1995-2002 The Rise And Fall Of Pierce Brosnan
Legal wrangling over, Broccoli got on with picking up the pieces of the shattered Bond franchise. After six years away, in a changed landscape of CGI-led blockbusters and darkly comic indies, what place was there for 007?
To answer the question, EON finally bagged Pierce Brosnan, who threw himself into the role he’d been prevented from essaying in the 80s. Pitching his performance as the mid-point between Moore’s light-hearted playboy and Connery’s steel, Brosnan offered the best of both worlds.
Audiences, it seemed, hadn’t tired of Bond, making Goldeneye the most successful 007 movie at the box-office to date. A fitting legacy for Broccoli, who died in 1996 having seen his life’s work revitalised and renewed.
Instantly, Bond was a player once more, and the production line swung back into place. Brosnan’s follow-ups served a familiar, knowing mix of straight-forward action and quip-heavy dialogue – but, by cleaving so close to old templates, those diminishing returns kicked in quicker.
By 2002’s Die Another Day, all too self-consciously trading on its status as both the 20th official movie and the 40th anniversary of Dr No’s premiere, the self-parody had become absolute.
Another break was implemented, the goal – a wholesale revamp, or reboot, of the Bond name, going back to basics with Casino Royale.
Lifelong Bond fan Quentin Tarantino offered his services as a potential director. Brosnan was eager; Broccoli’s heirs – daughter Barabara and son-in-law Michael G. Wilson – weren’t so keen. However, they did have their own bright idea...
Positively Shocking Quip: A bad guy is killed following into a printing press; Brosnan’s considered response is, “They’ll print anything these days.”
Boys With Toys: A grenade in a pen. Not massively exciting in Bond movie terms, but just what all writers with a looming deadline need to focus the mind.
Petrolhead: No British loyalty here, as Bond opts for a Beemer. However, with its nifty Ericsson remote control allowing a more flexible approach to driving, he’s almost forgiven.
Girls in Bondage: Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin, Denise Richards as Dr Christmas Jones, Halle Berry as Jinx
Expecting You To Die: Sean Bean as Alec Trevelyan; Jonathan Pryce as Elliot Carver; Robert Carlyle as Renard
Action! 007 commandeers a tank in St Petersberg and goes careering through the streets in Goldeneye, as the Bond theme – hitherto muted – is blasted out of the speakers to confirm Brosnan is Bond.
Belting It Out: Unlikely collaborations in pop: Tina Turner singing the Bono/Edge-penned Goldeneye.
James Bland: Brosnan kite surfs on a tidal wave in Die Another Day. If the idea isn’t lame enough, the shonky CGI execution seals it.
Comments
davebau
Apr 28th 2010, 7:38
The information on how Bond got his name is wrong. It came from the name of an author of a bird watchers book. And the name of the estate is Goldeneye, which Flemming owned.
Alert a moderator
blade32
Apr 30th 2010, 13:24
daniel craig as bond is dull dull dull. bond movies should be spy + mild comedy + gadets, not jason bourne style muscle. bring back pierce i say!! and get tarantino in too!
Alert a moderator
Illustratedman
Apr 30th 2010, 15:59
Here we go with that Monty Norman c**p! Wiki: Norman is famous for writing the music to the first James Bond movie Dr. No, and has been credited with writing the "James Bond Theme," the signature theme of the James Bond franchise. Norman has received royalties since 1962 for the theme, but it was arranged by John Barry after the producers were dissatisfied with Norman's music. Barry claims that he actually did write the theme, but nevertheless, Mr. Norman won two libel actions against publishers for claiming that Barry was the composer, most recently against The Sunday Times in 2001. During the trial, Barry testified on the stand that he had, in fact, composed the The James Bond Theme, but that Norman was contractually obligated to receive credit for the score.
Alert a moderator
Chrissie1954
Apr 30th 2010, 18:18
I agree with Blade 32. I can't stand what they've done with Bond now. Craig is a good actor but it's just NO FUN anymore - Bond was always about going to the cinema and waiting for the opening scene, the fast cars, the gadgets and the quips. It's just like any other spy movie now and it sucks.
Alert a moderator