There’s no question that the James Bond film franchise – the second longest-running such series in cinema history after Godzilla – comes with certain expectations in the minds of viewers. We can predict, mostly like clockwork, that 007 will wear a tux at some point in every film, he will bed at least one or more beautiful women, he’ll drive an Aston Martin (or some other high-end vehicle), and that he’ll have one polite conversation with the villain before the shooting really starts. There will also be a surreal, psychedelic credits sequence, often a big action scene before the credits, and so on.
But all those iconic trademarks of the Bond film franchise didn’t happen overnight. They were gradually introduced, especially in the early films, with some of them springing from the original Ian Fleming books and others invented by the filmmakers who adapted them. Some have remained virtually the same since their inception,...
But all those iconic trademarks of the Bond film franchise didn’t happen overnight. They were gradually introduced, especially in the early films, with some of them springing from the original Ian Fleming books and others invented by the filmmakers who adapted them. Some have remained virtually the same since their inception,...
- 2/10/2024
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
The latest repeat winner of Jeopardy!, Melissa Klapper, a professor from Merion Station, Pennsylvania, has been on quite a roll with three triumphs in a row, but was she able to hold the lead for her fourth game airing March 23? It would seem not as she was outplayed by new competitor Alec Chao, a management and program analyst from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was up for quite the challenge also facing off against fellow newbie Daisy Donohue, an actor, and artist from St. Paul, Minnesota. Entering the competition with $59,100 in winnings, Melissa was the one to beat as the game began, but by the time the Final Jeopardy! rolled around. Following Double Jeopardy!, Melissa’s $6,800 in earnings wasn’t enough to overtake Alec’s $15,200 lead, whereas Daisy went into Final Jeopardy! with $4,600. The final category was Movie Theme Songs with the clue being, “Monty Norman, the composer of this character’s theme,...
- 3/24/2023
- TV Insider
Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz will perform for Sunday’s emotional “In Memoriam” segment on the Oscars 2023 ceremony. While only 40-50 people are generally remembered for the television ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on ABC, over 200 people will be recognized on the Academy’s webpage starting that evening.
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
- 3/10/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It’s been 60 years since “Dr. No” introduced the most famous fictional spy to movie audiences, opening with a black and white graphic of an eye, inserted with the image of a man turning and pointing a gun – accompanied by one of the most famous instrumentals in cinema history. In the six decades since, there have been 25 Bond films with six different actors portraying the suave spy, as well as 25 accompanying theme songs ripe for debate over which is best.
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
- 11/24/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It’s been 60 years since “Dr. No” introduced the most famous fictional spy to movie audiences, opening with a black and white graphic of an eye, inserted with the image of a man turning and pointing a gun – accompanied by one of the most famous instrumentals in cinema history. In the six decades since, there have been 25 Bond films with six different actors portraying the suave spy, as well as 25 accompanying theme songs ripe for debate over which is best.
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
Monty Norman‘s “James Bond Theme” was so perfect that it has been used in some form in every Bond film since, but each installment also has its own theme, featuring some of the most prolific composers, songwriters and performers of their time. In the 1960s, John Barry took over as composer, eventually working on 11 of the films, and collaborating with a variety of lyricists and artists, ranging from “Oliver!
- 11/23/2022
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Plot: A look behind the scenes at the music of 007, from the crafting of theme songs to the scores themselves.
Review: I think the first time I ever noticed film music was in a James Bond film. My love of the James Bond film series has been well-documented here on JoBlo. After all, Nick Bosworth, our director of YouTube Operations, and I did a whole series about the 007 franchise – James Bond Revisited. But, one of the areas he and I always wanted to explore was the “James Bond sound,” most notably the music and work of John Barry. Indeed, the franchise as it exists today would not have survived were it not for the Barry sound. Everyone credits Monty Norman as the composer of the James Bond theme, and there’s some truth to that. Still, the orchestration by John Barry with the distinctive guitar playing by Vic Flick...
Review: I think the first time I ever noticed film music was in a James Bond film. My love of the James Bond film series has been well-documented here on JoBlo. After all, Nick Bosworth, our director of YouTube Operations, and I did a whole series about the 007 franchise – James Bond Revisited. But, one of the areas he and I always wanted to explore was the “James Bond sound,” most notably the music and work of John Barry. Indeed, the franchise as it exists today would not have survived were it not for the Barry sound. Everyone credits Monty Norman as the composer of the James Bond theme, and there’s some truth to that. Still, the orchestration by John Barry with the distinctive guitar playing by Vic Flick...
- 10/5/2022
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Near the beginning of what many consider to be the definitive James Bond movie, 1964’s Goldfinger, Sean Connery’s 007 reveals himself to be simultaneously roguish and antiquated. The moment occurs when his latest conquest affronts his snobbish tastes—dismissing something to do with champagne and refrigerators. He thus believes it’s his duty to explain, “My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done, such as drinking Dom Pérignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.”
Bond might’ve been the coolest fictional character around at the time of that movie’s release, but his musical tastes were clearly not. Fortunately for the superspy, his producers at Eon Productions were rarely so old-fashioned.
Over the past 60 years and 25 James Bond pictures, the Bond franchise has become synonymous in its better years with evolving with the times.
Bond might’ve been the coolest fictional character around at the time of that movie’s release, but his musical tastes were clearly not. Fortunately for the superspy, his producers at Eon Productions were rarely so old-fashioned.
Over the past 60 years and 25 James Bond pictures, the Bond franchise has become synonymous in its better years with evolving with the times.
- 9/23/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Throughout 60 years of James Bond movies, there has been one constant: the music. Stars, directors and writers have come and gone. There has even been one hard reboot (in between "Die Another Day" and "Casino Royale"). But the main theme (credited to Monty Norman) and the scores have maintained the series' aesthetic continuity. Every time you buy a ticket for a Bond film, you know you're going to hear that brassy, syncopated bah-bah-buh before the opening credits hit.
The music, however, serves more than just a tonal purpose. When done well, the scores heighten the audience's emotional investment. Indeed, you could make a very credible argument that the franchise wouldn't have survived its first lead change without a brilliant theme.
The Film, And Music, That Saved James Bond
In the forthcoming documentary "The Sound of 007," which hits Amazon Prime Video on October 5, producer Barbara Broccoli succinctly explains the importance of the films' music,...
The music, however, serves more than just a tonal purpose. When done well, the scores heighten the audience's emotional investment. Indeed, you could make a very credible argument that the franchise wouldn't have survived its first lead change without a brilliant theme.
The Film, And Music, That Saved James Bond
In the forthcoming documentary "The Sound of 007," which hits Amazon Prime Video on October 5, producer Barbara Broccoli succinctly explains the importance of the films' music,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are straddling the past and the future as they celebrate 007’s 60th anniversary and begin thinking of life post-Daniel Craig.
Sitting down with The Hollywood Reporter at The Beverly Hilton ahead of a dinner where they were presented with the 2022 Pioneer Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, Broccoli and Wilson talked about casting considerations for the next Bond, what they would like to see in MGM leadership after the Amazon acquisition, and if Bond could ever be secret agenting on the small screen. Says Broccoli: “We have resisted that.”
This conversation comes amid a jet-setting tour worthy of a secret agent. The duo also participated in a hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Wednesday. Next is an Oct. 4 World Bond Day celebration that will include a...
James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are straddling the past and the future as they celebrate 007’s 60th anniversary and begin thinking of life post-Daniel Craig.
Sitting down with The Hollywood Reporter at The Beverly Hilton ahead of a dinner where they were presented with the 2022 Pioneer Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, Broccoli and Wilson talked about casting considerations for the next Bond, what they would like to see in MGM leadership after the Amazon acquisition, and if Bond could ever be secret agenting on the small screen. Says Broccoli: “We have resisted that.”
This conversation comes amid a jet-setting tour worthy of a secret agent. The duo also participated in a hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Wednesday. Next is an Oct. 4 World Bond Day celebration that will include a...
- 9/22/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Sam Mendes and longtime James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli discuss the importance of music to the classic spy franchise in a new clip from the documentary, The Sound of 007, premiering Oct. 5 on Amazon Prime Video.
The upcoming film, directed by Mat Whitecross, will examine how music has helped shape the history of the Bond franchise, from Dr. No through No Time to Die. That includes not only digging into the classic Bond theme — composed by Monty Norman and originally performed by John Barry — but sharing stories behind the...
The upcoming film, directed by Mat Whitecross, will examine how music has helped shape the history of the Bond franchise, from Dr. No through No Time to Die. That includes not only digging into the classic Bond theme — composed by Monty Norman and originally performed by John Barry — but sharing stories behind the...
- 9/21/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Adam Wade, who had three consecutive Top 10 hits on the Billboard chart in 1961 and broke barriers when he became the first Black host on a network game show in 1975, died on Thursday at his home in Montclair, New Jersey. He was 87.
His wife of 33 years, Jeree Wade, a singer, actress and producer, told the The New York Times that his cause of death was complications of Parkinson’s disease.
In May 1975, CBS named Wade as the host of the weekly afternoon game show, “Musical Chairs,” which was co-produced by Don Kirshner and which featured musical acts including The Spinners and Irene Cara.
Also Read:
Monty Norman, James Bond Theme Music Composer, Dies at 94
As the first Black TV host, Wade’s reception was not warm. He received hate mail and one CBS affiliate in Alabama refused to carry “Musical Chairs.” The show only lasted five months, but Wade told Connecticut...
His wife of 33 years, Jeree Wade, a singer, actress and producer, told the The New York Times that his cause of death was complications of Parkinson’s disease.
In May 1975, CBS named Wade as the host of the weekly afternoon game show, “Musical Chairs,” which was co-produced by Don Kirshner and which featured musical acts including The Spinners and Irene Cara.
Also Read:
Monty Norman, James Bond Theme Music Composer, Dies at 94
As the first Black TV host, Wade’s reception was not warm. He received hate mail and one CBS affiliate in Alabama refused to carry “Musical Chairs.” The show only lasted five months, but Wade told Connecticut...
- 7/13/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Monty Norman, the man who designed the iconic James Bond theme, passed away at the age of 94. He is survived by his second wife, Rina Caesari, and a daughter, reports ‘Variety’. A statement posted on his official website, accessed by ‘Variety’, said, “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died […]...
- 7/12/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Ceremony to take place in New York on November 28.
Gotham Film & Media Institute said on Monday (July 11) that the Venice International Film Festival will receive the Gotham Impact Salute at the 2022 Gotham Awards Ceremony later this year.
Gotham hierarchy noted Venice’s role in championing emerging and established filmmakers over the years like Darren Aronofsky, Kelly Reichardt, Todd Haynes, Regina King, Kenneth Lonergan, George A. Romero, Gus Van Sant and Julie Taymor.
Since 2013 the recently renamed Gotham Film & Media Institute has been an academic partner of Biennale College Cinema – La Biennale di Venezia’s project dedicated to the education...
Gotham Film & Media Institute said on Monday (July 11) that the Venice International Film Festival will receive the Gotham Impact Salute at the 2022 Gotham Awards Ceremony later this year.
Gotham hierarchy noted Venice’s role in championing emerging and established filmmakers over the years like Darren Aronofsky, Kelly Reichardt, Todd Haynes, Regina King, Kenneth Lonergan, George A. Romero, Gus Van Sant and Julie Taymor.
Since 2013 the recently renamed Gotham Film & Media Institute has been an academic partner of Biennale College Cinema – La Biennale di Venezia’s project dedicated to the education...
- 7/11/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Monty Norman, the man who composed the iconic "James Bond" theme music, has died. Norman was 94 years old. The news was initially shared by the BBC, and a notice on his personal website has also confirmed his passing. The message on his website reads, "It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness." No further details have been provided at this time.
While Norman had a long, varied career, composing music for the stage as well as for movies such as "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" and "The Day...
The post Monty Norman, Composer Of The James Bond Theme, Has Died At 94 appeared first on /Film.
While Norman had a long, varied career, composing music for the stage as well as for movies such as "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" and "The Day...
The post Monty Norman, Composer Of The James Bond Theme, Has Died At 94 appeared first on /Film.
- 7/11/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Monty Norman, the composer responsible for the iconic theme of the James Bond film franchise, died Monday, July 11. He was 94.
Norman’s family confirmed his death to the BBC, while a note on his website said that he died “after a short illness.” No other details were given.
Though most famous for composing the Bond theme, Norman enjoyed a lengthy, multi-faceted career in music. Born in London in 1928, he began playing guitar at 16 and even studied with Bert Weedon, whose popular tutorials on the instrument were used by everyone from Paul McCartney to Brian May.
Norman’s family confirmed his death to the BBC, while a note on his website said that he died “after a short illness.” No other details were given.
Though most famous for composing the Bond theme, Norman enjoyed a lengthy, multi-faceted career in music. Born in London in 1928, he began playing guitar at 16 and even studied with Bert Weedon, whose popular tutorials on the instrument were used by everyone from Paul McCartney to Brian May.
- 7/11/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Monty Norman, who helped launch the James Bond franchise by composing the character’s beloved theme music, has died at the age of 94 following a brief illness. His family confirmed the news of his death to BBC, who first broke the story.
Norman was born in London on April 4, 1928. The son of Latvian immigrants, he was forced to evacuate the city during World War II but later returned during The Blitz. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he began pursuing a career in music. Norman first worked as a performer, singing with many prominent big band music acts and eventually sharing the stage with other top comedians and musicians of his time.
In the 1950s, Norman began to transition from performing to composing. He wrote lyrics for a variety of successful West End musicals, including “Make Me an Offer” and “Expresso Bongo,” and also wrote songs for various recording...
Norman was born in London on April 4, 1928. The son of Latvian immigrants, he was forced to evacuate the city during World War II but later returned during The Blitz. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he began pursuing a career in music. Norman first worked as a performer, singing with many prominent big band music acts and eventually sharing the stage with other top comedians and musicians of his time.
In the 1950s, Norman began to transition from performing to composing. He wrote lyrics for a variety of successful West End musicals, including “Make Me an Offer” and “Expresso Bongo,” and also wrote songs for various recording...
- 7/11/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Monty Norman, the British composer who wrote the propulsive theme for the James Bond films, died Monday after a short illness, according to a post on his official website. He was 94.
Producer Cubby Broccoli, who had worked with Norman by backing the stage musical Belle, about murderer Hawley Crippen, asked the composer to come up with the score for the first Bond film, Dr. No (1962), after he and Harry Saltzman had acquired the rights to Ian Fleming’s spy.
The deal was sealed when the producers offered to fly Norman and his then-wife, actress-singer Diana Coupland, to Jamaica, where the movie was being filmed, all expenses paid. “Well, that was the clincher for me!” Norman said in a story posted on his website. “I thought, even if Dr. No turns out to be a stinker, at least we’d have sun, sea and sand to show for it!
Monty Norman, the British composer who wrote the propulsive theme for the James Bond films, died Monday after a short illness, according to a post on his official website. He was 94.
Producer Cubby Broccoli, who had worked with Norman by backing the stage musical Belle, about murderer Hawley Crippen, asked the composer to come up with the score for the first Bond film, Dr. No (1962), after he and Harry Saltzman had acquired the rights to Ian Fleming’s spy.
The deal was sealed when the producers offered to fly Norman and his then-wife, actress-singer Diana Coupland, to Jamaica, where the movie was being filmed, all expenses paid. “Well, that was the clincher for me!” Norman said in a story posted on his website. “I thought, even if Dr. No turns out to be a stinker, at least we’d have sun, sea and sand to show for it!
- 7/11/2022
- by Mike Barnes and Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Monty Norman, a composer best known for having written the musical score to the James Bond Theme that first appeared in “Dr. No,” has died. He was 94.
Norman’s death was announced in a statement on his website that he died on Monday after a short illness.
Norman was also a singer in the 1950s and would eventually turn to stage musicals, writing lyrics for shows such as “Make Me an Offer” and “Irma La Douce.”
Also Read:
Tony Sirico, ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Goodfellas’ Star, Dies at 79
Born in London, Norman began his career playing in big bands and by the late ’50s had a successful career as a composer and lyricist for the stage, including the Broadway and West End production of “Irma La Douce” that was Tony nominated, as well as “Express Bongo” and “The Art of Living.” But he received attention and financing from 007 producer Cubby Broccoli...
Norman’s death was announced in a statement on his website that he died on Monday after a short illness.
Norman was also a singer in the 1950s and would eventually turn to stage musicals, writing lyrics for shows such as “Make Me an Offer” and “Irma La Douce.”
Also Read:
Tony Sirico, ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Goodfellas’ Star, Dies at 79
Born in London, Norman began his career playing in big bands and by the late ’50s had a successful career as a composer and lyricist for the stage, including the Broadway and West End production of “Irma La Douce” that was Tony nominated, as well as “Express Bongo” and “The Art of Living.” But he received attention and financing from 007 producer Cubby Broccoli...
- 7/11/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Monty Norman, composer of the instantly familiar “James Bond Theme” first used in Dr. No and now synonymous with 007, died today following a short illness. He was 94.
His death was announced on his official website. (Hear the theme below.)
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
The British film composer got his start in show business as a big band singer in the 1950s, but by the end of the decade had pivoted to songwriting, penning tunes for, among others, Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele and Bob Hope.
In 1958, he contributed to such West End musicals as the English-language version of Irma la Douce and Make Me An Offer, drawing the attention of James Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, who recruited Norman to compose the score for 1962’s Dr. No. According to the BBC, Norman reused a theme from one of his earlier, and unproduced, project, a stage version of Vs Naipaul...
His death was announced on his official website. (Hear the theme below.)
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
The British film composer got his start in show business as a big band singer in the 1950s, but by the end of the decade had pivoted to songwriting, penning tunes for, among others, Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele and Bob Hope.
In 1958, he contributed to such West End musicals as the English-language version of Irma la Douce and Make Me An Offer, drawing the attention of James Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, who recruited Norman to compose the score for 1962’s Dr. No. According to the BBC, Norman reused a theme from one of his earlier, and unproduced, project, a stage version of Vs Naipaul...
- 7/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
His other film score credits include the Hammer film The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll and Bob Hope’s Call Me Bwana.
UK composer Monty Norman, who was best known for composing the theme tune to the James Bond films, has died aged 94.
The news was released via his website in a statement which reported that he died today (July 11) after a short illness.
Norman began his career as a singer before transitioning to composing in the late 1950s.
After being recognised for his work on West End musicals, he was asked by producer Cubby Broccoli to write the theme...
UK composer Monty Norman, who was best known for composing the theme tune to the James Bond films, has died aged 94.
The news was released via his website in a statement which reported that he died today (July 11) after a short illness.
Norman began his career as a singer before transitioning to composing in the late 1950s.
After being recognised for his work on West End musicals, he was asked by producer Cubby Broccoli to write the theme...
- 7/11/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Monty Norman, the composer behind the iconic James Bond theme, has died at the age of 94.
A statement posted on his official website said, “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”
Norman most famously composed the score for “Dr. No,” the 1962 James Bond film starring Sean Connery. His theme for James Bond, as arranged by fellow Englishman John Barry, would go on to become the theme for the entire franchise.
As Norman said on his site, “We recognized we needed a fresh, contemporary sound for the main theme, and in the up-and-coming young John Barry we found a wonderful arranger, so the whole thing worked very well.”
But controversy erupted decades later when Barry claimed authorship of the theme, resulting in Norman suing the Times of London for libel over a 1997 story (“Theme Tune Wrangle Has 007 Shaken and...
A statement posted on his official website said, “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”
Norman most famously composed the score for “Dr. No,” the 1962 James Bond film starring Sean Connery. His theme for James Bond, as arranged by fellow Englishman John Barry, would go on to become the theme for the entire franchise.
As Norman said on his site, “We recognized we needed a fresh, contemporary sound for the main theme, and in the up-and-coming young John Barry we found a wonderful arranger, so the whole thing worked very well.”
But controversy erupted decades later when Barry claimed authorship of the theme, resulting in Norman suing the Times of London for libel over a 1997 story (“Theme Tune Wrangle Has 007 Shaken and...
- 7/11/2022
- by Jon Burlingame and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Composer whose work is indelibly associated with 007 also worked on a string of successful West End musicals
Monty Norman, composer of the instantly recognisable James Bond theme music, has died aged 94. A statement on his website said: “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”
Norman’s most famous work was created as part of the score for the first Bond film, Dr No, which was released in 1962, and starred Sean Connery in the lead role. Norman said he based the distinctive rolling phrase, which first appeared as part of a medley during the film’s opening, on an earlier piece called Bad Sign, Good Sign, which he created for a musical adaptation of Vs Naipul’s A House for Mr Biswas. A jazz arrangement by John Barry for the film led to Barry often being mistakenly identified at...
Monty Norman, composer of the instantly recognisable James Bond theme music, has died aged 94. A statement on his website said: “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”
Norman’s most famous work was created as part of the score for the first Bond film, Dr No, which was released in 1962, and starred Sean Connery in the lead role. Norman said he based the distinctive rolling phrase, which first appeared as part of a medley during the film’s opening, on an earlier piece called Bad Sign, Good Sign, which he created for a musical adaptation of Vs Naipul’s A House for Mr Biswas. A jazz arrangement by John Barry for the film led to Barry often being mistakenly identified at...
- 7/11/2022
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Showbiz in Soho is artificial, gaudy and vulgar, but Laurence Harvey’s slick promoter-con man thinks he can cheat at the pop music game. Cliff Richard is his new discovery, a teen crooner who digs the bongo drums. Wolf Mankowitz’s portrait of talent, glitz, and double-dealing in music and TV showbiz also stars Sylvia Syms as a Soho stripper and Yolande Donlan as a singing star trying to make a comeback. The disc contains director Val Guest’s uncut original version.
Expresso Bongo
Blu-ray
Cohen / Kino Lorber
1959 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 111 106 min. / Street Date January 18, 2022 / Available from Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Laurence Harvey, Sylvia Syms, Yolande Donlan, Cliff Richard, Meier Tzelniker, Ambrosine Phillpotts, Eric Pohlmann, Gilbert Harding, Hermione Baddeley, Reginald Beckwith, Avis Bunnage, Sally Geeson, Kenneth Griffith, Burt Kwouk, Wilfrid Lawson, Patricia Lewis, Barry Lowe, Martin Miller, Susan Hampshire, Peter Myers, Lisa Peake, The Shadows.
Cinematography: John Wilcox
Art Director:...
Expresso Bongo
Blu-ray
Cohen / Kino Lorber
1959 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 111 106 min. / Street Date January 18, 2022 / Available from Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Laurence Harvey, Sylvia Syms, Yolande Donlan, Cliff Richard, Meier Tzelniker, Ambrosine Phillpotts, Eric Pohlmann, Gilbert Harding, Hermione Baddeley, Reginald Beckwith, Avis Bunnage, Sally Geeson, Kenneth Griffith, Burt Kwouk, Wilfrid Lawson, Patricia Lewis, Barry Lowe, Martin Miller, Susan Hampshire, Peter Myers, Lisa Peake, The Shadows.
Cinematography: John Wilcox
Art Director:...
- 3/5/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
This year, a who’s who of Grammy-nominated artists and household names lead the original song Oscar race. But it’s still early days so anything can happen. Original song reigning queen H.E.R. has “Automatic Woman,” from “Bruised,” while “Right Where I Belong” by Brian Wilson and Jim James that plays in the doc “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road” could gain traction with voters. Lead actress contender Jennifer Hudson teamed with Carole King for “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),” a potential contender from “Respect.”
But let’s look at the front-runners. Will Billie Eilish’s title song from “No Time to Die” win over, or will Lin-Manuel Miranda finally achieve Egot status?
“Be Alive” from “King Richard”
Beyoncé’s contribution to the original song race has been strong, but her ace has been served with “Be Alive,” which plays over the end credits of “King Richard.” The track,...
But let’s look at the front-runners. Will Billie Eilish’s title song from “No Time to Die” win over, or will Lin-Manuel Miranda finally achieve Egot status?
“Be Alive” from “King Richard”
Beyoncé’s contribution to the original song race has been strong, but her ace has been served with “Be Alive,” which plays over the end credits of “King Richard.” The track,...
- 12/2/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
I shaved off my lockdown beard last night. All sorts of thoughts should have been running through my head: what does this beard represent, grown as it was throughout the most seismic global event of the century, and is my shaving it off a psychological means of reclaiming myself? Something like that?
Actually, I was thinking how much this felt like the scene in Die Another Day when a straggle-bearded James Bond, fresh from fourteen months of torture and captivity, strolls into a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, asks for his usual suite and promptly de-Bee-Gees himself. I even hummed the theme song as I shaved, which is harder than it sounds.
Such golden moments as these, spun from nearly sixty years of Bond adventures, have become part of the fabric of our lives. Is it even possible to put on a dinner suit and bow tie without making a Bond quip to the mirror?...
Actually, I was thinking how much this felt like the scene in Die Another Day when a straggle-bearded James Bond, fresh from fourteen months of torture and captivity, strolls into a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, asks for his usual suite and promptly de-Bee-Gees himself. I even hummed the theme song as I shaved, which is harder than it sounds.
Such golden moments as these, spun from nearly sixty years of Bond adventures, have become part of the fabric of our lives. Is it even possible to put on a dinner suit and bow tie without making a Bond quip to the mirror?...
- 7/24/2020
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
What’s the best Ecological Thriller of all time? Finally available in a good Region A disc is Val Guest and Wolf Mankowitz’s thrilling, realistic account of our world turned topsy-turvy, and perhaps plunging into a fiery oblivion. The violent shifts of climate and weather patterns echo today’s global warming chaos. Newspapermen Edward Judd and Leo McKern track down a frightening government secret; Janet Munro is the confidential clerk that leaks the truth. One of the top all-time British Science Fiction films is also a great newspaper story about the importance of a free press. Extras include a new Richard Harland Smith commentary.
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1961 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date July 7, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Janet Munro, Leo McKern, Edward Judd, Michael Goodliffe, Bernard Braden, Reginald Beckwith, Renée Asherson, Arthur Christiansen, Pamela Green, Robin Hawdon.
Cinematography: Harry Waxman...
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1961 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date July 7, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Janet Munro, Leo McKern, Edward Judd, Michael Goodliffe, Bernard Braden, Reginald Beckwith, Renée Asherson, Arthur Christiansen, Pamela Green, Robin Hawdon.
Cinematography: Harry Waxman...
- 7/11/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
What’s the best Ecological Thriller of all time? Finally available in a good Region A disc is Val Guest and Wolf Mankowitz’s thrilling, realistic account of a world turned topsy-turvy, and perhaps plunging into a fiery oblivion. The violent climate/weather pattern shifts predict today’s global warming chaos. Newspapermen Edward Judd and Leo McKern track down a frightening government secret; Janet Munro is the confidential clerk that leaks the truth. One of the top all-time British Science Fiction films is also a great newspaper story about the importance of a free press. Extras include a new Richard Harland Smith commentary.
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1961 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date July 7, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Janet Munro, Leo McKern, Edward Judd, Michael Goodliffe, Bernard Braden, Reginald Beckwith, Renée Asherson, Arthur Christiansen, Pamela Green, Robin Hawdon.
Cinematography: Harry Waxman
Art...
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1961 / B&w / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date July 7, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Janet Munro, Leo McKern, Edward Judd, Michael Goodliffe, Bernard Braden, Reginald Beckwith, Renée Asherson, Arthur Christiansen, Pamela Green, Robin Hawdon.
Cinematography: Harry Waxman
Art...
- 7/9/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
After sweeping the big five Grammys categories and lending her vocals to the Oscars? In Memoriam tribute, Billie Eilish has dropped her new James Bond theme song 'No Time To Die'.
The teen pop sensation who has written the song along with her brother Finneas O'Connell, who became the youngest artiste in history to record the 007 theme track for the long-running spy franchise.
Also Read:?Billie Eilish outstanding Oscars debut wows fans
The slow, moody track song features heavy use of the piano as well as Eilish?s signature whisper while many fans of the franchise are sure to recognise the chord that ends the song, which is being taken from Monty Norman?s original Bond theme.
"It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honour.
The teen pop sensation who has written the song along with her brother Finneas O'Connell, who became the youngest artiste in history to record the 007 theme track for the long-running spy franchise.
Also Read:?Billie Eilish outstanding Oscars debut wows fans
The slow, moody track song features heavy use of the piano as well as Eilish?s signature whisper while many fans of the franchise are sure to recognise the chord that ends the song, which is being taken from Monty Norman?s original Bond theme.
"It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honour.
- 2/14/2020
- GlamSham
Billie Eilish has officially filed her James Bond theme, and for anyone who worried that she was too young — dare it be said, too green — for the task, there was no need to worry. The 18-year-old gets it, even if she wasn’t yet born when the Broccolis were commissioning what some of us still think of as “late period” Bond themes from the likes of Garbage and Sheryl Crow. The teen with the Midas touch has not picked this occasion to develop a cold finger.
“No Time to Die” is one of the better Bond songs of the last 25 or 30 years, coming in ahead of a lot of entries that seemed promising and didn’t really work: besides Garbage’s and Crow’s, there were underwhelming efforts from Chris Cornell and the team of Jack White and Alicia Keys, worthy artists that tried to contemporize the idea of what a Bond theme should be,...
“No Time to Die” is one of the better Bond songs of the last 25 or 30 years, coming in ahead of a lot of entries that seemed promising and didn’t really work: besides Garbage’s and Crow’s, there were underwhelming efforts from Chris Cornell and the team of Jack White and Alicia Keys, worthy artists that tried to contemporize the idea of what a Bond theme should be,...
- 2/14/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Could David Arnold return as composer to the James Bond series?
It was the obvious question to pose while he was talking about Amazon’s new “Good Omens” miniseries, for which he has composed the elaborate score.
“It’s a no-news situation,” Arnold told Variety about 007. “I’ve heard nothing. But my pencil is always sharpened for him if James comes around again. But if he doesn’t, I’ll be as excited to watch the new film as anyone else. I still love him, and I love all of the team over there.”
Arnold composed the scores for five consecutive Bond films: three with Pierce Brosnan and two starring Daniel Craig.
With singer Chris Cornell, he co-wrote “You Know My Name,” the theme song for “Casino Royale,” and earned a Grammy nomination for it; he also received a BAFTA nomination for that score.
Arnold has scored more 007 films than any composer since John Barry,...
It was the obvious question to pose while he was talking about Amazon’s new “Good Omens” miniseries, for which he has composed the elaborate score.
“It’s a no-news situation,” Arnold told Variety about 007. “I’ve heard nothing. But my pencil is always sharpened for him if James comes around again. But if he doesn’t, I’ll be as excited to watch the new film as anyone else. I still love him, and I love all of the team over there.”
Arnold composed the scores for five consecutive Bond films: three with Pierce Brosnan and two starring Daniel Craig.
With singer Chris Cornell, he co-wrote “You Know My Name,” the theme song for “Casino Royale,” and earned a Grammy nomination for it; he also received a BAFTA nomination for that score.
Arnold has scored more 007 films than any composer since John Barry,...
- 6/4/2019
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Oh no, those dreaded “back to school” commercials and sales flyers are suddenly popping up everywhere. Action film fans must realize that the Summer movie season will be over in a few short weeks. Serious cinema will be on its way post Labor Day. Skyscraper was weeks away, while the return of Denzel as The Equalizer may be too brutal for the pre-teen date crowds (it”s rated “R” for “really rough”). The superheroes have packed away their tights and capes for a few months. How about some spies, instead? Well, we won’t be seeing the “Jb” duo, Bond and Bourne, anytime soon. So, blockbuster thriller fans will have to rely on another franchise, now in its 22nd year and its sixth installment. And all from a broadcast network TV show, which had a pretty good run of seven seasons, along with one of the greatest opening title music...
- 7/27/2018
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Mark Allison Sep 12, 2019
Big film scores have changed over the past decade, and Hans Zimmer may be the reason why...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
It would seem that for every moviegoing generation, there is a film composer who ascends above all others and comes to encapsulate the sound of their era. In the 1940s and 1950s, the brooding and mysterious tones of Bernard Hermann would define a generation of suspense cinema. Decades later, it was John Williams who ushered in the blockbuster era with a series of bold and iconic melodies, from Jaws through to Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park. Today’s cinema has its own musical zeitgeist. When future archaeologists uncover the buried ruins of our civilization, they may well refer to the movies left behind as the "Hans Zimmer period."
Hans Zimmer is a movie composer of singular acclaim. He is...
Big film scores have changed over the past decade, and Hans Zimmer may be the reason why...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
It would seem that for every moviegoing generation, there is a film composer who ascends above all others and comes to encapsulate the sound of their era. In the 1940s and 1950s, the brooding and mysterious tones of Bernard Hermann would define a generation of suspense cinema. Decades later, it was John Williams who ushered in the blockbuster era with a series of bold and iconic melodies, from Jaws through to Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park. Today’s cinema has its own musical zeitgeist. When future archaeologists uncover the buried ruins of our civilization, they may well refer to the movies left behind as the "Hans Zimmer period."
Hans Zimmer is a movie composer of singular acclaim. He is...
- 10/11/2017
- Den of Geek
Mark Allison Oct 11, 2017
Big film scores have changed over the past decade - and Hans Zimmer may be the reason why...
For every movie-going generation, there is a film score composer who ascends above all others and comes to encapsulate the sound of their era. In the 1940s and 1950s, the brooding and mysterious tones of Bernard Hermann would define a generation of suspense cinema. Decades later, it was John Williams who ushered in the blockbuster era with a series of bold and iconic melodies, from Jaws through to Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park. Today’s cinema has its own musical zeitgeist. When future archaeologists uncover the buried ruins of our civilisation, they may well refer to it as the 'Hans Zimmer period'.
Hans Zimmer is a movie composer of singular acclaim. He is one of the only such artists with the clout to fill concert arenas across the world,...
Big film scores have changed over the past decade - and Hans Zimmer may be the reason why...
For every movie-going generation, there is a film score composer who ascends above all others and comes to encapsulate the sound of their era. In the 1940s and 1950s, the brooding and mysterious tones of Bernard Hermann would define a generation of suspense cinema. Decades later, it was John Williams who ushered in the blockbuster era with a series of bold and iconic melodies, from Jaws through to Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park. Today’s cinema has its own musical zeitgeist. When future archaeologists uncover the buried ruins of our civilisation, they may well refer to it as the 'Hans Zimmer period'.
Hans Zimmer is a movie composer of singular acclaim. He is one of the only such artists with the clout to fill concert arenas across the world,...
- 10/10/2017
- Den of Geek
Bond girls Jenny Hanley, Caron Gardner, Francesca Tu.
By Mark Mawston
The ultimate “Bonding” session once again took place at the home of the 007 franchise, Pinewood Studios, on Sunday 24th September. Those lucky enough to attend were treated to a dealer’s room, a 50th Anniversary 4K screening of You Only Live Twice, at which organizer Gareth Owen read a message received from the e Prime Minister herself, Theresa May, which touched on the amazing feats of ingenuity and sheer technical mastery that went into the construction of the films famed volcano set; a three course lunch and afternoon tea and of course a "who’s who" from the world of Bond from both in front and behind the camera. These included:
Peter Lamont - Assistant Art Director - Art Director and Production Designer of 18 Bond films, Terry Ackland-Snow - Art Director on two Bond films, Alan Tomkins - Art director on five Bond films,...
By Mark Mawston
The ultimate “Bonding” session once again took place at the home of the 007 franchise, Pinewood Studios, on Sunday 24th September. Those lucky enough to attend were treated to a dealer’s room, a 50th Anniversary 4K screening of You Only Live Twice, at which organizer Gareth Owen read a message received from the e Prime Minister herself, Theresa May, which touched on the amazing feats of ingenuity and sheer technical mastery that went into the construction of the films famed volcano set; a three course lunch and afternoon tea and of course a "who’s who" from the world of Bond from both in front and behind the camera. These included:
Peter Lamont - Assistant Art Director - Art Director and Production Designer of 18 Bond films, Terry Ackland-Snow - Art Director on two Bond films, Alan Tomkins - Art director on five Bond films,...
- 9/30/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Lee Pfeiffer
I recently wrote in relation to a review of "The Big Show" that circus movies have gone the way of the Model T. You can add to that another genre of film that used to be a Hollywood staple- the safari movies in which the hero was a great white hunter. Changing social attitudes make it unlikely we'd ever again cheer some rock-jawed leading man as he unloads some hi caliber bullets into a grazing elephant or a lazing hippo. The last word on such films was Clint Eastwood's woefully underrated (and woefully under-seen) 1990 film "White Hunter, Black Heart", which was loosely based on the hunting obsessions of director John Huston during production of "The African Queen". Nevertheless, jungle-themed adventures are still the stuff of cinematic thrills in the minds of retro movie lovers. One of the best is "Rampage", a 1963 opus directed by Phil Karlson...
I recently wrote in relation to a review of "The Big Show" that circus movies have gone the way of the Model T. You can add to that another genre of film that used to be a Hollywood staple- the safari movies in which the hero was a great white hunter. Changing social attitudes make it unlikely we'd ever again cheer some rock-jawed leading man as he unloads some hi caliber bullets into a grazing elephant or a lazing hippo. The last word on such films was Clint Eastwood's woefully underrated (and woefully under-seen) 1990 film "White Hunter, Black Heart", which was loosely based on the hunting obsessions of director John Huston during production of "The African Queen". Nevertheless, jungle-themed adventures are still the stuff of cinematic thrills in the minds of retro movie lovers. One of the best is "Rampage", a 1963 opus directed by Phil Karlson...
- 10/10/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Back in 2012, our staff decided to group together and come up with a list of the best films in the 007, James Bond franchise. With Spectre rolling out this weekend, we decided to republish the article. Let us know which is your favourite, and be sure to check out our review of Spectre here.
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on,...
#1: From Russia With Love
Directed by Terence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on,...
- 11/6/2015
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Let’s face it. The songs are the best parts of the James Bond movies. Throughout 007’s five decades, the title tracks are each film’s one hope of rising above dubious casting choices, retreads of old villains, and grandiose plots for world domination that will inevitably be foiled. And like all that other stuff, we like the songs because they’re another expected element in a series that’s filled with them, a pop cultural barometer for measuring the secret agent’s standing in the zeitgeist.
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
- 11/2/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
From Russia With Love
Directed by Terrence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty-three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return, as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt. John Barry supplies the fine score by utilizing Monte Norman’s theme,...
Directed by Terrence Young
Written by Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood
1963, UK
50 years later, and with twenty-three “official” entries, From Russia With Love represents the very best of the Bond franchise. Skyfall is the closest to be considered, at best – almost equal to what was achieved in ’64 – but From Russia With Love is still unparalleled. Although it is the second in the series, and although it feels like no Bond film that followed, it is the film that solidifies all the Bond elements into a formula – a template that carries on, even today.
Spectre’s Persian-stroking nemesis/mastermind Ernest Blofeld makes his first appearance and so does Desmond Llewelyn’s gadget-friendly Q (starting a run that continued until his death in 1999). Screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Johanna Harwood return, as does director and editor Terence Young and Peter Hunt. John Barry supplies the fine score by utilizing Monte Norman’s theme,...
- 11/2/2015
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
James Bond is finally back in Spectre and, like all Bond films, it boasts a high-profile theme tune from an artist-of-the-moment. But where does Sam Smith sit in the illustrious ranks of Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney and Rita Coolidge (!)? We've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked.
A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
23. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
22. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a...
A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
23. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
22. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a...
- 10/27/2015
- Digital Spy
As cinemas gear up to release the latest 007 film, Spectre, the Guardian’s film critic looks back at how its predecessors measure up
Sean Connery’s first outing in the Bond role. It gave us the gun-barrel titles and the Monty Norman theme. There was Ursula Andress in the bikini and the exotic Johnny Foreigner villain with an outrageous island lair. What’s not to indulge? Rating: ★★★★★...
Sean Connery’s first outing in the Bond role. It gave us the gun-barrel titles and the Monty Norman theme. There was Ursula Andress in the bikini and the exotic Johnny Foreigner villain with an outrageous island lair. What’s not to indulge? Rating: ★★★★★...
- 10/23/2015
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
As cinemas gear up to release the latest 007 film, Spectre, the Guardian’s film critic looks back at how its predecessors measure up
Sean Connery’s first outing in the Bond role. It gave us the gun-barrel titles and the Monty Norman theme. There was Ursula Andress in the bikini and the exotic Johnny Foreigner villain with an outrageous island lair. What’s not to indulge? Rating: ★★★★★
Continue reading...
Sean Connery’s first outing in the Bond role. It gave us the gun-barrel titles and the Monty Norman theme. There was Ursula Andress in the bikini and the exotic Johnny Foreigner villain with an outrageous island lair. What’s not to indulge? Rating: ★★★★★
Continue reading...
- 10/23/2015
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
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Daniel Craig took over as James Bond 007 in Casino Royale. It was very nearly the best Bond movie of the lot...
This one? Very nearly the best Bond of the lot. Building the entire film around one card game is a masterstroke: the simplicity of the premise allows room for the Bond legend to grow. Umpteen moments of inspiration clamour for attention; Bond inventing the Vesper Martini is a personal favourite. Meanwhile, makers of blue swimming trunks must bow down before the DVD every morning - the collective 'phwoar' as Daniel Craig emerges from the sea echoed around cinemas across the world. Someone doesn’t skip the gym.
The Girl: Okay, I’ll say it - Vesper’s the best Bond girl of all. Honey Rider is a bikini, Pussy Galore a silly name; Tracy and Anya are pretty great but Vesper takes the crown. She’s...
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Daniel Craig took over as James Bond 007 in Casino Royale. It was very nearly the best Bond movie of the lot...
This one? Very nearly the best Bond of the lot. Building the entire film around one card game is a masterstroke: the simplicity of the premise allows room for the Bond legend to grow. Umpteen moments of inspiration clamour for attention; Bond inventing the Vesper Martini is a personal favourite. Meanwhile, makers of blue swimming trunks must bow down before the DVD every morning - the collective 'phwoar' as Daniel Craig emerges from the sea echoed around cinemas across the world. Someone doesn’t skip the gym.
The Girl: Okay, I’ll say it - Vesper’s the best Bond girl of all. Honey Rider is a bikini, Pussy Galore a silly name; Tracy and Anya are pretty great but Vesper takes the crown. She’s...
- 10/11/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Joe Kraemer
Paramount Pictures
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Daniel Pemberton
WaterTower Music
In his score for Kingsman: The Secret Service, Henry Jackman wants you to know he’s a James Bond fan. He just doesn’t want to tell you. Monte Norman’s iconic guitar riff pops in and out of his score, and brassy John Barry flourishes pepper the background music of Matthew Vaughn’s latest pulpy indulgence. Vaughn and comic book brute Mark Millar’s spy thriller struck a chord with audiences in February with gaudy, gory violence and in-jokes to the Ian Fleming novels it draws from. Strangely though, Jackman’s half-baked music never follows suit, tiptoeing around its homages rather than fully committing to its Roger Moore era obsessions.
The music of Kingsman wants its both ways, retro while still feeling fresh enough for modern box office, a shared paradox with The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,...
Joe Kraemer
Paramount Pictures
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Daniel Pemberton
WaterTower Music
In his score for Kingsman: The Secret Service, Henry Jackman wants you to know he’s a James Bond fan. He just doesn’t want to tell you. Monte Norman’s iconic guitar riff pops in and out of his score, and brassy John Barry flourishes pepper the background music of Matthew Vaughn’s latest pulpy indulgence. Vaughn and comic book brute Mark Millar’s spy thriller struck a chord with audiences in February with gaudy, gory violence and in-jokes to the Ian Fleming novels it draws from. Strangely though, Jackman’s half-baked music never follows suit, tiptoeing around its homages rather than fully committing to its Roger Moore era obsessions.
The music of Kingsman wants its both ways, retro while still feeling fresh enough for modern box office, a shared paradox with The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,...
- 8/31/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
According to Spectre director Sam Mendes, we'll soon find out who'll be joining the illustrious ranks of Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney and Rita Coolidge (!) in belting out a James Bond theme.
To mark the occasion, we've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked. A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
22. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
21. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a film is Madonna's...
To mark the occasion, we've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked. A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
22. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
21. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a film is Madonna's...
- 7/20/2015
- Digital Spy
I interviewed Pierce Brosnan in conjunction with his third outing as James Bond, in Michael Apted's The World Is Not Enough, in 1999. Brosnan was alternately charming, erudite, thoughtful and intense during our two hour chat. His native intelligence shone through it all, as did a sense of decency which many people seem to acquire after enduring and surviving hardship in their formative years.
Bonding With Brosnan
By
Alex Simon
There are several dangers in becoming a cultural icon, not the least of which is the stigma that your public will forever keep you imprisoned in the mold of your iconography, allowing the recipient a privileged, if imprisoned, existence, particularly if that person is an artist. Sean Connery faced just such a dilemma during the height of James Bond-mania in the mid-60's. A serious actor, Connery desperately wanted to break out of the action hero mold that was British Superspy James Bond,...
Bonding With Brosnan
By
Alex Simon
There are several dangers in becoming a cultural icon, not the least of which is the stigma that your public will forever keep you imprisoned in the mold of your iconography, allowing the recipient a privileged, if imprisoned, existence, particularly if that person is an artist. Sean Connery faced just such a dilemma during the height of James Bond-mania in the mid-60's. A serious actor, Connery desperately wanted to break out of the action hero mold that was British Superspy James Bond,...
- 6/24/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
We've arrived at Roger Moore's penultimate Bond. But isn't it about time somebody fought Octopussy's corner?
After the comedown of For Your Eyes Only, the series is back on a high. A very good-natured, occasionally thrilling escapade that boasts an impressive roster of villains, a finely developed heroine, unusually meaty roles for series stalwarts General Gogol and Q, a nuclear bomb and a gloriously stupid title. Yes, Roger Moore has aged to the point where counting the wrinkles is a legitimate distraction. And many valid criticisms can be levelled about plot and credibility. But the good outweighs, or certainly overwhelms, the bad in Octopussy. Still, he really should have quit after this one.
The Villain: Kamal Khan got his break by winning the talent competition Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar - and that was just the beginning. 2012 hit Ishk Sufiana launched Khan into stardom and he bagged...
After the comedown of For Your Eyes Only, the series is back on a high. A very good-natured, occasionally thrilling escapade that boasts an impressive roster of villains, a finely developed heroine, unusually meaty roles for series stalwarts General Gogol and Q, a nuclear bomb and a gloriously stupid title. Yes, Roger Moore has aged to the point where counting the wrinkles is a legitimate distraction. And many valid criticisms can be levelled about plot and credibility. But the good outweighs, or certainly overwhelms, the bad in Octopussy. Still, he really should have quit after this one.
The Villain: Kamal Khan got his break by winning the talent competition Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar - and that was just the beginning. 2012 hit Ishk Sufiana launched Khan into stardom and he bagged...
- 5/17/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The underwater car, the terrifying henchman and perhaps the most iconic opening scene of all time. The Spy Who Loved Me is a cracker...
And so we arrive at the best Epic Bond of the lot. A great big chocolate fudge sundae of a film with extra waffles and butterscotch ice cream. It begins by making a parachute iconic and cracks on from there. Boasts a henchman, car and girl to rival Goldfinger, and a villainous scheme even more deranged than You Only Live Twice. Nuclear Armageddon meets Finding Nemo – what’s not to like? Hops around the globe without losing its direction. Never once stops trying to please the audience. Never fails to.
The Villain: Overshadowed by his henchman. Stromberg isn’t a terrible antagonist but he hardly sets the pulse racing. Comes across a bit Blofeld-lite: (I Can’t Believe it’s not Blofeld!) Spectre were supposed to...
And so we arrive at the best Epic Bond of the lot. A great big chocolate fudge sundae of a film with extra waffles and butterscotch ice cream. It begins by making a parachute iconic and cracks on from there. Boasts a henchman, car and girl to rival Goldfinger, and a villainous scheme even more deranged than You Only Live Twice. Nuclear Armageddon meets Finding Nemo – what’s not to like? Hops around the globe without losing its direction. Never once stops trying to please the audience. Never fails to.
The Villain: Overshadowed by his henchman. Stromberg isn’t a terrible antagonist but he hardly sets the pulse racing. Comes across a bit Blofeld-lite: (I Can’t Believe it’s not Blofeld!) Spectre were supposed to...
- 4/12/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
IMAX, Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment today announced that Spectre, the twenty-fourth installment in the James Bond franchise, will be released in IMAX theatres globally on November 6, 2015.
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind Spectre.
Cue Monty Norman’s 007’s theme song and watch the first trailer now.
Sam Mendes returns to direct Spectre, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time.
Joining Craig are returning cast members Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw as Q, along with a new cast, including Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux.
Spectre is produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, from...
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind Spectre.
Cue Monty Norman’s 007’s theme song and watch the first trailer now.
Sam Mendes returns to direct Spectre, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time.
Joining Craig are returning cast members Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw as Q, along with a new cast, including Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux.
Spectre is produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, from...
- 3/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Max Williams Oct 5, 2019
Dr. No was the first James Bond movie, and it's so good that it kicked off an international phenomenon.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
The Film: Where else could we start? This is the one that started it all. The film that paved the way for a global phenomenon. How?
By being very good. Dr. No includes most classic James Bond elements while remaining grounded in reality (relatively speaking). It's not the best Bond, but certainly a contender for top five. Perhaps a little slow for those raised on a diet of Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Everyone else is in for a treat.
A good drinking game: take a shot every time the film visually turns into a Stella Artois advert. It'll hurt.
The Villain: Silly name, weird disability, exotic lair – Dr. No scores high in baddie-bingo. It pioneers the rich villainous tradition of cooking Bond dinner,...
Dr. No was the first James Bond movie, and it's so good that it kicked off an international phenomenon.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
The Film: Where else could we start? This is the one that started it all. The film that paved the way for a global phenomenon. How?
By being very good. Dr. No includes most classic James Bond elements while remaining grounded in reality (relatively speaking). It's not the best Bond, but certainly a contender for top five. Perhaps a little slow for those raised on a diet of Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Everyone else is in for a treat.
A good drinking game: take a shot every time the film visually turns into a Stella Artois advert. It'll hurt.
The Villain: Silly name, weird disability, exotic lair – Dr. No scores high in baddie-bingo. It pioneers the rich villainous tradition of cooking Bond dinner,...
- 2/9/2015
- Den of Geek
The huge level of hype surrounding movie trailers doesn't seem like it's going to subside anytime soon. "First looks" and teaser premieres seem to have more currency in film fandom than the actual movies themselves these days.
With the big unveiling of the Jurassic World teaser this week and the incoming promo for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Digital Spy has decided to look back through the archives to see how the art of cutting a trailer has changed over the years.
1. Star Wars
"Somewhere in space... this may all be happening right now!" This opening voiceover doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "a galaxy far, far away", and without the John Williams score or polished sound mix it just doesn't really feel like Star Wars at all. Still, this first-ever trailer didn't put off audiences from seeing the finished film in the summer of 1977.
2. Jurassic Park...
With the big unveiling of the Jurassic World teaser this week and the incoming promo for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Digital Spy has decided to look back through the archives to see how the art of cutting a trailer has changed over the years.
1. Star Wars
"Somewhere in space... this may all be happening right now!" This opening voiceover doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "a galaxy far, far away", and without the John Williams score or polished sound mix it just doesn't really feel like Star Wars at all. Still, this first-ever trailer didn't put off audiences from seeing the finished film in the summer of 1977.
2. Jurassic Park...
- 11/27/2014
- Digital Spy
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