It’s easy to think that great songs must have topped the charts (or at least like in my last Gr8at post), come pretty close. But whether through lack of promotion, more people buying the album, the band not being well known enough at the time or for any other number of reasons, some singles have had mediocre UK chart placings. Which of the following most surprised you? Do you have a favourite?
I’ll be writing my thoughts on Spectre soon, but I wanted to discuss in extra detail the aspect of Bond theme tunes. Especially as there was such a cool response to Sam Smith’s much anticipated song Writing’s on the Wall. I sided with the majority and was hugely disappointed. Smith is clearly an undoubted award-winning talent, and he is evdently aware of previous Bond songs, but for me there wasn’t a strong enough melody and I didn’t like his style of singing for the song. Unlike the hugely popular Skyfall and every other Bond theme, it did actually top the UK charts so clearly has its fanbase.
Where would you rank it in terms of Bond themes? Are there any you particularly like or dislike? I’ve focused on the songs themselves, but if you are curious about the graphics side within the credits, I recommend this piece by Vinnie H.
With the latest James Bond film Spectre being released later this year, the timing of The National Film Museum’s Bond in Motion was wonderfully timed. Quite unsurprisingly, it has been extended. After all, the films are the longest continually running and the third-highest grossing film series to date, which started in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as Bond.
Bond is known for many things. His immaculate appearance. The beautiful women he regularly seduces. His humorous one liners and legendary introduction. Not to mention his love of a Martini, his armed combat skills and his incorporation of gadgets. And who can forget his love of the finest sports cars and alternative getaway vehicles?
James Bond: Do you expect me to talk?
Auric Goldfinger: No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!
Sean Connery and Gert Fröbe in the third James Bond film Goldfinger (1964)
From Ian Fleming’s first novel Casino Royale in 1953, and his first appearance on screen in Dr No in 1962, James Bond has always been more than just a character. There just had to be a third quiz. Confident of passing with flying colours? Scroll carefully for answers below.
(1960s)
(1960s)
(1970s)
(1980s)
(1990s)
(2000 +)
Answers
Film 1 – See if you can strike lucky with this Robert Mitchum classic
Film 2 – As fast as the title would suggest
Film 3 – It might take you a minute to remember the name
Film 4 – Hats off if you can name this Texas-set film
Film 5 – No silver lining if you can’t name this glamorous film
Film 6 – Caine you name this 60s film?
Answers below
Alex Raphael 