt
Part of what has driven people to the theater throughout the years is the franchise’s ability to adapt, but still maintain the core of what makes Bond great. The most obvious way it has accomplished this goal is the recasting of the main character. Personally I feel every person who has played the character has brought something positive to the role. Besides a changing face Bond also has a tendency to adjust itself to fit the current themes and ideas that are popular at the time. Sometimes this can lead to disastrous results, like when it tries to place James Bond into a Star Wars movie and we end up with the colossal mess that is Moonraker. Other times it’s a lot more successful, like with Casino Royale that mixed Bond’s style with modern day thematic action or the campy fun of Live and Let Let Die that placed Bond into a Blacksploitation. Whatever the result may be it has helped Bond remain fresh over the years for new generations.
5. The Gadgets
Where would Bond be without his trusty Q gadgets? They have saved him countless times in a number of sticky situations. The gadgets have ranged from realistic and practical to downright outlandish and out of this world. Of course I think we would all consider the jetpack the most practical of all the gadgets. I mean I’m using one right now while typing this. It’s like sitting on a cloud, a compostable cloud that could easily blow-up and kill you at any time. Plus who hasn’t dreamt of arriving to work via jet propulsion? With so many different gadgets it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite. Personally I feel Roger Moore had some of the best toys to play with, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the briefcase that was in From Russia with Love. On the surface it doesn’t seem all the impressive and some could argue it is rather lame. However, it works so well in the film and actually makes a lot of sense contextually. Its success is a big reason why the gadgets became a staple in the Bond lour.
6. World Traveler
If you throw a dart at a world map chances are you will hit a spot where a Bond film has taken place. From the most tropical island to the Arctic mountains Bond has accumulated many stamps on his passport. Each location becomes part of the movie from the style of music to the wardrobe of the characters. It’s a big reason why the series avoids becoming stagnant. You are never in one place far too long keeping the story constantly on the movie. It can overdo it at times especially when it exaggerates ethnic stereotypes, but it has also opened much of the world to a large audience for the first time. Bond is certainly a man who can’t be tied down, well unless he wants to be.
7. License to Kill
License to Kill is not just a clever tagline, but a main ingredient of the character. Sure he has charisma but that charisma covers up the ruthless nature that is aching to be released. There is no moral quandary with Bond when it comes to killing. He has his mission and will do whatever it takes to carry it out to its success. While I wouldn’t consider him an anti-hero he walks a tight line from time to time. He’ll often kill when he doesn’t really need to, because he’s never been a fan of taking prisoners. Bond is willing to shoot first and ask questions later.This abrasive attitude works because the films provide us a solid understanding of his cold blooded instincts. It’s not for personal glory, he has other ways to handle his need for self gratification. No it is usually for service to his King and Country, even when they don’t agree with his methods. That’s not to say there aren’t times when he can be cold and calculating. There have been a few occasions when Bond has killed for personal reasons, and those are typically far more emotional. Whether it be revenge for himself or others Bond always takes the action he feels is deserved.
8. Witty Repartee
Having a License to Kill is great, but insulting your victim as you impale them on a coconut tree with a harpoon gun brings it to entirely different level. Bond is one of those people that is impossible to get into an argument with. He waits for the right moments, nails the perfect line, and you end up walking away looking foolish. Always one step ahead of everyone he can inject a quip with no one really realizing. Many have tried to replicate this clever wordplay, but no one does it better than Bond. To give you an example here is one of my favorites:
Plenty O’Toole: Hi, I’m Plenty.
James Bond: But of course you are.
Plenty O’Toole: Plenty O’Toole
James Bond: Named after your father perhaps?
9. The Girls
Bond Girl. A term that could easily come off as an insult is lifted up as a sign of pride and respect. Batman has Robin, The Lone Ranger has Tonto, and James Bond has…well…the entire gender of women. You have to say Bond wins out in that deal. When a Bond film gets announced one of the first questions is who is playing the Bond girl and what will be her name? Will it go down with some of the greats like Pussy Galore or fall flat like Tiffany Case. The films began just as the sexual revolution was beginning and it took many of those ideas and pushed the boundaries even further. Many feathers were ruffled with how much it would promote sex, but those upset voices did more to enhance Bond’s popularity than detract from it. To be considered among elite of the Bond Girls one must be far more than just a pretty face. They have to be willing to stand equal to Bond and take charge if needed.
10. Iconic Imagery
A Bond film is more than just a movie it’s an event. It’s a collage of extraordinary talent that come together to make a new installment. The movie is just one part of the puzzle. With ever film comes the Bond Song and how it will fit together with those iconic title sequences. Importance is a plenty as it sets the mood and announces to the audience you are about to enter the world of Bond. Iconic imagery goes beyond just those initial moments as well. Merely the silhouette of Bond has become so iconic it is instantly recognizable. The combination of creativity and tradition is the major framework of the Bond franchise. The perfect paradigm of how those two opposing sides come together has to be the imagery. There is a certain evolution to it, but it remains consistent with the artistic direction that was established when Dr. No was first released.
So there they are. The ten reasons I think Bond has ruled the world for these past 50 years. Agree? Disagree? Perhaps you even have some of your own thoughts. Feel free to sound off in the comment section below.
