By Kevin Pacelli ‘14
EE Senior Entertainment Editor
Ask people of varying ages what comes to mind when they hear those three infamous digits: 007. Older fans may immediately think of Sean Connery’s suave demeanor, while the younger generation will likely refer to the more tough and cutting-edge style of Daniel Craig. No matter how old the person is, though, you can be sure that he/she will know who you’re talking about.
The character of James Bond, a secret agent for Britain’s MI6, was originally created by Ian Fleming in 1953 for a series of novels. Fleming’s writing has not been the cause of Bond’s notoriety, though; it was the leap from paper to the big screen in 1962 that made Bond a household name. Since then, he has been featured in 23 films (and counting).
But of course, a film series running for 50 years cannot continue to be successful by staying the same over time. With new actors casted periodically and modern technology always being utilized, it is safe to say that no two Bond eras are quite the same. Compare the first film (Dr. No) to the most recent blockbuster hit (Skyfall), and you may not even recognize them as part of the same series.
Sean Connery was the first to portray 007. Known for his smooth dialogue, we continue to quote him today when discussing favorite Bond moments. Next time you hear someone talking about martinis “shaken, not stirred,” you can thank Connery. The Scottish actor starred in some of the most famous films of the series, including From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), and Thunderball (1965).
When Connery finished his nine-year reign as Britain’s supreme secret agent (only interrupted in 1969, when George Lazenby played the role in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service), Roger Moore took over with big shoes to fill. Coming into the series, Moore knew that he wanted to play a slightly more comical Bond than Connery or Lazenby had. His interpretation of the character was clearly successful; his twelve-year period as 007, during which he starred in seven movies, is the longest run to date for a Bond actor. Some of his titles included Live and Let Die (1973), Moonraker (1979), and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
Following Moore on the timeline comes Timothy Dalton, who only starred in two films (The Living Daylights in 1987, License to Kill in 1989). He didn’t stick around long enough to leave a lasting impression on the series, but he is remembered by many for portraying a Bond that is the most true to Fleming’s original creation.
Mystery shrouded Pierce Brosnan’s entrance into the Bond series in 1995. His first film, GoldFinger, was the first after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Fans wondered whether or not the series would still be relevant to the world, since so many of the previous films had featured the USSR as an enemy. Brosnan did not disappoint, though; instead, he held the role for seven years and contributed four acclaimed installments.
Now we reach the present era, where Daniel Craig sits as the highest paid Bond in history. With his monster success in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, Craig set the stage for a huge 2012 release. Sure enough, Skyfall, having earned over $220 million, has assured us that 007 is here to stay.
What lies in Bond’s future? Craig currently has a contract for the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth films in the series, but what lies beyond that remains a mystery. Any thoughts on which modern actors could play a good 007 in the future? Visit www.thseagleseye.com and leave your thoughts in the comment section.