Bond On Bond Review
Author: Roger Moore
Roger Moore is probably the most active of all the previous Bonds who pops up in interviews, only to happy to still promote the name of Bond. His devotion went further in the previous release of DVDs where he recorded 7 separate full length audio commentaries for the films he appeared in as the titular spy which have indeed been pulled over to the Blu-ray release. And now he has put pen to paper and has delivered this manuscript for the latest book on Bond.
It is worth bearing in mind that this is more of a guide to Bond, rather than an in depth critique of Moore’s opinions on his own films as well as the other films in series. He does indeed look at all of the more important aspect of the film series but never gets analytical. Whilst there are anecdotes ahoy, and the odd musing on here and there – Moore never finds unkind words to say about anyone, or even subjects himself to picking favourites.
The book opens with Moore talking about his first hearing of Bond in 1962 (9 years after the characters inception) and on towards getting the role himself almost a decade later. Throughout the book there are plenty of archive stills, photographs and press materials. Moore’s take on the character is also touched on exemplified by the research he did on the character.
The book then is divided into workable chapters. Villains, Girls, Gadgets, Cars, Style, Locations, Bonds, Behind the Scenes, Bond on Screen and the Films.
The Bond on Girls section is fascinating to hear about the type of girls they producers were looking for in each of the roles, and sometimes having to battle some more strong willed personas on set. Sexism and feminism making quite the mix on set of a bond film.
Moore also makes sure to side not to some of the names not commonly associated in each of the areas – the craftsmen, the producers, Miss Moneypenny (Did you know she was in 14 films with a total of under 20 minutes screen time!). Moore touches on the merchandising that grew over the years, the many star studied (and often royalty attending) premiere’s and the general phenomenon that is James Bond
The Bond on Bond chapter is also fascinating for Moore’s take on each of the other actors who have played Bond. You’d hope for a little more opinion, but Moore keeps himself dry and away from being too opinionated about the other films.
The end of the book includes a large section devoted to each film where you will get dates, talent, years, budgets, gross and posters for each film.
It’s nice to get word from one of the main players, but it may give you a hunger for wanting to hear from the other actors who have played the role whom we have heard little from. A nice addition to a Bond collection, with some kind words from the man who did the most official films, but not the definitive guide book.
Steven Hurst