"It was recently estimated that one half of the worlds population has seen a James Bond movie."
-Albert Broccoli, Producer of Bond Films
This simple quote proves the world’s immense love for James Bond, a British Secret Service agent, code named 007. Since 1962, legions of fans have flocked to see each of the 17 films. After 35 years, what aspects of the character have resulted in his popularity? Do people enjoy seeing the gadgetry that Bond employs? Is it the actor who plays the role of Agent 007? Are fans attracted to Bond’s lifestyle? For decades 007’s followers have debated these questions.
In nearly every James Bond movie, Bond uses specialized devices in his missions. The devices are made by a special branch of the British Secret Service known as the "Q-Branch." These "gadgets" range from the inconspicuous to the grandiose. Whenever 007 is faced with certain defeat, one of the new gadgets will effect his escape. After several movies, Bond had become associated with the gadgets, helping to further define his character (Lisa and Pfeiffer, 166).
During the Sean Connery era, 007 used gadgets such as a briefcase that concealed a throwing knife, and an exploding tear gas cartridge. When Roger Moore assumed the role of James Bond, the gadgets became larger than life, and oft times unrealistic. In The Spy Who Loved Me, Bond makes a film viewer from his cigarette case and lighter. In Octopussy, his getaway vehicle is a submarine, shaped in the form of an alligator. These neat little trinkets gave Bond another dimension, one that cemented his popularity in the 1970’s (Lisa and Pfeiffer 166, 172-173).
Some elements of James Bond are different, depending on the actor who is playing the part. Each actor had their own interpretation of the role. (Lisa and Pfeiffer 194,198). Sean Connery, who started the 007 legacy, played 007 with a witty, dry, humor. Connery’s interpretation is unique and extremely popular. Roger Moore portrayed James Bond in a more humorous way. His sarcastic jokes often come at the expense of his enemies (Lisa and Pfeiffer, 194). The Bond films returned to a era of seriousness and dry humor when Timothy Dalton played 007. Dalton wished to portray Bond in a manner more accurate of creator Ian Fleming’s books (Lisa and Pfeiffer 198). Whenever a new actor is cast as James Bond, all fans renew their interest in the series. Fans greet the new actor with excitement, curious to see a new style or an old familiar one. These different styles may have helped Bond survive for over three decades.
Another possible reason for the onscreen success of Agent 007 could be his lifestyle. James Bond is the ultimate hero. No matter the odds or the enemy, 007 saves the world from mass destruction. He is the ultimate in style. He wears suits tailored by Saville Row, drives the fastest cars, and drinks martinis (shaken, not stirred, of course!) (Lisa and Pfeiffer 16). James Bond is the ultimate gambler. In many movies, he enters a casino and wins thousands of dollars. If everyone had that kind of luck, Las Vegas would be out of business!
James Bond is ultimate lover. This one aspect has made him more famous than any of his other qualities. Mission after mission, Agent 007 seems to surround himself with the most seductive, scantily clad women in the world. Bond uses his charm and charisma to bed these beauties, all the while obtaining valuable information from his bedmates. James Bond’s sexual activeness defines his character and the 1960’s sexual revolution. Through 007, people can fulfill their fantasies.
From my personal experience, Bond is popular because of his heroism, drinking, gambling and womanizing. Whenever I see a Bond movie, I wish I could be in the British Secret Service. While I like the actors differing styles, I feel the character of James Bond is a stronger influence on the movie. Even though Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton have different styles, they are both undeniably James Bond. "James Bond is like an old reliable friend" (Lisa and Pfeiffer 8).
Lee Pfeiffer and Philip Lisa, authors of The Incredible World of 007, credit Bond’s success to his lifestyle. "To the faithful, Bond is the quintessential capitalist, who works hard and rewards himself with every earthly pleasure imaginable" (Lisa and Pfeiffer, 8). Authors Lisa and Pfeiffer also believe the five actors have continued 007’s achievement. "Each of the onscreen 007’s . . . deserve praise for insuring the success of the series" (Lisa and Pfeiffer 8).
Film critic Roger Ebert once made a list of critical elements for a James Bond movie. Included in this list is the need for gadgets (Lisa and Pfeiffer 28). It seems that the gadgets are essential to each movie but not to the success of Bond as a person.
Thirty five years after his screen debut, James Bond is the most successful movie hero in history. "He has survived seven presidents, Vietnam, Civil Rights marches, the Beatles, Hippies, Yippies, Yuppies, and punk rockers" (Lisa and Pfeiffer 8). Today, the Internet is a great forum for Bond lovers. Numerous Web sites are tributes to Agent 007. Further research can be done using the Internet. Movie reviews for all 17 films are online, as are constructive criticisms and comparisons of all five Bond actors. Surveys and polls can be found on many Bond web pages, giving everyone a chance to field their views.
No matter what a person’s opinion of James Bond is, one thing remains a constant. "James Bond will return."
Works Cited
Lisa, Philip and Lee Pfeiffer. The Incredible World of 007. Secaucus, NJ; Citadel Press, 1996.