There is a bond that brings my family together. A bond that has the strength of 50 years. One that is re-vowed in the autumn month of November. It is reaffirmed by bloodshed and honor and intelligence. It takes us to places we've never gone before, brings us the thrill of danger that makes us feel alive. It's shaken, not stirred.
It's that double-O kinda bond.
I of course refer to the great movie legacy to be released in less than a week, Skyfall. And of course we have made plans for the entire family to see it in theaters the opening weekend.
It seemed only fitting that I celebrate a full year of blogging, by talking about a long line of awesomeness, that's having it's 50th anniversary ^_^.
I can't say when or where Bond movies became a family thing, but I do know that it most definitely started with my dad. I think there's a certain flair for drama that these Bond movies have that mirrors the hero in Indian films, especially at the time that my dad watched them. And I think from there, he pulled my mom into going to the movies with him, and then eventually both me and my brother had been added into the mix.
I think the first film I saw in theaters was Die Another Day by Pierce Brosnan in 2002. I'm guessing that I didn't get to see the other 3 films that came out during my lifetime because, well I'm guessing my parents thought I was too young :P. Of course, after that, I could never not go see a Bond movie, especially since whenever a Bond movie was on the TV, we'd all gather around, dropping whatever we had to do, just to watch it.
The beautiful thing about these Bond movies, is that they somehow are always released in early/mid November. And what's wonderful about that? Well, it's like a birthday present just for me, from Bond. I mean, Quantum of Solace (though not quite the enjoyable Bond movie) opened in theaters on my birthday. So maybe I get a little extra excited about it ^_^.
Now of course Bond in film has changed over the years. He started out as a cocky, playboy, never-a-stray-hair, suave spy (Sean Connery - ooooolala), and as the years have progressed, it seems that directors are more and more interested in showing his vulnerabilities and emotional turmoil (like they especially do in Casino Royale). But no one quite likes torturing and poking at Bond's weaknesses quite like his creater, Ian Fleming.
I have to admit, I have never read the books that created the British spy (one of those things on my "to do" list), but what I do know is that Fleming was most definitely not a kind author. His Bond is more reminiscent of the current film industry's Bond, and maybe even a bit crueler. According to a 60 minutes episode, Fleming tortured Bond on a regular basis, even leaving him for dead on several occasions. Fleming's Bond has a very disturbed personal life, which shows in his decisions and the turmoil of his mind. The way Fleming seems to hate his protagonist reminded me of another author who definitely punished his own creation, Sherlock Holmes (I mean have you read what Doyle puts Holmes through?) - but of course I won't ramble on about that subject since I already have :P.
So since the producers of the Bond films have mentioned they intend to move toward a more Fleming Bond direction, I'm even more intrigued by what we may see in Skyfall. [For the record, I think Daniel Craig is a very good "tortured" Bond ^_^.]
I could also talk about how I love the Bond cars, but despite the awesome ones that have come out, there's nothing quite like the original Aston Martin that was driven first by Sean Connery in Goldfinger. Or I could talk about the Bond girls, because the intelligent scientists and doctors were always my favorite - oh, and the kickass ones were too. I might even mention how companies and brands attached to the Bond franchises get a rep that can only come with the association of something Bond. But with the promise of new changes, I'm just excited to see what they'll do, and how they'll make a beer 007's drink of choice (lucky Heineken*). And so I'm clearly just too excited to be patient and walk you through the awesomeness of 007. You'll just have to take my word for it ^_^.
But of course, you can't have a Bond film without the classic clip of music with that classic flair of trumpets, known only for 007. And let's not forget, the companion song that accompanies every movie. I can't say that I've always been aware of the title songs in the past. There are the highly popular ones like Goldfinger or Octopussy, but usually I find myself happy just hearing the Bond theme and walking out of the theater. But this year is most definitely different. This year, the singer is Adele.
And it's like my brother said, "She just has that kind of voice, that's so Bond." There is something rich and husky about her voice, that personifies the mysterious, tortured, sexy nature of 007. Ok, maybe I'm a little biased, since well, I like her voice in general, but when you listen to the song, you have to admit it does resonate that kind of vibe.
So with this song on my ears, I am all ready for November 9th, for that awesome kind of Bond.
P.S.: Don't forget to turn your clocks back!
*Here's the awesome Bond/Heineken commercial:
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