Happy 50th
Part 1
I grew up on a healthy diet of James Bond, Sylvester Stallone flicks, and every Star Trek franchise that graced the small screen. I’m not really sure how I became obsessed with all things pink from that environment; my Mom certainly never dressed me in it. In fact, those heroes don’t pack a lot of sparkle either, more punch than anything. But, one thing Bond et al did always offer was a solid boy-meets-girl storyline and a Happily Ever After guaranteed.
My first big screen experience was watching Timothy Dalton woo both Talisa Soto and Carey Lowell in License to Kill. I remember three things from that movie: the drug factory explosion, Robert Davi’s slimy bad guy, and Talisa’s pet lizard sporting a diamond-encrusted collar. I was already smitten as a six year old. So that was the glamorous grown-up world; dashing men in suits, beautiful women of many talents, danger to heighten the excitement of every day occurrences, and accessories in excess. Never mind the lizard, even Bond sports his beloved Omega watch in every instalment. #icovet
Beyond the sartorial, I’ve been hooked on the drama ever since. I wanted to bring those sizzling scenes to life, and it’s no wonder my heroes on the page resemble the Knights of my girlhood. Eighties heroes with hearts of gold under their armour; in Bond’s case, a well-cut suit that sees him move easily from foiling one evil genius to the next, bedding the damsel in distress, and driving a fast car or two.
The magic of the movies, or rather, re-casting, has made him ageless. Though Daniel Craig’s 007 reflects our times better than Sean Connery’s ever could, my heart yearns a little for that more carefree Bond of an era past. Fifty years later he’s still going strong, but he world has changed and so must our heroes. They’re rougher around the edges, more flawed, and less forgivable.
Everything these days suffers from the cynical nature of the current climate. No one is safe; not even the heroes we create to save us in imaginary worlds. I can only hope the pendulum swings the other way again. Cheers to the next 50, old chap. May your drink always be shaken, not stirred, and may you always give a damn.
Stay tuned; same Bond channel, same Bond time, for another 50th anniversary salute on quite another character…
X♥, Karin
Image: via Pinterest from fmgem.com
