Whenever I read or watch Bond, I think of the quote that Churchill said about such a man. "We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."
To me, Roger Moore is the ultimate impersonation of a Bond. specially for its humour ish approach to the whole character, reactions to situations and being impossibly impecably dressed in every situation.
I loved the talk around 17min regarding working class and coming home, dressing up well, having the confidence going to a nice bar and feeling like you are worthy.
You can be a bricklayer AND a gentleman. Don't forget that nobility are simply the descendants of warriors; that is glorified killers and raiders that won the "war".
Becoming the actor who plays James Bond is like being Darryl Winfield, the most famous cowboy in the world and at one time featured in advertising around the world, he was THE Marlboro Man. People in every country in the world knew his image in the day.
Been a fan of Bond, James Bond all my life but It was Skyfall that really got me into dressing better casually (not just for special occasions), ie transitioning at the age of 30 from wearing casual clothing like trainers, cargo trousers, hoodies every day to Brown Brogues, tucked in shirts, sports jackets, not only that, got in shape, got regular haircuts, splashed a bit of aftershave every day. I think it started with the Scotland part of Skyfall where I , wanted to know more about that Wax jacket, the Watch and the Boots, I wonder if I can buy items that are similar? With a bit of research, I got those 3 similar items, it started the ball rolling into taking a little something from every film, like for example the V-Neck Slazenger Jumper in Goldfinger. I love the part of the video (@21:00 ish) where you touched up having Bond like adventures, or Bond moments no matter your background or problems in life. You dust yourself off, keep going forward, enjoy the adventure on the way. Sure, I can't afford that Aston Martin, High end Omega and that Tom Ford Tailored suit but I can get something that feels just as Bond like with Items that are much more obtainable to get that Bond moment, it just requires effort and belief.
A brilliant breakdown of Bond! (Alliteration completely intentional) He is supremely confident and courageous, phenomenally skilled, purpose-driven and mission-oriented, has dashing good looks and is always dressed properly for any occasion and looks like a million bucks while doing it. We all wish we could be James Bond, but he is a fictional character and alas we are but mortal men. However, we can strive to incorporate aspects of James Bond into our lives, not to become a skilled but flawed assassin but to become better versions of ourselves. That’s what this channel is all about, right? It’s to help us be better versions of ourselves, and who better than everyone’s favorite British secret agent to help us do that. Thanks, Ash.
Enjoyed this. One thing to point out, you say 'he has never been able to speak another language' but in the film You Only Live Twice, when Bond is about to leave Moneypenny's office, Moneypenny throws a book 'Instant Japanese' to Bond, and says "Instant Japanese. You may need it." Bond's response "You forget, I took a first in oriental languages at Cambridge" and returns the book.
Wonderful video. My favorite is still the original, Sean Connery. I remember in Army Basic Training when we were taken out for a run (double time, actually) and the DIs kept at us to keep going. Most of us hit what we thought were our limits and wanted to stop. What we discovered was that even on this simple level we could keep going, that we had greatly underestimated our capabilities. It is a lesson I have never forgotten. My limits, physical, mental or emotional, are much greater than I fear. And when I have reached for them and succeeded, I have achieved things that amaze me.
Hi Ash, As you are mentioning two sides of a personality and how to integrate it into your life, I can highly recommend watching The American. Somehow it perfectly depicts a man who is a Killer, but has emotions, a man who pretends to be an ordinary civilian who is not good with machines while, in fact, can build formidable weapons for his clients. Romantic, tragic, lost and stylish 🎉😎
Sean Connery was my interdiction to the Bond genre. I always liked his style his attitude and his humor. I wholeheartedly agree with you about having two aspects to your I always did I also seen it with my father and both my grandfather's. But my dad and his father both worked in machine trades making good money but getting very dirty at work. But they always came home and rest and nice. I have seen my dad and his father in work clothes and in tuxedos going to a ball. This always showed me that I could also be very diverse. I have pictures of my father in the 50s and even at times when he was participating in his hobbies still wore a tie. So I try to carry on their legacy. I always remember when I was a kid in the sixties my friend's mother took us to lunch at a fine restaurant and both of us put on our blazers and ties and thought we were James Bond.😂. Great advice as usual Ash keep up the good work. Best regards Ron
I've always believed the enormous popularity of James Bond in the USA is because of the incongruity between a British gentlemen and a trained killer -- it made many middle class men believe they could be superheroes, in the same way "dual identities" of most superheroes are attractive to young people because they wish to lead a double life where they are strong, popular, and invincible
First! Here goes. Bond in the books is more complex because he IS literary. You see the world through his eyes: he’s a rather cynical, mildly manic-depressive loner whose highest goal is to live long enough to retire early, but with a few shreds of chivalry left in him when called for. In effect, sort of a British Philip Marlowe - not surprising, since as it happens, Fleming and Raymond Chandler were buddies. Timothy Dalton always struck me as by far the closest, both because of his looks and the scripts. Bond was NOT a flashy dresser - his job required him to be inconspicuous. Dalton always dressed as if whatever he wore was what came to hand that morning - casually cool. I suspect this was deliberate!
@@Nightdiver20 I agree. The width Brosnan the one thing I really did not like about him is the way he prepared for the role. B as far as I’m aware is the only actor to play the character who actually refuse to read any of Ian Fleming to work before taking on the part. So, instead, he just copied with the other actors did. He makes a great cinematic bond, but he is by far the least accurate version of Ian Fleming‘s character. Even Roger Moore Hills take on the character was much more comedic still led Flemings work, influence his portrayal of the character, particularly the passage in Goldfinger, were bottom, mentions that he really does not like killing people.
Yes I see it’s about service for James Bond. I remember the scene in the movie “Skyfall” where Javier Bardem berates James Bond about “The Empire”, “The Queen” and MI6. while Bond is tied the a chair. But then Bond sarcastically reminds Bardem “you forgot about my pathetic love of country”. A true James Bond value! 👍
Great video! There are many real historical characters, who have shown a “Bond” approach to life. Nelson, Wellington, Shackleton, T E Lawrence, for example. They were all second order thinkers, who through careful preparation were able to be highly action oriented. They were people who took the first step, rather than reacting to events. Being the first mover in any situation, gives you the huge advantage of surprise, as the counterparty is usually unprepared for the changed situations that you create.
I loved the recollection of your dad taking you to see Bond. I’ll never forget being eight years old and my father taking me to see License To Kill ( I learned something very important about myself 🏹). I was hooked from that day forward. I may be crucified for this but Timothy Dalton still remains my favorite Bond (Roger Moore a close 2nd). BTW… That jacket is gorgeous! The texture screams elegance👊
Fascinating. I started to read Bond a few years ago when I picked up a second hand copy of The James Bond Omnibus (which included a new story, Colonel Sun, written by ‘Robert Markham’. - actually Kingsley Amis). As you say, the films are different and, for my money, less entertaining than the novels because they miss the darker side of Bond’s character. 😊
Thank you for presenting this video. I enjoyed the Bond movies, but have never read any of the novels. My favorite government agent was Jack Higgins's Sean Dillon. A round character who was more of an antihero (reformed IRA gunman) and anti-Bond. I always hoped he would have a successful film franchise.
Another fantastic video, sir! Personally always striving for the Bond lifestyle and mindset to grit and determination regardless of the potential outcomes.
That bond double bill was in 1978. At 15 then went back to the Odeon cinema a few times to see them. I managed to get the poster from the Odeon. Great memories.
Very nice video! I love that you also tackled his personal flaws, there aren't that many videos regarding the Bond character that include that and I feel it is a supremely important part of him when speaking realistically.
I notice your dinner jacket has a shawl collar, Bond always had a dinner jacket with a notched collar. No mention of the Walther PPK also, but a really entertaining overview of Bond.
Hi Ash. Your James Bond attributes towards life is certainly to the point. I agree entirely on your thoughts on the literary James Bond. I would recommend to anyone. That the James Bond books are much more superior. They run in a different order, & bear no relation to the films. They would certainly raise a few eyebrows with James Bonds language & thoughts. Ian Fleming was a genius. The books to me are like a Time Machine. The fashion of the period. The style & James Bonds approach to life.
I like early movie Bond and literary Bond as well, but they are different. Literary Bond wears short sleeve shirts and loafers with suits, "hates shoelaces", lol. Early film Bond looked nearly perfect at all times, and that's a pretty great incarnation, too. Connery is my favorite film Bond, but I always admired how Roger Moore altered the character to match his (too) handsome face (for Bond who is more "rugged") and pulled it off beautifully past middle age.
Hi Ash, I do not know if you aware of this kind of entertainment, mainly films and TV, but for lack of a better term, they're called "vibe" films and shows. The most well-known are the Bond films, Miami Vice (show and film), and Christopher Nolan films like Tenet. The commonality is they feature protagonist(s) (In case of Tenet, he's just named 'Protagonist') who are dark, brooding, highly skilled professional men of danger: spies, undercover cops, agents, the like, who go about the job and the whole story is just following them doing the job and there's little to no personal insight or exploration of their character. Every interaction, relationship, and connection is only for the purposes of accomplishing the mission. The protagonist may have relations with a woman but almost never end the film in any kind of long term relationship with her. The protagonists all have a tragic air to them, where they're fated to either never have a personal relationship or lose the person with whom they had a relationship.
Very much enjoyed your comments and tribute to perhaps the most charismatic and masculine characters of the 20th and 21rst centuries. "Bond, James Bond", still says it all. It's about that time for a vodka martini, don't you think? Cheers!
Great video, Ash. I'll have to admit like many a school kid, I fell in love with the Bond movies and later the books. Shortly later in life, I discovered Le Carre and realized that was the gritty realism of intelligence work, and Bond was a fantasy. To my eye, the late 70s BBC miniseries of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Smiley's People" are the greatest cinematic representations of intelligence work ever filmed. Now all that being said, I've rediscovered Bond during the Craig years and have come to appreciate the entire canon on its own merits. And to be fair, I've never gravitated to a shirtmaker, polo shirt or shoe and bootmaker based on the knowledge that this is what George Smiley wore. Le Carre will always be the gold standard for intelligence fiction, yet there is also a place for Fleming.
"I've never gravitated to a shirtmaker, polo shirt or shoe and bootmaker based on the knowledge that this is what George Smiley wore." Thanks for the laugh of the day!
Purchased in the early 90's when I was at a military base in Germany that was closing post cold war and they sold off their entire library for pennies - I bought the entire Bond collection for under £10.
Excellent presentation of the Bond character! But how could you miss Timothy Dalton, the Welsh Bond? After reading all the books I feel that Dalton came closest to the Ian Fleming book Bond. Most of the actors did their version of James Bond, Dalton did Fleming's version.
Great video, Ash. I was never into James Bond but you succinctly gave a nice overview of his history. When I was a kid in the 1960s, I enjoyed the Batman character. He became an underground crime fighter after the murder of his parents, and spent his life mastering science, languages, and other topics to enhance his forensic ability to combat crime. The TV show in the 1960s staring Adam West featured the depiction of computers on par with the AI technology of today. He also had a car powered by an atomic stockpile. Even though the show had a campy humor to it (a good feature), I was enamored with the futuristic aspect of the show. Moreover the sartorial elegance of Bruce Wayne in the 1960s influenced my sense of style.
Good evening Ash This was worth the wait, for certain. Bond, the ultimate chap. Moore too was my Bond growing up. Connery was uber-smooth and Lazenby uber-posh. Subsequent bonds had their own attributes, but remained stylish. We all have skills we can turn to, that we have developed through life which we too can bring to our character. As you say, you have only been in working class occupations, this is not a barrier in the modern world. I'm sure you acquired a certain set of skills (I'm not thinking Taken) through your life that JB would also have. I too have learnt to Rock climb, Mountaineer, Skydive, ski, shoot, drive (a whole range of vehicles), move in social circles above my perceived position, I am a trained engineer and I wear a Kilt in the manner of GL in OHMSS. Following on from this, what about a discussion on "Chap" films (movies, for those on t'other side of the Pond)? *salutes
I have read about 6 James James Bond novels by Ian Fleming.(So far.) And I was surprised at how different (and in my opinion more human) Bond is in the books. He makes mistakes. He knows fear. He drinks and smokes way too much. Personally, I prefer the Fleming Baond over the movies one.
I'll have to check out the books, but big fan of the original movies. I didn't enjoy the newer ones where the enemy is his own side. I never thought of him as a "monster" just as I wouldn't any special forces today. He kills those who need killing. There is a lot more monsters in the world that abuse children, kidnap people, torture people for fun or profit, etc. I look forward to reading about a less perfect, more haunted Bond.
Hello, I'm new to the channel here. I too used to collect & read all of the J.B. novels. Based upon your description of 007 it reminds me of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Fire & ice. Great video, very informative. Cheers.
Very astute observations on 007 Ash, and somewhat brave in the face of a more politically correct age. As a youth in the 60s and early 70s I found Bond to be a bit stuffy and hidebound. It's not until the 80s that I began to appreciate the look and demeanour of the character. I guess I had to reach thirty myself before I left the trendy world of my youth behind. Nowadays I notice the impeccable style of the shirt, cuffs and shoes as he swaggers into a casino or cocktail bar.
Thoughtful and well-considered. Masterfully delivered. BUT... Can we imagine Bond as a mature (50+) Chap? And, philosophically, can a stone, brutal killer BE a chap? ;-) Next edition, please!
Good with fighting, guns und cars takes professional training. I know a former Feldjäger (German MP), who had lot of these skills to act like Bond. I can't do that, even if i try. For certain reasons i don't do alcohol and drugs. Having success with women usually has nothing to do with being drunk. As an average guy vou do not want to attract that toxic killer lady.
Poshers are useful to the chap. The Royals for splashing their warrants over the best goods and Bond, because I think Bond was Fleming's fantasy of himself... and Fleming was a top tier posher... Grandad owned a bank, sold on for billions if i remember right, mummy was on first name terms with Churchill... rang him to get her playboy of a son a nice top job at the Admiralty during the war. Fleming was familiar with best things and he used it in the books.. we can read them and pinch the info..... from little scarlet jam to Coopers marmalade for breakfast... washed down with two cups of coffee from the design icon that is the Chemex coffee device. Add one boiled egg in a royal blue egg cup and you've started the day the Bond way. Fleming admitted to 'product placement' to make Bond real.
3:17 A Safari jacket and a revolver. The mark of a true gentleman. None of yer poxie semi-autos! Only low marks for gun safety, though. Finger on the trigger. Terribly bad form, I’m afraid, Mr. Bond.
Jimmy Bondy. A Navy Seal in suits if you ask me. You forgot to mention his parajumps. Usually without a rig. Cheers mate. Ps.: I like his approach on safety though, strangely enaugh he forgets not to put on a helmet when needed. You Only Live Twice, Thunderball and of course Tomorrow Never Dies. SAFETY first!
Have you thought what 007 would be doing today, if he was A real person? As per uk government policy, he would be fighting against the russians in ukraine. To me that makes him the bad guy.
Bond is an impossible character. Narcissist and arrogant. Knows absolutely everything from skiing like a pro to scuba diving like a gold diver. Never scared in any situation and in every risk taken successful. In the biggest fights emerges the winner without a single scratch and without a blemish or crease on his suit or attire (eventually a spec of dust that he nonchalantly claps off) . Never out of air. IMPOSSIBLE and that always disturbed me. However his coolness is attractive (he is taking advantage of it with the woman who he looks as mere sexual objects and ways to arrive to his mission goals). Definetly the most famous one was portrayed by Sean Connery followed by Roger Moore but to me I would say Pierce Brosnan wears his clothes most elegantly maybe because least arrogantly. BTW you wear your black-tie ensemble like myself. A shawl collar one and with no studs. Studs are nice but way overused. Avoiding studs gives that little difference and personality.
A really great pair of films that parodied Bond's perfection were the two "Flint" films with James Colburn. Flint teaches dance to the Bolshoi Ballet, has won the Nobel Peace prize, and can speak with dolphins, is a yoga master who can live without oxygen, lives with his four girlfriends complete with a set of his and hers, hers, hers, hers towels in the bathroom, and refuses CIA issued equipment because his small lighter of his own invention contains 87 functional weapons and devices. 😂 Hilarious.
@@Nunyobidne55 Craig’s bond isn’t bond. Connery & Moore’s bond was about shooting bad guys, cool gadgets, smoking. shagging beautiful women, eccentric henchmen. Nowadays women can’t be bad, he rarely if ever gets a shag, no black characters can be bad, he wears suits that are too tight. Bond has just become a run of the mill actioner too much like Bourne and Ethan. Not uniquely bond anymore. It’s Woke Bond
@@Nunyobidne55 luckily we’ve still got lots of great bond films from the past. Goldfinger is probably my fave. I have a real affinity for a view to a kill as well.
I feel as thought now they will butcher the character of James Bond now sir. Also sir they are definitely taking his flaws to the next level in the latest installment, almost emasculated now in favor of........ I'll just stop there, sorry sir.
Whenever I read or watch Bond, I think of the quote that Churchill said about such a man. "We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us."
To me, Roger Moore is the ultimate impersonation of a Bond. specially for its humour ish approach to the whole character, reactions to situations and being impossibly impecably dressed in every situation.
I loved the talk around 17min regarding working class and coming home, dressing up well, having the confidence going to a nice bar and feeling like you are worthy.
I agree - it was so good to hear that!
You can be a bricklayer AND a gentleman.
Don't forget that nobility are simply the descendants of warriors; that is glorified killers and raiders that won the "war".
...a category that I slot into perfectly!
Becoming the actor who plays James Bond is like being Darryl Winfield, the most famous cowboy in the world and at one time featured in advertising around the world, he was THE Marlboro Man. People in every country in the world knew his image in the day.
Been a fan of Bond, James Bond all my life but It was Skyfall that really got me into dressing better casually (not just for special occasions), ie transitioning at the age of 30 from wearing casual clothing like trainers, cargo trousers, hoodies every day to Brown Brogues, tucked in shirts, sports jackets, not only that, got in shape, got regular haircuts, splashed a bit of aftershave every day. I think it started with the Scotland part of Skyfall where I , wanted to know more about that Wax jacket, the Watch and the Boots, I wonder if I can buy items that are similar? With a bit of research, I got those 3 similar items, it started the ball rolling into taking a little something from every film, like for example the V-Neck Slazenger Jumper in Goldfinger. I love the part of the video (@21:00 ish) where you touched up having Bond like adventures, or Bond moments no matter your background or problems in life. You dust yourself off, keep going forward, enjoy the adventure on the way. Sure, I can't afford that Aston Martin, High end Omega and that Tom Ford Tailored suit but I can get something that feels just as Bond like with Items that are much more obtainable to get that Bond moment, it just requires effort and belief.
Very clever 😂
A brilliant breakdown of Bond! (Alliteration completely intentional) He is supremely confident and courageous, phenomenally skilled, purpose-driven and mission-oriented, has dashing good looks and is always dressed properly for any occasion and looks like a million bucks while doing it. We all wish we could be James Bond, but he is a fictional character and alas we are but mortal men. However, we can strive to incorporate aspects of James Bond into our lives, not to become a skilled but flawed assassin but to become better versions of ourselves. That’s what this channel is all about, right? It’s to help us be better versions of ourselves, and who better than everyone’s favorite British secret agent to help us do that. Thanks, Ash.
I love how Ash points out that Bond is a ruthless assassin, so many people miss that about this character.
Enjoyed this. One thing to point out, you say 'he has never been able to speak another language' but in the film You Only Live Twice, when Bond is about to leave Moneypenny's office, Moneypenny throws a book 'Instant Japanese' to Bond, and says "Instant Japanese. You may need it." Bond's response "You forget, I took a first in oriental languages at Cambridge" and returns the book.
You're right, and in the book On Her Majesty's Secret Service he comprehends and speaks fluent German at Piz Gloria.
Wonderful video. My favorite is still the original, Sean Connery. I remember in Army Basic Training when we were taken out for a run (double time, actually) and the DIs kept at us to keep going. Most of us hit what we thought were our limits and wanted to stop. What we discovered was that even on this simple level we could keep going, that we had greatly underestimated our capabilities. It is a lesson I have never forgotten. My limits, physical, mental or emotional, are much greater than I fear. And when I have reached for them and succeeded, I have achieved things that amaze me.
Hi Ash, As you are mentioning two sides of a personality and how to integrate it into your life, I can highly recommend watching The American. Somehow it perfectly depicts a man who is a Killer, but has emotions, a man who pretends to be an ordinary civilian who is not good with machines while, in fact, can build formidable weapons for his clients. Romantic, tragic, lost and stylish 🎉😎
Sean Connery was my interdiction to the Bond genre. I always liked his style his attitude and his humor. I wholeheartedly agree with you about having two aspects to your I always did I also seen it with my father and both my grandfather's. But my dad and his father both worked in machine trades making good money but getting very dirty at work. But they always came home and rest and nice. I have seen my dad and his father in work clothes and in tuxedos going to a ball. This always showed me that I could also be very diverse. I have pictures of my father in the 50s and even at times when he was participating in his hobbies still wore a tie. So I try to carry on their legacy. I always remember when I was a kid in the sixties my friend's mother took us to lunch at a fine restaurant and both of us put on our blazers and ties and thought we were James Bond.😂. Great advice as usual Ash keep up the good work. Best regards Ron
I've always believed the enormous popularity of James Bond in the USA is because of the incongruity between a British gentlemen and a trained killer -- it made many middle class men believe they could be superheroes, in the same way "dual identities" of most superheroes are attractive to young people because they wish to lead a double life where they are strong, popular, and invincible
First! Here goes. Bond in the books is more complex because he IS literary. You see the world through his eyes: he’s a rather cynical, mildly manic-depressive loner whose highest goal is to live long enough to retire early, but with a few shreds of chivalry left in him when called for. In effect, sort of a British Philip Marlowe - not surprising, since as it happens, Fleming and Raymond Chandler were buddies. Timothy Dalton always struck me as by far the closest, both because of his looks and the scripts. Bond was NOT a flashy dresser - his job required him to be inconspicuous. Dalton always dressed as if whatever he wore was what came to hand that morning - casually cool. I suspect this was deliberate!
Agreed. I've heard he referred back to the books frequently during shooting and it definitely shows
@@Nightdiver20 he’s also the only James Bond actor to have read every single one of Flemings work before taking the part
@@warrenrhinerson6373 indeed. I wish he'd done more than 2 films. Brosnan was great, but I'm curious to see what Dalton could have done with more time
@@Nightdiver20 I agree. The width Brosnan the one thing I really did not like about him is the way he prepared for the role. B as far as I’m aware is the only actor to play the character who actually refuse to read any of Ian Fleming to work before taking on the part. So, instead, he just copied with the other actors did. He makes a great cinematic bond, but he is by far the least accurate version of Ian Fleming‘s character. Even Roger Moore Hills take on the character was much more comedic still led Flemings work, influence his portrayal of the character, particularly the passage in Goldfinger, were bottom, mentions that he really does not like killing people.
@@warrenrhinerson6373 connery and Craig have both read the Fleming pulps
Yes I see it’s about service for James Bond. I remember the scene in the movie “Skyfall” where Javier Bardem berates James Bond about “The Empire”, “The Queen” and MI6. while Bond is tied the a chair. But then Bond sarcastically reminds Bardem “you forgot about my pathetic love of country”. A true James Bond value! 👍
Patriotism has become a dirty word these days - but it still stands tall in my lexicon of life!
@@TheChapsGuide absolutely! As a retired American army sergeant of 20 years it is a hallmark of my values as well.
My favorite video by you so far! I’m new but happy to become a part of this community.
Great video! There are many real historical characters, who have shown a “Bond” approach to life. Nelson, Wellington, Shackleton, T E Lawrence, for example. They were all second order thinkers, who through careful preparation were able to be highly action oriented. They were people who took the first step, rather than reacting to events. Being the first mover in any situation, gives you the huge advantage of surprise, as the counterparty is usually unprepared for the changed situations that you create.
You seem part-Bond yourself sir with those great insights. Bravo, you inspired my thinking today.
I loved the recollection of your dad taking you to see Bond. I’ll never forget being eight years old and my father taking me to see License To Kill ( I learned something very important about myself 🏹). I was hooked from that day forward. I may be crucified for this but Timothy Dalton still remains my favorite Bond (Roger Moore a close 2nd).
BTW… That jacket is gorgeous! The texture screams elegance👊
Bond is a world of conversation and interest for me. I could squeeze a whole channel out of that topic.
Fascinating. I started to read Bond a few years ago when I picked up a second hand copy of The James Bond Omnibus (which included a new story, Colonel Sun, written by ‘Robert Markham’. - actually Kingsley Amis). As you say, the films are different and, for my money, less entertaining than the novels because they miss the darker side of Bond’s character.
😊
Absolutely.
I loved the Ian Fleming books. Read every one.
Thank you for presenting this video. I enjoyed the Bond movies, but have never read any of the novels. My favorite government agent was Jack Higgins's Sean Dillon. A round character who was more of an antihero (reformed IRA gunman) and anti-Bond. I always hoped he would have a successful film franchise.
Another fantastic video, sir! Personally always striving for the Bond lifestyle and mindset to grit and determination regardless of the potential outcomes.
That bond double bill was in 1978.
At 15 then went back to the Odeon cinema a few times to see them.
I managed to get the poster from the Odeon.
Great memories.
Very nice video! I love that you also tackled his personal flaws, there aren't that many videos regarding the Bond character that include that and I feel it is a supremely important part of him when speaking realistically.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m a working class correctional officer but learning I can still be a gentleman and be sophisticated as a want outside work. Why limit yourself.
I notice your dinner jacket has a shawl collar, Bond always had a dinner jacket with a notched collar. No mention of the Walther PPK also, but a really entertaining overview of Bond.
Hi Ash.
Your James Bond attributes towards life is certainly to the point.
I agree entirely on your thoughts on the literary James Bond.
I would recommend to anyone. That the James Bond books are much more superior. They run in a different order, & bear no relation to the films. They would certainly raise a few eyebrows with James Bonds language & thoughts. Ian Fleming was a genius.
The books to me are like a
Time Machine. The fashion of the period. The style & James Bonds approach to life.
Absolutely agree. The books are far better than the movies
Great video. I’m very much encouraged to read the book Bond!
I like early movie Bond and literary Bond as well, but they are different. Literary Bond wears short sleeve shirts and loafers with suits, "hates shoelaces", lol. Early film Bond looked nearly perfect at all times, and that's a pretty great incarnation, too. Connery is my favorite film Bond, but I always admired how Roger Moore altered the character to match his (too) handsome face (for Bond who is more "rugged") and pulled it off beautifully past middle age.
Some of Sir Roger Moore's items are coming up for sale at Bonhams on the 5th Oct
My Favorite 007s are Sean Connery, Roger Moore & Pierce Brosnan.
Hi Ash, I do not know if you aware of this kind of entertainment, mainly films and TV, but for lack of a better term, they're called "vibe" films and shows. The most well-known are the Bond films, Miami Vice (show and film), and Christopher Nolan films like Tenet. The commonality is they feature protagonist(s) (In case of Tenet, he's just named 'Protagonist') who are dark, brooding, highly skilled professional men of danger: spies, undercover cops, agents, the like, who go about the job and the whole story is just following them doing the job and there's little to no personal insight or exploration of their character. Every interaction, relationship, and connection is only for the purposes of accomplishing the mission. The protagonist may have relations with a woman but almost never end the film in any kind of long term relationship with her. The protagonists all have a tragic air to them, where they're fated to either never have a personal relationship or lose the person with whom they had a relationship.
Well said, start to finish. Bravo, sir.
Ash, you look like a million bucks! Have a good weekend.
Very much enjoyed your comments and tribute to perhaps the most charismatic and masculine characters of the 20th and 21rst centuries. "Bond, James Bond", still says it all. It's about that time for a vodka martini, don't you think? Cheers!
Top work, Ash. Confidence is all. x
Cheers Mike!
Spot on!
You enjoyed that Ash. Very polished and smooth even shall we say ( shaken but not stirred ) Enjoyed it one of your best
Great video, Ash. I'll have to admit like many a school kid, I fell in love with the Bond movies and later the books. Shortly later in life, I discovered Le Carre and realized that was the gritty realism of intelligence work, and Bond was a fantasy. To my eye, the late 70s BBC miniseries of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Smiley's People" are the greatest cinematic representations of intelligence work ever filmed. Now all that being said, I've rediscovered Bond during the Craig years and have come to appreciate the entire canon on its own merits. And to be fair, I've never gravitated to a shirtmaker, polo shirt or shoe and bootmaker based on the knowledge that this is what George Smiley wore. Le Carre will always be the gold standard for intelligence fiction, yet there is also a place for Fleming.
"I've never gravitated to a shirtmaker, polo shirt or shoe and bootmaker based on the knowledge that this is what George Smiley wore."
Thanks for the laugh of the day!
Where did you get the Bond books?
Purchased in the early 90's when I was at a military base in Germany that was closing post cold war and they sold off their entire library for pennies - I bought the entire Bond collection for under £10.
James Bond superpowers: rich and very good looking! ;)
Excellent presentation of the Bond character! But how could you miss Timothy Dalton, the Welsh Bond? After reading all the books I feel that Dalton came closest to the Ian Fleming book Bond. Most of the actors did their version of James Bond, Dalton did Fleming's version.
I agree 100%. Those films weren’t the best, but he was the closest to Fleming’s character.
Sean Connery is definitive Bond…. However he’ll always be primarily Dr Henry Jones Sr. to me! 😂
"It is about taking the risk yourself". Sir, with your permit, i shall make your sentence mine .
Great video, Ash. I was never into James Bond but you succinctly gave a nice overview of his history. When I was a kid in the 1960s, I enjoyed the Batman character. He became an underground crime fighter after the murder of his parents, and spent his life mastering science, languages, and other topics to enhance his forensic ability to combat crime. The TV show in the 1960s staring Adam West featured the depiction of computers on par with the AI technology of today. He also had a car powered by an atomic stockpile. Even though the show had a campy humor to it (a good feature), I was enamored with the futuristic aspect of the show. Moreover the sartorial elegance of Bruce Wayne in the 1960s influenced my sense of style.
And he's got that license. The shoulder holster is a very smart accessory. Deliciously dreadful! 😅 Cheers.
Good evening Ash
This was worth the wait, for certain.
Bond, the ultimate chap. Moore too was my Bond growing up. Connery was uber-smooth and Lazenby uber-posh. Subsequent bonds had their own attributes, but remained stylish.
We all have skills we can turn to, that we have developed through life which we too can bring to our character. As you say, you have only been in working class occupations, this is not a barrier in the modern world. I'm sure you acquired a certain set of skills (I'm not thinking Taken) through your life that JB would also have. I too have learnt to Rock climb, Mountaineer, Skydive, ski, shoot, drive (a whole range of vehicles), move in social circles above my perceived position, I am a trained engineer and I wear a Kilt in the manner of GL in OHMSS.
Following on from this, what about a discussion on "Chap" films (movies, for those on t'other side of the Pond)?
*salutes
What a great idea - a chap film symposium!
@@TheChapsGuide I will proffer my suggestions by electronic mail, if that meets your approval.
I have read about 6 James James Bond novels by Ian Fleming.(So far.) And I was surprised at how different (and in my opinion more human) Bond is in the books. He makes mistakes. He knows fear. He drinks and smokes way too much. Personally, I prefer the Fleming Baond over the movies one.
My sentiments exactly!!
I so enjoy ur channel,, I was an apache helicopter pilot and u are spot on! thanks!
Great video!
I grew up with Roger Moore as well- love him
I'll have to check out the books, but big fan of the original movies. I didn't enjoy the newer ones where the enemy is his own side. I never thought of him as a "monster" just as I wouldn't any special forces today. He kills those who need killing. There is a lot more monsters in the world that abuse children, kidnap people, torture people for fun or profit, etc. I look forward to reading about a less perfect, more haunted Bond.
I've always liked the suits you see in the Bond movies, John Wick, and Are you being served?
Last time I tried to imitate Bond, I was shaken...
I like the idea of you doing more James Bond videos seems right up there with yThe theme your channel
Not forgetting Blockbusters' Bob Holness who played him on radio.
Lazenby was underrated!
He really was!
If you think you are a loser, you are right, if you think you are are winner, you are right.
Very enjoyable
Glad you enjoyed it
Hello, I'm new to the channel here. I too used to collect & read all of the J.B. novels. Based upon your description of 007 it reminds me of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Fire & ice. Great video, very informative. Cheers.
Very astute observations on 007 Ash, and somewhat brave in the face of a more politically correct age. As a youth in the 60s and early 70s I found Bond to be a bit stuffy and hidebound. It's not until the 80s that I began to appreciate the look and demeanour of the character. I guess I had to reach thirty myself before I left the trendy world of my youth behind. Nowadays I notice the impeccable style of the shirt, cuffs and shoes as he swaggers into a casino or cocktail bar.
You look brilliant Ash.
Oh thank you!
As Ian Fleming once said 'Never say never to adventure' and to his long time childhood friend Ivar Bryce "Fail not" !
Hard to fail when grampa owns a bank!!
@@MrBurtonshaw And a wealthy mother and great connections.....
Indeed, she was bonking Party Leaders and Augustus John@@supersonique001
I would love to see more Videos about Bond
it was said in 'You only live twice' that Bond had a 1st degree in Oriental Languages
Excellent video!
Thoughtful and well-considered. Masterfully delivered. BUT... Can we imagine Bond as a mature (50+) Chap? And, philosophically, can a stone, brutal killer BE a chap? ;-) Next edition, please!
Thanks Ash , great video
Glad you liked it!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I admire he doesn't spend money!
Thanks
Thank you sir. Much appreciated
Good with fighting, guns und cars takes professional training. I know a former Feldjäger (German MP), who had lot of these skills to act like Bond. I can't do that, even if i try. For certain reasons i don't do alcohol and drugs. Having success with women usually has nothing to do with being drunk. As an average guy vou do not want to attract that toxic killer lady.
Sean Connery is the best. That why it bond lasted so long.
I keep applying for the role of the new Bond, but apparently I am "not good looking enough, too old, and too fat". Who knew? Shaken I am. 🙂
Nice video ash. Shaken or stirred
Is that a pre-tied bow tie?
No sir - hand-tied by myself.
@@TheChapsGuide
Sir you are a dapper gent.
Hi Ash, what Watch are you wearing with your Tuxedo. Rolex Explorer according to the books or Rolex Datejust?
Rolex GMT Master II (Rootbeer).
Poshers are useful to the chap. The Royals for splashing their warrants over the best goods and Bond, because I think Bond was Fleming's fantasy of himself... and Fleming was a top tier posher... Grandad owned a bank, sold on for billions if i remember right, mummy was on first name terms with Churchill... rang him to get her playboy of a son a nice top job at the Admiralty during the war. Fleming was familiar with best things and he used it in the books.. we can read them and pinch the info..... from little scarlet jam to Coopers marmalade for breakfast... washed down with two cups of coffee from the design icon that is the Chemex coffee device. Add one boiled egg in a royal blue egg cup and you've started the day the Bond way. Fleming admitted to 'product placement' to make Bond real.
There was only 1 cool and that was Mr connery best bond
I prefer "licensed troubleshooter" to government sanctioned murderer.
I prefer "Foreign Office with the gloves off"
There must have lonely movements being james bond, sacrificing love for service of country.
Roger Moore Will always be Simon Templar to me.
You have be a Sinner before you can become Saint
3:17 A Safari jacket and a revolver. The mark of a true gentleman. None of yer poxie semi-autos!
Only low marks for gun safety, though. Finger on the trigger. Terribly bad form, I’m afraid, Mr. Bond.
Jimmy Bondy. A Navy Seal in suits if you ask me. You forgot to mention his parajumps. Usually without a rig. Cheers mate. Ps.: I like his approach on safety though, strangely enaugh he forgets not to put on a helmet when needed. You Only Live Twice, Thunderball and of course Tomorrow Never Dies. SAFETY first!
Re never speaking other languages, I think in the book it mentions he has a degree in Japanese.
I seem to remember that.... "oriental" "cambridge/oxford". are in the dusty end of my noggin?
Have you thought what 007 would be doing today, if he was A real person? As per uk government policy, he would be fighting against the russians in ukraine. To me that makes him the bad guy.
Bond is an impossible character. Narcissist and arrogant. Knows absolutely everything from skiing like a pro to scuba diving like a gold diver. Never scared in any situation and in every risk taken successful. In the biggest fights emerges the winner without a single scratch and without a blemish or crease on his suit or attire (eventually a spec of dust that he nonchalantly claps off) . Never out of air. IMPOSSIBLE and that always disturbed me. However his coolness is attractive (he is taking advantage of it with the woman who he looks as mere sexual objects and ways to arrive to his mission goals).
Definetly the most famous one was portrayed by Sean Connery followed by Roger Moore but to me I would say Pierce Brosnan wears his clothes most elegantly maybe because least arrogantly.
BTW you wear your black-tie ensemble like myself. A shawl collar one and with no studs. Studs are nice but way overused. Avoiding studs gives that little difference and personality.
A really great pair of films that parodied Bond's perfection were the two "Flint" films with James Colburn. Flint teaches dance to the Bolshoi Ballet, has won the Nobel Peace prize, and can speak with dolphins, is a yoga master who can live without oxygen, lives with his four girlfriends complete with a set of his and hers, hers, hers, hers towels in the bathroom, and refuses CIA issued equipment because his small lighter of his own invention contains 87 functional weapons and devices. 😂 Hilarious.
Craig's bond sadly went woke. Goldeneye was the last "proper" bond film and even then he was losing it a bit.
How so? I‘m not disagreeing, im just not familiar. What were the woke ways they went down?
@@Nunyobidne55 Craig’s bond isn’t bond. Connery & Moore’s bond was about shooting bad guys, cool gadgets, smoking. shagging beautiful women, eccentric henchmen.
Nowadays women can’t be bad, he rarely if ever gets a shag, no black characters can be bad, he wears suits that are too tight. Bond has just become a run of the mill actioner too much like Bourne and Ethan. Not uniquely bond anymore. It’s Woke Bond
@@jimmydigital I agree completely sir….just was curious what you saw….and we have seen the same.
@@Nunyobidne55 luckily we’ve still got lots of great bond films from the past. Goldfinger is probably my fave. I have a real affinity for a view to a kill as well.
@@jimmydigital Moore’s bond was a cartoon. Those films were insufferable. The closest Bond to Fleming’s character was Dalton.
LMFAO
Got to say, Daniel Craig’s acting is fine, but his Pee Wee Herman suits suck big time.
The fact is that James Bond is a psychopath and a cad.
I feel as thought now they will butcher the character of James Bond now sir.
Also sir they are definitely taking his flaws to the next level in the latest installment, almost emasculated now in favor of........ I'll just stop there, sorry sir.
Everyone knows John Wick is cooler and more modern. James Bond is not so current, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Wick is more cartoonish, but also entertaining without the edginess.
Pity the woke got a hold of him.
Next Bond will be a woman.
Sincerely hope not 😂
Yeah, I was aware of James Bond, but then I became an adult.