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Breaking (Down) The Bonds: Dr. No
By Chris Holski | August 7, 2008
The biggest movie franchise ever gets broken down.
Hey, I’m Chris. Much like pretty much everyone who visits thecoolkidstable, I’m a big wrestling fan, particularly of ROH. So, of course, it makes sense that I would want to write about movies here. Wait, what?
In 2006, the most successful movie franchise in history was reborn. Not just in story, but in image and status. “Casino Royale” brought James Bond back to his beginnings and - in the process - made the character the coolest he’d been since the 1960’s. Not just the face on the screen, but in the minds of moviegoers the world over. This November, the 22nd official installment of the franchise - “Quantum of Solace” - hits theatres, with a rapidly growing level of anticipation behind it. People haven’t been this excited for a Bond film - outside of screen debuts for new 007’s - in decades. “Casino Royale” turned Bond on his ear and completely altered the franchise’s image of an aging dinosaur into one of the best damn things going today.
I could go on for pages and pages about the 21 films that have graced the screen so far and, well… that’s pretty much exactly what I’m going to do here. Starting from the beginning, I’m going to take a look at everything Bond that has graced the big screen… and a little bit of what’s been on the small. On top of that, I’ll keep tabs on where each film stands in history, ranking them from top to bottom.
So let’s power up the Delorian (or Aston Martin equipped with a Flux Capacitor) and drive on back to 1962…
DR. NO
Starring: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Jack Lord
Director: Terence Young
Gross: 110 million
Year: 1962
The Film:
“That’s a Smith & Wesson, and you’ve had your six.”
Two shots.
With that, Sean Connery immortalized Ian Fleming’s character on the big screen forever. Before Dr. No, there had never been a hero who acted that vicious. One who seemed to enjoy pulling the trigger on the poor sap who dared to cross him. One who grinned when he knew his adversary was about to be made a fool of. What has made James Bond so successful for 20 years hasn’t just been the action, it’s been the character. And this movie started things off with a bang…. or a few dozen of them.
“Dr. No” distinguished James Bond as the silver screen’s ultimate antihero. Taking a chance when Cary Grant and Roger Moore weren’t available or probable, producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman didn’t just make a successful film by casting Connery, they set up 20 sequels. Connery’s performance with great aid from the notably 007-like Terence Young in this movie demanded another. And another. And by the time he was gone, the juggernaut couldn’t be stopped. His debut performance was the measuring stick, one Connery had to fight to match, and one that ultimately sent four other actors (and maybe a fifth - the jury’s still out) to the canvas.
Now, of course, this isn’t just James Bond sitting in a blank spot with nothing happening around him. There’s a hell of a movie here. One that’s far removed from what anyone watching one of the recent Bonds would suspect. While it has its share of action, Dr. No revolves a lot more around conversation, trickery and actual, y’know… espionage. Seeing Bond think his way through most of his problems is refreshing. This movie is full of small twists, and keeps your attention for nearly two full hours, without a single explosion. OK, there are several explosions. But work with me.
BREAKING BOND DOWN:
The Intro:
Arguably the most recognizable shot in movies. Maurice Binder directs a stuntman to walk a few paces, turn and pretend to fire a weapon. A card with a hole in the middle made to look like a gun barrel, some red and he’s made history.
And from that, we hear Monty Norman’s iconic James Bond theme for the first time which evokes too many images to count. Who would have thought something he modified from another play would work so well? Some dancing, a calypso take on a child’s song… Just plain gold to kick off the franchise. All it needed was more women. That would come.
Bond:
What more needs to be said?
The Villain:
Joseph Wiseman earns the distinction of being the first in a long line of Bond foes. His performance is unspectacular, barely on screen until the final 20 minutes. Dr. No is most effective as a villain before he’s even seen and when he does show his face, he looks ridiculous. No, not because of his hands (come on, this is Bond - freakish gimmicks are the norm.) Trying to make Wiseman look half Asian is embarrassing. The make-up job is so poor it undermines his performance.
Despite that, his presence is still very important. Right off the bat, Dr. No establishes a major element from the Bond books. During the dinner conversation, it’s eluded to how Bond and the villains he battles are not all that different and there’s a level of respect between them. 007 just happens to be on the side of good. That, sided with this villain being the first to mention “SPECTRE,” ultimately makes Dr. No very memorable.
The Henchmen:
Not exactly a memorable set of lackies. The three blind mice make for some fun moments, and Professor Dent is owned in a big way, but it’s a far cry from some of the freaks that would come later. If anything, my favourite henchman may be the photography girl who gets owned by Bond, Quarrel and Felix during the dance scene.
The Girl:
If there’s a single scene that everyone remembers from Dr. No, it’s of Honey Ryder as she emerges from the sea in a small bikini. With that, every leading lady who would follow had a lot to live up to. Set against a beautiful vista, Ursula Andress takes your breath away. Hell, I don’t think I’ve still gotten any oxygen since then.
Over the years, Bond girls have been less like damsels and much more independent. As a result, I’d have to say there have been far greater characters than Ryder. But Andress’ body and Nikki van der Zyl’s voice have your eyes and ears locked onto her at all times. Bond girls are entirely subjective (depends if you dig blondes or brunettes to start,) but…. damn!
The Supporters:
Say hello to Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell because they’re going to be around for a lonnnnnnnng time. Both actors have fit into their characters extremely well right off the bat.
There’s also an appearance by Q here, for those who may not realize that Major Boothroyd is the same character Desmond Llewelyn would go on to immortalize. Peter Burton becomes a footnote, but not before laying the verbal smackdown on Bond (and, winkingly, at Ian Fleming) for a Baretta being his weapon of choice. Helllloooooo Walther PPK.
Easily the most entertaining associate in this movie is Quarrel, who unfortunately would never be back for another Bond movie for obvious reasons. Lightbulbs are nothing to this man. B movie-quality dragons on the other hand…
FELIX SIGHTING: Bond also gets some help from Felix Leiter for the first time with Jack Lord filling the role - one of many actors (of multiple ethnicities) to play the CIA operative. He makes quite an entrance, but Lord clearly didn’t have enough staying power to hold on to the job.
The Film In A Sentence:
Dr. No is a great spy story that sets the tone - and the benchmark - for James Bond the character and the many, many movies that would follow.
BOND MOVIE RANKINGS (after Dr. No):
1. Dr. No (1962)
Next Time: Bond embarks on a simpler (in theory) mission, and meets perhaps his most well-matched adversary in “From Russia With Love.”
Topics: Breaking (Down) The Bonds |