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"Don't worry, I'll tell the chef ": Thunderball Appreciation & Discussion

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  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    That's all true and I agree. It's just that I feel TLD is two films. One that definitely recalls the previous spy thriller and another that lunges straight into Spielberg (or is that Glen? I confuse the two sometimes, with the Bond director seeming to ape the 80's master on many occasions) adventure towards the later half. FRWL on the other hand is very stripped down and tight, which I also feel about SF & GE (sans tank chase, which I don't like).
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    bondjames wrote: »
    That's all true and I agree. It's just that I feel TLD is two films. One that definitely recalls the previous spy thriller and another that lunges straight into Spielberg (or is that Glen? I confuse the two sometimes, with the Bond director seeming to ape the 80's master on many occasions) adventure towards the later half. FRWL on the other hand is very stripped down and tight, which I also feel about SF & GE (sans tank chase, which I don't like).

    You're absolutely right, @bondjames. Dalton's films, as much as I enjoy them, thought they could have their cake and eat it too. One wanted to be a Cold War spy thriller and the other a crime and revenge film, despite the obvious hangups of the Moore approach that offset that balance in both. Tone is the biggest issue for me regarding TLD and LTK.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited May 2017 Posts: 8,087
    I live in a coastal area, so I naturally gravitate towards the more aquatic Bond films. Dr No, Thunderball, the first half of LTK. They feel more at home to me than Skyfall does, despite those films being photographed at different corners of the globe. You really get a sense of the sea breeze, the sun baked sand and marine life from those films. It gives them an extra viscerality, in place of the usual glitz.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 14,831
    I consider DN superior to TB in every way except maybe one: the villains' scheme is better defined in TB and so is the motivation behind it.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,293
    suavejmf wrote: »
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Thunderball is my number one summer movie. Every year, if there is a specially warm summer night, I put this one on, drink a few beers (or other beverages) and enjoy everything it has to offer. For me, there's nothing missing from this movie - much of which has been covered over the previous pages.

    The thing that stands out watching TB, is that I always get lost in the locations. There is something with that exotic 1960s Bahamas that really gets to me. I often find myself looking at the background or even the interior design as much as what's really going on. That has nothing to do about getting bored or anything, there is just so damn much to look at!

    I totally agree on the Bahamas point. Although I'd argue that DN achieves this too. Your points on the tropics are one of the reasons DN is one of my favourite Fleming novels too......he transports you there!

    Very true. I love Dr. No just as much for the locations, although DN does everything in a lesser scale. This is obviously a budgetary issue. As a kid, DN - for me, felt inferior to many of the Bond films, as the budget then made me see it as a cheaper tv-movie like film in comparison. Now, it's smaller budget make me love it even more.

    Must admit to never have read DN (One of the Fleming novels left on the "to read"-list). The lovely thing about Flemings writing, is that he's able to transport you to any location (or any situation) so easily and effective. Few writers have that same ability, I feel.
  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I consider DN superior to TB in every way except maybe one: the villains' scheme is better defined in TB and so is the motivation behind it.

    I agree.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,269
    I much prefer DN to TB as well. I wish DN was more widely recognized as one of the best Bond films ever in general, and not simply because it's the first. TB is still very good of course but DN I think is more gripping and well-paced.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 14,831
    I find DN to be the superior movie but prefer TB. First Bond movie I remember watching so it has a special place in my heart.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,269
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I find DN to be the superior movie but prefer TB. First Bond movie I remember watching so it has a special place in my heart.

    TB was my first Bond film as well actually. And it does hold that special place for me but I still came to prefer DN.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @FoxRox, I agree about the hope for DN to get its own renown beyond being the first, which is often all you hear outside of Honey rising from the sea. Which is a shame, as it's got some utterly classic moments, even beyond the opening introduction that changed cinema and pop culture forever. The script was full of nothing but essential moments, no fluff, as Bond strategically dismantles No's operation from the outside heading in. His detective like approach to uncovering leads and snuffing out the truth, all while facing off with a femme fatale (Taro) and a bit of a gunsel (Dent), feel true to noir genre expectation. I always view DN as a bit of a noir/spy film combo because of that, just as I view DAF as a neo-noir.

    GF was the first Bond film that really made me sit down and pay attention to the character and his world, but DN was the first movie that led me by the hand into it with great care and excitement. Reading some of the booklets about the production and content of DN that were inside a special edition of it that I found was the moment when I knew I had stumbled upon films that would change who I was forever. It'll always be special for that reason, on top of just being a solid film and the best combination of a noir and spy film I've seen.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,269
    I know it's not popular but I've always preferred DN to FRWL even. DN is my second favorite Connery film to GF. I just love its story and really everything about it. Those 3 films though are all basically perfect Bond experiences in their own rights IMO.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    FoxRox wrote: »
    I know it's not popular but I've always preferred DN to FRWL even. DN is my second favorite Connery film to GF. I just love its story and really everything about it. Those 3 films though are all basically perfect Bond experiences in their own rights IMO.

    Nothing at all wrong with that. Early Connery is just magic.
  • TracyTracy
    Posts: 1,639
    Trønderball , starring Tande P :D

    (only Norwegian fans will get this terrible pun , lol)
  • bondsumbondsum
    Posts: 3,333
    bondjames wrote: »
    Yes, without the same actor there are more similarities. I agree on FRWL/TLD only to a degree. I will add GE/TLD and OHMSS/FYEO to the mix (not just because of the alpine sequences but also the reset feel after the overblown predecessor).
    The only cinematic double bill I recall for OHMSS was with LALD back in '74, which is a curious combo. Not sure whether I could double bill FYEO with OHMSS due to the silly nature of the PTS with Dr Evil being dropped down the smokestack, along with the Parrot, and the Margret Thatcher skit. I'll give you that they both have a mountain, skiing and Tracy's grave in them though, so closer thematically than the other movies.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    edited May 2017 Posts: 11,189
    I once did an OHMSS/LTK double bill. Both had been favorites previously but after viewing them together the latter didn't hold up that well.

    Regarding TB i also a few years ago paired that with TND and TB won hands down. I say that as a younger fan whose first cinematic Bond experience with with old Pierce in 1997.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2017 Posts: 17,293
    Tracy wrote: »
    Trønderball , starring Tande P :D

    (only Norwegian fans will get this terrible pun , lol)

    Oh, that one was terrible! :-D

    All this talking about double-bills make me interested in trying out a few pairings. What other Bond films than Dr.No works well with TB?
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @Torgeirtrap, how about a TB-DAF double-bill? Both have a very touristy feeling in different ways, and I think they are some of the most populated Bond films for the crowds Bond snakes his way in and out of. The packed Junkanoo parade and Bahamian dance floors versus the bustling Vegas casinos and restaurants.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2017 Posts: 17,293
    0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 wrote: »
    @Torgeirtrap, how about a TB-DAF double-bill? Both have a very touristy feeling in different ways, and I think they are some of the most populated Bond films for the crowds Bond snakes his way in and out of. The packed Junkanoo parade and Bahamian dance floors versus the bustling Vegas casinos and restaurants.

    Oooh, that's a good one! Considering the DN/TB double-bill I'm already planning this summer, I might ad DAF to that watch list as well. Now, what do I do with GF? Should I make it four films over two nights? So many possibilities!
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @Torgeirtrap, GF is the odd one out for that decade of films, frankly. While all the others are heavy in their location shooting and real masterpieces in that regard, GF is largely set bound and faked in its use of Kentucky, Latin America, parts of Switzerland and Miami. Because these double-bills seem to express a great use of locations to tell a story, I'd have to count GF out.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2017 Posts: 17,293
    0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 wrote: »
    @Torgeirtrap, GF is the odd one out for that decade of films, frankly. While all the others are heavy in their location shooting and real masterpieces in that regard, GF is largely set bound and faked in its use of Kentucky, Latin America, parts of Switzerland and Miami. Because these double-bills seem to express a great use of locations to tell a story, I'd have to count GF out.

    You're probably right there. I like GF very much, but I've never included it in a double-bill. Well, no use in forcing GF in a summer-double-bill, really. It was the short amount of time set in Miami that made me consider it.

  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    @Torgeirtrap, I can't really think of any film beyond DAF that GF would work with in a double-bill (at least one I would watch). Both surround the plots of madmen trying to get a hold of a very specific and rich resource for their scheme, both have Bassey on the title song, have a Bond girl who sometimes plays for the baddie, the death of beautiful women as a warning to the hero, colorful henchmen, an element of underground crime and mob antics, and of course the very similar GF team of Hamilton, Adam, Barry and Connery back for more. DAF was also going to have Goldfinger's brother as the villain, getting at Bond in an act of revenge. It was clear after OHMSS failed to meet their expectations financially EON had to recreate the feeling of the film that made Bond a big name. I actually prefer DAF to GF, but I think they work well together in that way as they are so connected by similar elements.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,293
    0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 wrote: »
    @Torgeirtrap, I can't really think of any film beyond DAF that GF would work with in a double-bill (at least one I would watch). Both surround the plots of madmen trying to get a hold of a very specific and rich resource for their scheme, both have Bassey on the title song, have a Bond girl who sometimes plays for the baddie, the death of beautiful women as a warning to the hero, colorful henchmen, an element of underground crime and mob antics, and of course the very similar GF team of Hamilton, Adam, Barry and Connery back for more. DAF was also going to have Goldfinger's brother as the villain, getting at Bond in an act of revenge. It was clear after OHMSS failed to meet their expectations financially EON had to recreate the feeling of the film that made Bond a big name. I actually prefer DAF to GF, but I think they work well together in that way as they are so connected by similar elements.

    Interesting points! Silly as it may be, DAF is one of the most rewatchable Bond films, in my opinion. Maybe a combination of DN,TB and DAF, with a double-bill with GF/DAF later on, might be a thing to try out? Hell, might as well do a double-bill with FRWL/YOLT on top of that, just to cover all the Connery films!
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 7,973
    - First answering @Barry's question, TB is my definitive nr. one. The film just lives and breaths so much. Thing is though, considering this discussion and how much I love to travel, I think therein lies the answer: the film feels like a true adventure. The locations are shown in such a way you really enjoy them, whilst there's this very cool story to be told.

    When you're going for that double bill, I'd consider CR/TB @Torgeirtrap. mailny because of the same reasons, and the short carribean visit sure shines in CR. It also has a nice gambling connection.
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Must admit to never have read DN (One of the Fleming novels left on the "to read"-list). The lovely thing about Flemings writing, is that he's able to transport you to any location (or any situation) so easily and effective. Few writers have that same ability, I feel.

    If there's one place you don't want to be transported to it's to Dr. No's torture tunnel in the novel! Chr*** i cn still feel it! I actually start reading faster to get him through! And it still works after I don't know how many re-reads!

    So, I highly recommend reading it! ;-)
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    CommanderRoss wrote: »
    The film just lives and breaths so much. Thing is though, considering this discussion and how much I love to travel, I think therein lies the answer: the film feels like a true adventure. The locations are shown in such a way you really enjoy them, whilst there's this very cool story to be told.
    I feel the same way about TB @CommanderRoss, and like you, love to travel. That's probably why it's my #2.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,293
    That's another good combo, @CommanderRoss !
    Been ages since the last time I saw CR; must give it another viewing soon. Of the more recent Bond films, CR is the one that feels closest to TB, not thinking about locations as well. It's vibrant and colorful in the same way I see TB - something that has been missing from the last few films.
  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    What TB perhaps does better than any other Bond is to convey that contrast between inaction and adventure. That was always the cornerstone of Fleming's best work. The 'accidie' as he calls it is on display in TB but undercut with the growing sense of intrigue. Nassau acts the perfect place to counterbalance the relative boredom of down time at Shrublands.
  • royale65royale65 Caustic misanthrope reporting for duty.
    Posts: 4,422
    Yarp, DN and TB is a great double-feature. I always find GF-YOLT to be a good match up. Bit less intense, more overt than their 60's brethren, and have a similar-ish style.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2017 Posts: 17,293
    royale65 wrote: »
    Yarp, DN and TB is a great double-feature. I always find GF-YOLT to be a good match up. Bit less intense, more overt than their 60's brethren, and have a similar-ish style.

    Interesting! Never been able to find a match to YOLT. The over-the-top elements make things a little bit too difficult. Closest to YOLT must be MR, with the spacecraft and all. Both GF and YOLT make good use of gadgets, so that's maybe another thing they have in common.
  • royale65royale65 Caustic misanthrope reporting for duty.
    Posts: 4,422
    Yes, an excess of gadgetry maybe, as compared to the more "realistic" use of them in FRWL and TB lets say. (sans Jet Pack, of course)
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    royale65 wrote: »
    Yarp, DN and TB is a great double-feature. I always find GF-YOLT to be a good match up. Bit less intense, more overt than their 60's brethren, and have a similar-ish style.
    Excellent point and I can see it. Both are more light hearted than the other efforts and Connery similarly is more laid back in both.
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