James Bond Archives: Spectre Edition … a review a year in the making …
Everyone knows his name. The rational world relies on him when it’s in danger. To protect from meglo-maniacs, to strike back at the shadowy, criminal organizations bent on toppling governments or a rocket or two. Being held at bay for ransom. For his troubles he is equipped with the latest state of the art “gadgets” , say a jet pack that folds up in to the boot of Aston Martin DB5. Wears the best clothes. And gets to travel the world over…only one man and one name …Bond, James Bond…007 But where did it all begin. Long before 1962. Come with me as we delve in to the James Bond Archives…
The James Bond Archives was published and went on sale last year towards the end of 2015 to coincide with the theatrical release of Spectre and all the Bond films up to that time in various bundles on Bluray and Digital HD. So how come almost a year later some might ask are you now writing a review? Well to make this even more quirky a story I actually received this as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend last year. However just to give you an idea of how vast not only the information, facts and trivia or the amount of “Bondian” promotional material is provided among the 624 pages that are sandwiched between library stock cardboard covers, front and back…what about the fact that the book weighs in at over 10 lbs. My heart went out to my mail carrier the day it was delivered to my door. I actually went out to help carry it up the sidewalk. That was a workout!! All the while though I was grinning inside because I knew what was instore for me … many a nights of delving into the rich history of the most, suave and sophisticated of all British secret agents, Bond, James Bond — 007. For the first time I was “shaken, not stirred”. Guess what? I am still reading this book…
Ian as how I would like to remember him.
The Bond Archives is divided into 27 chapters with a preface by Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and introduction by Paul Duncan. Chapter 1 is the Playboy Interview: Ian Fleming. I highly recommend to you the reader to make sure you give this chapter a good going over because not only is Ian’s life style revealed but an incredible insight to what went into writing each Bond novel and 007’s very make up. Some of these traits are hinted at in films and having this background information will help in understanding James Bond the man. For those of you that don’t know this, Ian Fleming was with Military Intelligence during WWII and headed up a group of agents who were trained in commando tactics. There main objective to gather information from the field. I stress this because the Bond movies and the novels will take on a very different feeling once armed with this knowledge. It also will provide you with a whole new appreciation for Fleming and people like himself that served to protect anyway they knew how, when preserving the right of freedom. The very answer as to why 007 has endured all these years as such an iconic character of pop culture may well be right here in front of us…
Who could resist the urge to pick up a book with this cover and the art is stunning and eye catching.
And while we are on the subject we can not leave out the women behind Bond. Whether in front or behind the camera …
Over the course of his years of service at the OHMSS he has aided by the ever trustful and duty bound Miss Moneypenny. Played with resourceful wit by so many talented women.
But we have to honor Lois Maxwell…she was there from the beginning and played by choice, her choice.
Above-The many faces -women of Bond
Above:Belgium release poster for OHMSS
Once you have consumed the first chapter there awaits a visually stimulating and in terms of facts/trivia a staggering, if not mind blowing trip into the world of film making. This is how movie magic is created and how to do it right. After all, this is the most successful movie franchise in history and it’s all here — interviews and conversations with everyone from the directors and production crew to script writers to the publicity department. Every Bond film from Dr No to Spectre and in between- even 1967s’ very kitisch Casino Royal- featuring everything under the sun including a killer soundtrack and score from Burt Bacharach, Dusty Springfield’s sensuous rendition of “The Look of Love”, even Ursula Andress. Also here is the non- official Never Say Never Again — original title Warhead and Connery’s very last portrayal of 007.
Chapter by chapter the James Bond Archives breaks down the world of filmmaking, storytelling, marketing and what goes into to creating a soundtrack. It literally is like going to film school and here’s a typical example of one of the chapters in the book — from beginning to end. Each chapter starts with a major scene from the film and the next page has cast and crew (title credits, director, production and set design, make-up… etc) running time and release dates and plot synopsis. The 3rd and 4th pages have title credit scenes and then we are taken into the trial and tribulations of pre and post production with thoughts, comments and set diaries discussing such things as scouting locations, the building of various sets, the guffaws and the extent to which the sound crew went to capture the amazing sound effects, even using one of their own child’s toy gadgets to obtain the noise of a compressor that helped breathe life and believability in the realm of James Bond. Extensive info on the Bond soundtracks from the likes of the composers. The collaboration between various writers and cast and crew to hash certain plot devises and the script-sometimes involving several rewrites and scripts and rough drafts. Each chapter ends with promotional material including international posters used during the initial release.
Never know who might pop up on set (Octopussy)-even Superman- Christopher Reeve
The music and the scores are discussed as well. What went in to the writing and producing of the music on every film from Dr No to S.P.E.C.T.R.E and in between… John Barry to David Arnold. This is where the mood and the momentum of each scene is evoked and conveyed being a strum on the guitar or the keys to a synth being played.. to French Horns for a ski down a mountain or maybe it’s a chase.. as in OHMSS…
Warning- spoilers.
As a fan I have all the bonds on DVD and most I have from the bundle Bluray releases that come loaded with an amazing amount of bonus material and extras…documentaries galore and still within this book I have read and reread over and over again every chapter because I am finding things here in the written word that are not on the DVD/Bluray releases. For ex. Who doesn’t remember the nail-biting scene involving the tarantula that crawls over Bonds body while he waits for an opportunity to swat it away…just one of the many attempts by Spectre to end his life, we learn that it was not as easy to get this up on screen as it may have appeared. First Sean was not too keen on having a tarantula crawling over him and would not complete the scene and who could blame him. So it came down to stuntman/arranger Bob Simmons to be the possible victim. After accepting the challenge, he wondered what he had gotten himself into and made a call to a local zoo to find out what would happen if he was bitten. It was not very pleasant and may be even life threatening, possible paralysis temporary or permanent and if the heart is not strong enough, death. But Bob being the trooper he was as the saying goes “well on with the show”. Much to Bobs dismay to get the required results more than one take and this was the only way after having tried a plexi-glass type plate placed between the tarantula and the actor which kept picking up glare from the lights. Having to almost change the sheets a few times you see Simmons was perspiring so much! He really wanted this to be done and over within one take. Or what was going on behind the scenes during Diamonds Are Forever-most “lost their shirts” taking in the natural scenery that Vegas has to offer-gambling, even Cubby at baccarat losing $125,000 and still smiling and having fun according to one of my favorite character actors -Bruce Glover. You’ll be drooling over how well everyone was treated (catering alone with magnificent cuisine to the best hotels to attending the premiers) during production so much so that I would love to be involved with a Bond Film, because once you have been a part of a Bond film you are not only treated like one of the family you become part of that family permanently.
*James Bond has been a major influence on my life -this is one of my treasured keepsakes…these were beautifully crafted tributes to the franchise. Thanks Swatch for the craftsmanship. Oh and this doubles as a scuba watch … the watch glows in the dark and good down to 100 feet. Who said it’s not fun to play at being 007…
Such a great time as I got to portray James Bond and host several events for the opening of Quantum of Solace
I want to say that in closing this is not just any old coffee table book, this is a treasure trove of not only film making history but a love of a British secret agent who has become a part of not only my life- I still have a 007 Swatch The Spy Who Loved Me scuba watch and it runs “like a Timex” and it has been dropped so many times and it still is good down to 300 ft with its glow in the dark dial…I mean the looks I get when I’m wearing it which is every day is amazing, in fact I lost count the amount of times someone stops me and ask about my watch ….they are blown away. Hey everyone good agent should have one…sorry can’t have mine. So far Q hasn’t had to yell at me! What many people can’t say is that they had a chance to be 007 for 3 days let alone a day but I can. I was fortunate to be doing film promotions for Regal Entertainment and I was in charge of promoting Quantum of Solace. I had created/organized everything from a “Bond Girl for a day” contest to a CD/DVD release party for the most current Best of Bond title songs to having a live band outside the theater, opening weekend playing “Bond” songs and all the while dressed in a tux and carrying a reproduction 007 Walther PPK — toy with a disclosed holster and I GOT TO DO THE FAMOUS POSE!!! Bond is and has become a part of our culture, our very lives and if not yours, soon will be once you start reading this, but remember it took me a year and it is something you will pick up time and again, it’s that compelling and so well-conceived. I thank you all, Ian especially for giving the world such an iconic character, one who does the right thing when it is needed, someone who can be counted on when the stakes are high, thinks nothing of putting others above himself all the while by keeping a stiff upper lip and making us feel a little bit safer and to all who helped shape Bond on screen, Terrence Young, Guy Hamilton, Sam Mendes, Sean, Daniel, George, Ken Adams, Maurice Binder… far too many to name here. So Bond I want you to stop what- ever needs stopping and come back alive and please leave that damn Beretta, it’s the Walther all the way, besides “it has the force like a brick thru a plate glass window” and one last thing and this is to Barbara and Michael if you ever looking for a new Bond ..I’m in shape and the right age , Welsh, Scottish, German, Dutch, French and English(my grandmother was right off the boat literally from England). Just saying I will commit to any number of films as Bond, so until the next time …
Art work for You Only Live Twice-which also has the distinction of being the only film in the Bond franchise where the actor who portrayed 007 ( Sean Connery) was billed as IS JAMES BOND in the credits rather than as, never to happen again , at least so far.
Next year will be 59 years of Bond in the cinema and
Diamonds Are Forever will celebrate a 50 year anniversary…(fan art)
For Your Eyes Only looking great at 40…
Above : Japanese release For Your Eyes Only-1981
As the franchise gracefully ages and adapts like a fine wine, new fans world wide are discovering daily this most gentleman secret agent. We thank you for entertaining us and saving us from the worlds humdrum…til the next time
Dedicated to Sean Connery — the first 007 in movie going history. Thanks for giving life to a character that will stand the test of time…R.I.P October 31st 2020
This is Doc saying “Goodnight Mrs. Callabash wherever you are?” See you next time at Reviews on the Edge ….
The James Bond Archives: Spectre Edition available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=james+bond+archives
Edited by Paul Duncan
Pulbished by Taschen
Pages 624*** At this time there is a new edition of The James Bond Archive- No Time To Die being released. Again by Taschen
Other related material-
Books recommended -
James Bond 50 Years of Movie Posters
DK Books has released some editions but are not the only publishing company..
There are many versions of the poster books collecting not only the official release posters but international and some fan art .
Bond vs Bond: The Many Faves of 007
By Paul Simpson
Bond : Photographed by Terry O’Neill: The Definitive Collection
All the Bond films on Bluray and the 2 in 4k ..all these releases are loaded with an unprecedented amount of bonus and extras including radio ads and campaigns, photo galleries , stills , art , audio commentaries and documentaries ( many with Patrick McNee(’60s The Avengers TV series)
The Bond soundtracks available formats Vinyl, CD and MP3
