From Russia With Love, is really a massive step up from Dr. No, which really feels like it was just testing the waters. In From Russia With Love, Eon Productions held nothing back, and I'm sure the budget was much larger than the first. Eon Productions was, in simply two films, so convinced of Bonds success, they even announce the third film, Goldfinger, at the beginning of the end credits. Now that is confidence. However that confidence stems from the success of Dr. No, followed by the fact that, with no reservations, From Russia With Love had all the stops pulled out for it, and is one hell of a follow-up to Dr. No.
From Russia With Love kicks off right from the beginning, with what would become a standard throughout the rest of the Bond films. The movie would open up with an intriguing scene, followed by the opening credits. In this movie, the opening scene is extremely intriguing, with blond assassin Grant stalking 007 through a hedge maze. When Grant successfully kills 007, it is revealed that Bond was in-fact only another man in a mask. But with the clear impressiveness of Grants feat, things do not look good for Bond. Of course, no Bond movie is complete without the opening credits. I think that the Bond films set an impressive standard for opening credits. While, they aren't massive CGI constructs, they are all artfully done, always complemented with a song crafted specifically for the movie, and all of them using a different style. From Russia With Love combines some shadowy close ups of a sexy dancer, with the opening credits being projected onto her, in some impressive neon colours. Personally, I think it is an awesome opening.
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| Ok, where the hell was this thing hidden in that room? |
One thing I noticed is that as much as a spy as Bond is, he never seem to enter the country unnoticed. Like his arrival in Jamaica, as soon as Bond lands in Istanbul, he is being eyed by a number of different players. One thing I love about this era of Bond, is that even though we have plenty of explosions and murders, it is still the Cold-War era, and espionage is still genuinely a gentlemen's game. Yes there is the fair share of deviousness and espionage, but when Bond deal with his problems, it isn't all happy go lucky murder.
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| Really make those Russians look scary. |
Also the spy games being played here are impressive, with the British and the Russians square off, both unaware of the fact that in fact a third party, Bond nemesis, SPECTRE is behind it all, and they are using Bond as a pawn in their own games. Although Bond has a few tricks up his sleeves as well. I particularly enjoy Kerim Bey's use of the underground reservoirs, as well as his conveniently installed periscope. Although, one of my favourite scenes from the movie is definitely the gypsy camp. However, one thing to note, is that From Russia With Love, is filled with so many different scenes and settings, from hotels in Istanbul, to a train ride through Europe, to even a gondola ride in Venice. When it comes to site seeing, Bond does it all in style, and with a woman on his arm.
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| Ok, the character has a name, but you don't know who played him. This is getting ridiculous. |
The soundtrack of course is also well done. Giving us both classic Bond soundtrack as well as a couple of original songs. The From Russia With Love track is a favourite of mine as well. I must say, that most of my Bond memories come from this movie, and it is probably the one I have seen the most. I also remember the video game being quite decent as well, although Goldeneye of course takes the cake in that department. I have never read any James Bond novels, but I imagine they must be pretty damn good.
That brings me of course to the cast and characters. Sean Connery is still playing Bond, as the suave, ladies man, that Miss. Moneypenny just can't seem to woo, unlike several other women. Daniela Bianchi is our Bond girl Tatiana, a Russian agent who thinks she can play Bond for her own game, whilst she herself is unknowingly being used by a couple of parties. My favourite character however, is definitely Kerim Bey, our local Istanbulian, who pretty much runs the town. Pedro Armendariz does a spectacular job playing him, and I'm disappointed he never got to come back in any of the later installments. Sadly, Bond tends to burn through many acquittance, with very few ever being carried through more than one film.
The soundtrack of course is also well done. Giving us both classic Bond soundtrack as well as a couple of original songs. The From Russia With Love track is a favourite of mine as well. I must say, that most of my Bond memories come from this movie, and it is probably the one I have seen the most. I also remember the video game being quite decent as well, although Goldeneye of course takes the cake in that department. I have never read any James Bond novels, but I imagine they must be pretty damn good.
Overall I think that From Russia With Love really kicked Bond movies up several notches and in many ways set the bar. In fact, the scene in which Bond meets Tatiana was used for years as the test scene for Bond girls. Personally, From Russia With Love is my favourite Bond, and also has the best title. I will continue to watch the rest throughout the rest of the summer, with Goldfinger next up. I actually have two friends who are watching them as well. Both started at the same time as me, but have moved way beyond me, and one is almost finished. But that is because I like to have some variety. One of my friends however has not seen any of the old James Bond movies, and as much as I believe his childhood failed him, he is enjoying them now. He also hasn't seen the original Star Wars trilogy, which should be punishable by death. However, as soon as he finishes Bond, I will ensure he watches the trilogy a couple of times, then to sort him out on Prometheus I will make him watch Alien as well. Some people eh?
Anyway, Mr. Darko's reviews of James Bond will return with... Goldfinger.
Link:
From Russia With Love IMDb
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