Is Bond Re-Bourne?
I have just watched the latest edition to the Bond sequel, and can't help but draw comparisons with his American equivalent, the CIA's malfunctioning agent 'Jason Bourne'.
From the quintessential English spy that was Connery, Bonds character has not gone through an evolution, but rather a revolutionary transformation.
Daniel Craig's latest addition to the Bond franchise, a 'Quantum of Solace', sees the former charismatic spy replaced by a cold blooded killer that is barely recognisable to his predecessors.
One can't help feel that the success of the Bourne trilogy has been largely influential in the re-branding of the Bond character, as uncanny resemblances, more than their initials can be drawn between the two characters.
Craig's character is at least believable, which is more than could be said for Pierce Brosnan's last addition to the spy, which at times was farcical.
That's no slant on Brosnan's part, but rather the producers attempt to incorporate ever increasingly ludicrous scenes into a film to it's detriment.
The disappearing car, the computer generated kite surfing scene were just two of the absurd measures used to promote technology.
The allure of the Bourne series is not just action scenes, but the character assassination that follows a man seeking understanding and redemption.
Previous Bonds had no such redemption to pursue; they fell in and out of bed with beautiful women, conquered the bad guy, and signed back into HQ with the obligatory flirtation with Moneypenny on the way.
Craig's character, like Bourne, is a man gone AWOL on his own personal agenda to avenge a loved one.
The personal sub plot only adds to the movies appeal.
The fight scenes which once represented a quick rumble often concluded with the assistance of Q's gadgetry, have been replaced with brutality that was unfamiliar to previous Bonds.
The fight scene comparisons between Bond and Bourne are clear to see, as both appear to have been schooled in fist to fist combat, and know where the magic spot is to terminate life with aptly applied pressure.
It's all far more believable, as I'm relatively sure that trained assassins don't tickle their foes.
Gone also are the days of the megalomaniac hell bent on ruling the world, the baddies operate a lot more covertly these days, which is equally more plausible.
It takes a thinking man to conquer and stay one foot ahead of his nemesis, and Bond, like Bourne, seems to use stealth and intelligence to achieve this.
I can't help but feel that the Bourne series success was largely influential in the shift of the Bond character.
The previous formula that had promoted the Bond franchise for many successful years was started to look jaded and a new approach was called for.
Whether you love or loath the darker side of Bonds character, the violence, the plausible underground crime organisations, the realistic use of technology, one thing can be said about this new approach; it's at least a little more believable!! However, it would be sad if some of the things that we associate with previous Bond incarnations, the flirting with Moneypenny, Q's gadgetry, and some of the great gags are gone for good.
From the quintessential English spy that was Connery, Bonds character has not gone through an evolution, but rather a revolutionary transformation.
Daniel Craig's latest addition to the Bond franchise, a 'Quantum of Solace', sees the former charismatic spy replaced by a cold blooded killer that is barely recognisable to his predecessors.
One can't help feel that the success of the Bourne trilogy has been largely influential in the re-branding of the Bond character, as uncanny resemblances, more than their initials can be drawn between the two characters.
Craig's character is at least believable, which is more than could be said for Pierce Brosnan's last addition to the spy, which at times was farcical.
That's no slant on Brosnan's part, but rather the producers attempt to incorporate ever increasingly ludicrous scenes into a film to it's detriment.
The disappearing car, the computer generated kite surfing scene were just two of the absurd measures used to promote technology.
The allure of the Bourne series is not just action scenes, but the character assassination that follows a man seeking understanding and redemption.
Previous Bonds had no such redemption to pursue; they fell in and out of bed with beautiful women, conquered the bad guy, and signed back into HQ with the obligatory flirtation with Moneypenny on the way.
Craig's character, like Bourne, is a man gone AWOL on his own personal agenda to avenge a loved one.
The personal sub plot only adds to the movies appeal.
The fight scenes which once represented a quick rumble often concluded with the assistance of Q's gadgetry, have been replaced with brutality that was unfamiliar to previous Bonds.
The fight scene comparisons between Bond and Bourne are clear to see, as both appear to have been schooled in fist to fist combat, and know where the magic spot is to terminate life with aptly applied pressure.
It's all far more believable, as I'm relatively sure that trained assassins don't tickle their foes.
Gone also are the days of the megalomaniac hell bent on ruling the world, the baddies operate a lot more covertly these days, which is equally more plausible.
It takes a thinking man to conquer and stay one foot ahead of his nemesis, and Bond, like Bourne, seems to use stealth and intelligence to achieve this.
I can't help but feel that the Bourne series success was largely influential in the shift of the Bond character.
The previous formula that had promoted the Bond franchise for many successful years was started to look jaded and a new approach was called for.
Whether you love or loath the darker side of Bonds character, the violence, the plausible underground crime organisations, the realistic use of technology, one thing can be said about this new approach; it's at least a little more believable!! However, it would be sad if some of the things that we associate with previous Bond incarnations, the flirting with Moneypenny, Q's gadgetry, and some of the great gags are gone for good.
