Dr. No (1962)

[zen007]

With the 25th Bond film in the cinemas, it is a good time to revisit the first Bond film that started the Bond phenomenon.

When the 6th Fleming book, based on a screenplay iirc, came out in 1958, it was probably the first Bond book to face criticism from many quarters for "snobbery and sadism". However, Dr. No showed that while many may not find such "elements" good to read, they do work in film (with certain elements left out and/or changed).

Fleming's formula in combination with Bond producers imagination has worked wonders since 1962:

a) A suave secret agent with a license to kill on an interesting assignment, which would potentially alter the future of the world
b) A sophisticated villain, usually with a disturbing past and/or a disability, willing to use all his assets to achieve his goal
c) Skilled and dedicated henchmen, who would stop at nothing and could use unusual methods to accomplish their objectives
d) A leading lady with an unusual name straight out of fairytales
e) Stoic characters that support Bond on his missions

All of the above elements are weaved with exotic locations, gadgets, and a mesmerizing background score to create magic on screen.


Dr. No also had another great card up its sleeves - director Terence Young. Young appears to understand Bond completely and is said to have coached Connery on how to play Bond. Among those who have directed multiple Bond films, Young is arguably the best Bond director. His touch whether in DRNO, FRWL, or TB makes those films age relatively better.




Dr. No's score is a magic trick as well. If you like the Bond theme, it is used generously, a fresh tune at that point in time. Various elements of Dr. No's score have been tweaked and used in future Bond films.





Overall in 2021, the first Bond film still remains a magical experience and among the top films of the franchise.