Art World - July 2009

TITLE:  “JAMES BOND, AN ART FORM?
ILLUSTRATION: “BOND GIRLS ARE FOREVER”

When it comes right down to it, movies have become a true art form for our times. There is so much within the films we see today that is truly art, architecture, fashion, interior decor, even ways of speaking, hence the very worldy accents of characters. Bond movies are no exception. Travel enters into these films because so many of the locations are actually visited by film crews. Armchair travelers, and others who travel the world, will recognize their favorite places, buildings, art works, beaches, and fashions,  the world over in these beautifully filmed stories.

We can visit the home of Queen Elizabeth II, Victoria’s Scottish digs, the coast of Wales, Nassau in the Bahama Islands, Key West and Hiway #1. Mexico City’s main Post Office is even used for a scene. And a Villa (whatever they are called in Mexico) of such beautiful rooms and terraces. Such decor! Then, of course, there is the old world, the scene of many Bond escapades, from St. Petersburg to Bosnia via Venice, and scenes of Italy and France, Spain and Gibralter. For anyone who has been there it’s a thrill to see the photographs.

As for Fashion, the Girls of the Bond movies are all models of perfection. The gowns are the latest fashion, hardly ever being dated in any way. Even Money-Penny in her plaid blouses (secretarial garb from the 60’s) doesn’t really look that old-fashioned. Sometimes the hair-do’s are a little piled high (the 60’s) but for the most part they are either fluffy or sleek which definitely does not date them too much. The gowns are usually rather low cut, or bikinis, and all of course usually braless, which is right up with the fashions of today.  It’s quite amazing how timeless they remain. They are all so very slim.

The cast of players is the prime focus of these films, from Sean Connery through Daniel Craig (the current 007). Sean Connery has been the most durable screen actor imaginable, still performing regularly with the most beautiful co-stars. Even playing Indiana Jones “Dad”. Sean made one more significant film, “Diamonds” and then retired from the series in favor of Sir Roger Moore. He was a dapper Bond, his adventures wide and with varied travel experiences. His suits and shirts were great Saville Row. Timothy Dalton followed Moore as Bond and was, or is, another Shakespearian Actor, who brought a definite “method” to his portrayal for “The Living Daylights” and “License to Kill”. He was very good looking, romantic and expressing a real “feeling” to the dialog.

For six years the franchise was unavailable to Pinewood Studios in London and there were no Bonds…until Pierce Brosnan in the 80’s & 90’s brought again a new look to James. “M” was replaced by Judy Dench and Miss Money-Penny by a young lady named “Bond”. Women’s roles had changed considerably, along with their fashions. The Bond movies kept up with the times. Girls were given more to do, and more to say, and they truly became an integral part of James Bond’s world.

Pierce brought a new charisma to the role, to the tuxedos, and to the aloof world Bond occupied in his quest to “get the bad guys”. His was a world of romance, with his lovelies, his relationship with his new boss! And, of course even newer gadgets and automobiles provided for him by “Q”. These things have always been pretty recognizable as things that are in use today, even in the very oldest Bond Films…up to the minute. Great Adventures.

Recently, Bond has been brought up to date by the very newest films, two at this time, a third in the works. A whole new breed of Bond. Really violent, reaching back into the archives of Ian Fleming’s writings. The Bond films have always been popular with small boys (even with the PG 13 Rating), due to their “fantasy”. All are worthy of watching in your local theater, whichever age level you prefer, or in your home on DVD.

Remember, this is Art for our time, like it or not. These films have been the highest money makers of our lifetime and the most watched series ever. Quite different than touring the Galleries in Paris or Rome, huh? But an Art form none the less. Happy Viewing.

Join us at Teague’s for our up-coming 1st Thursday. Always refreshing to us and hopefully to our attendees. Watch for our announcements of up-coming exhibits.

~ Shirley at Teague’s