BOND'S ENDURING CHARM

          One man stands up to the Herculean challenge the world confronts. A pulsating adventure with mortal fights, daredevil stunts, racy car chases, explosions follows and the evil is eliminated.

Sharp, sly, brutal and fiercely determined, he is Bond, James Bond.     

The heartthrob spy, created by the British novelist and World War II veteran Ian Fleming in the 50s, has turned fifty this year. Since the debonair spy’s silver screen debut with Dr. No in 1962,  twenty two Bond films have captivated three generations of fans and no less than six actors have delivered the punch line “Shaken, but not stirred.”

             The fictional British Secret Agent from MI6, according to filmsite.org, has grossed more than $ 1.5 billion at the Box Office and is the third most successful film franchise ever. 007’s popularity can be truly measured from his impact on popular culture and the innumerable movies, parodies and spoofs it has inspired. Austin Powers, Johnny English or even Agent Vinod wouldn’t exist without him.

            This marathon success stands on intelligently crafted and fast paced action thrillers centered on the ‘alpha male’. The multilayered plot of the films unfolds at a brisk pace. It neither allows the viewers’ interest to dive nor gives him the space to predict what will happen next, keeping him riveted till the climax.

The ace spy’s machismo has found a lasting appeal with fans. “The lethal mix of breathtaking action, gripping thrill and Bond’s ability to sweep Bond girls off their feet is a sure hit with a male dominated World” feels Abhijit Patil, a photo-journalist from Pune.

          ‘Boys Toys’ such as Walther pistols, high tech espionage gadgets, ritzy Aston Martin cars integrated in explosive action provide the adrenalin rush a fan seeks. “Especially the unique and breathtaking opening sequences are a ‘paisa vasool’ experiences in themselves.” says Khiyam Siddiqui, a computer expert.Also, may it be busting transnational crime syndicates, uprooting terrorists or destroying nuclear devices, Bond’s challenges always have resonance with contemporary security challenges. This makes him relevant to the times.

           Legendary actors such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and now Daniel Craig, through their acting prowess, have created a larger than life stature of Bond. It hypnotizes the audience and transcends them into his world. “This is cinema psychology” explains Goraksh Khande, an Editing student at FTII, “Fans somewhere want to live that life. Bond’s style and swagger, his gambling and partying, use of deceit, travel to exotic locations, taking on of impossible missions, his adventures and emerging triumphant fires people’s fantasy and builds a connect with the character.”

           In this Golden Jubilee year, fans wish that their favourite spy will enthrall them in the upcoming film Skyfall like never before.

May you have many more Mr. Bond.