Bluffer’s Guide To... James Bond

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A FILM BY ALLA KOVGAN

James Bond BLUFFER’S GUIDE TO...

It’s been five years since Ian Fleming’s creation was last on the big screen, so it’s time for an MI6-style briefing on all things James Bond...

So, who is this 007 anyway? You’re kidding.

Yeah. Big fan. I assume he has returned? Indeedhe has. No Time To Die, the 25th big-screenouting for the legendary super-spy (andthe fifthwithDanielCraig inthe tux), hits cinemas on2 April.

So this crazy idea of turning Ian Fleming’s novels into blockbuster films has turned out to be a winner then? Youcouldsay that. Over the course of 24 films –starting withDr. No in1962 –the Bondfilms have made more than $16 billion, adjustedfor inflation, atthe globalboxoffice. The biggestmoneymaker was Skyfall, Craig’s thirdinthe role, which made $1.2 billionin2012.

So he’s a universally loved character? Notquite. “Animperialistandamisogynist andhe laughs atkilling people, andhe sits there slugging martinis,” was MattDamon’s assessmentbackin2016.

Casino Royale 2006

Live And Let Die 1973

Goldfinger 1964

That’s a bit harsh. Well,DamonwaspromotingaBournefilm atthetime.

What did Ian Fleming think of the films? Sadly Fleming only livedto see three of Bond’s big-screenoutings, butperhaps this was ablessing indisguise. “Dreadful, simply dreadful,” is reportedto have beenhis verdictonDr. No.

What’s his enduring appeal? Sex, violence andbooze. Pierce Brosnan is the deadliestBond, having killed135 unfortunate goons over four films. Roger Moore is the sexiest007, statistically speaking, with17 romantic conquests over sevenfilms, butDanielCraig is the booziest Bond, having downed85 units ofalcohol over his currentfour films.

We thought Craig said he’d never do another. He did. “I’drather breakthis glass andslash my wrists. I’mover itatthe moment. We’re done. AllI wantto do is move on,” he told Time Outin2015.

So why the change of heart? Craig feltthere was unfinishedbusiness hanging over the character. “I thinkI was ready to go,” he told Empiremagazine. “But somehow itfeltlike we neededto finish something off. IfI’dleftitatSpectre, something atthe backofmy headwould have beengoing, ‘I wishI’ddone one more.’”

Who’s the best Bond? UntilCraig tookover the role, there was only one answer, anditwas, obviously, Sean Connery, butCraig’s gritty, psychologically more complextake onthe role has rapidly establishedhimfor many as theprimo double-0.EvenRogerMoorethrewhis weightbehindCraig. He wrote, “Youbelieve he is akiller, youbelieve he’dwinafight, but there’s also aslightvulnerability thatbrings anaddedrealism.”