The Man Behind Bond

Today is the hundredth anniversary of James Bond creator Ian Fleming's birth. Sandra Parshall of Poe's Deadly Daughters ponders Bond's enduring charm.

I commented:

I discovered James Bond with the movies. Though admittedly uneven, they set a standard for big-budget globe-trotting action that's still followed today. I also appreciate how most of the movies manage to convey sex appeal while keeping a PG rating.

The Bond books were some of the first I read for pleasure, and I found a character more serious and more vulnerable than in many of the movies.

I think Timothy Dalton's Bond was closest to Fleming's intent, and his two movies (THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, LICENCE TO KILL) brought a seriousness and realism to the franchise that hadn't been seen since early Connery.

I think James Bond has endured because he appeals to the enduring fantasies of men and women. He's a sexy character who, when not living dangerously, gets to indulge in the finest life has to offer.

Pause to Reflect

It's 5:16 the morning after Memorial Day. The house is full but quiet. Much as I've had to adjust to kids running, using my computer or watching DVDs, I've also relished the chance to be with family. Sure, the young'uns aren't into detective fiction or poetry. Maybe they wonder why "Uncle George" doesn't go to an office or go out more often, but maybe they'll get it someday. Meanwhile I'm reminded not everyone can see the work behind art, but the rewards to my soul make other pursuits pale in comparison.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

Just back from the 12:01 show at the Court Square Cinemas in Brooklyn.

In 1957, Indy is kidnapped and forced to lead the Russians to a crystal skull and a legendary city of gold. He escapes with the help of motorcycle-riding Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) who has ties to Indy's professor friend Harold Oxley (John Hurt), himself driven mad by exposure to the skull.

When Indy and Mutt find Oxley, they also find Marion Ravenwood. Unfortunately both Ox and Marion have been captured by the Russians. A series of chases and narrow escapes ensues.

I was concerned I would compare every aspect of this movie to the previous three. I had read headlines calling it "charmless" and "a mess." There was a lot of action, some of it scattered, but also enough charm and homage to the series that I sat back and enjoyed Skull as a bonus for Indy fans.


My favorite exchange:

Indy, Marion, and Mutt argue while riding in a Russian truck.

MARION
There must have been women after me.

INDY
There were a few, but they all had the same problem.

MARION
What was that?

INDY
They weren't you, honey.

MUTT rolls his eyes.

MARION smiles, smitten.