Skyfall opens on Friday (our American friends have to hold on until November 9th) and brings the 23rd James Bond adventure on to the big screen. 007 has had great run so far, one that is set to continue, so lets take a look at my pick of his greatest moments.
The Tank Chase - Goldeneye
Chases in James Bond movie are usually elegant affairs, with the dapper, super spy using all manner of small, nippy vehicles (cars, speed boats, and, at one point, a cello case) to either escape his pursuers, or do some pursuing of his own. But Goldeneye threw that formula out the window, and put Bond in the cockpit of a great, bloody big tank, which he used to wreck shop all over St. Petersburg while chasing a corrupt Russian general. A fantastic sequence, if only for the sheer amount of destruction caused, and one Bond moment that always puts a smile on my face.
Goldfinger's Laser - Goldfinger
Strapped to a gold table, and on the receiving end of an industrial laser, this scene from Goldfinger is one of the first, and most memorable, of the many death traps James Bond would find himself in over the years (and one that is homaged and parodied to this day). A wonderful scene filled with great suspense, it also features the immortal words, “No, Mr. Bond. I expect you die”.
“The Name's Bond. James Bond” - Casino Royale
Sure, we had heard this line 20 times before (22 if you count the unofficial movies), but Daniel Craig's delivery in the closing moments of Casino Royale is probably the most memorable. After holding out on the Bond staples for an entire movie, and showing us a darker take on the beloved character, throwing this in at the last minute reassured us that this was still the character we had all grown to love.
Little Nellie – You Only Live Twice
Q Branch has provided many wonderful toys for Bond over the years, from the tricked out Aston Martin to a grappling gun watch, but it's the Little Nellie auto gyro, from You Only Live Twice, that's my favorite. Packed away in for separate leather cases for easy storage, this one man helicopter comes equipped with a flame thrower, machine guns, rocket launchers, aerial mines and a smoke screen. All of which adds to a fantastic aerial battle scene, played out to that iconic theme.
The Tuxedo – Goldfinger
The opening scene of Goldfinger is probably the most Bond of all Bond scenes. It brings together his love of the ladies with his love of his job, and displays his wonderful collection of puns. Opening with Bond coming of the water in full wetsuit, with a fake bird on his head for good measure, one spot of explosive planting later see the wetsuit shed to reveal a pristine white tux. Rounding the night off with electrocuting a knife wielding thug sent to kill him, Bond sums up the situation has only he can: “Shocking. Positively shocking”.
So there's my picks for best Bond Moments. There are hundreds to choose from, so sound off below with yours.
Tom White
Tom White
