At last, a new Bond. Timothy Dalton immediately brings the series back to Earth. His
Bond is grittier, darker agent. This is the Bond of the novels. Looking at this film and
the previous one is like looking at night and day. If AVTAK was a cartoon, this is hard
edged reality.
Dalton's Bond smokes, his tie isn't perfectly tied, but he still
knows his food, beverage, women and how to get the job done.
After yet another repeated view of the film, I just appreciate it
more and more. I can see the Bond of the (Fleming) novels as Timothy Dalton.
His deliberate double takes are priceless.
TLD as a movie is a logical extension of the short story, as far as
I'm concerned. It is more of a spy movie than the science fiction type stories of
the '70's and the Moore era in particular. This James Bond actually appears to be
falling for Kara, someone who is strong, yet obviously is very vunerable. Kara is
along for the ride, as she is looking for Georgi, for different reasons than Bond is.
This film follows the Formula, but
doesn't adhere so strictly to it that it becomes predictable and a self-parody.
Also welcome was the first EON appearance of Felix Leiter in 14
years.
A great movie for Bond purists.
Trivia
Timothy Dalton was
originally offered the role of 007 in 1968 for OHMSS
Pierce Brosnan was slated to
play 007 for this film until NBC renewed Remington Steele
Timothy Dalton did most of
his own stunts, unlike Roger Moore in his last few Bond efforts
Joe Don Baker, known for
Walking Tall movies, went on to play Jack Wade in Brosnan's first two Bond efforts
The End of The Living
Daylights
James Bond Will Return in
Licence To Kill
