The Early Films: Notable Elements of Dr. No
Dr No is the film that brought Bond……..James Bond… to life on the silver screen. Yes, the very first film. It became the template and formula for the prototypical “Bond” film as we know it today. All the elements that we love and come to expect can be found here in this first movie.
There is quite a back-story involving the difficulties of the producers to find a studio and the right “star” to bring James Bond to life. It almost never happened, yes, no one was interested in funding or staring in this movie. Ian Fleming, the author, did sell the rights for a different “Bond” story to a British production company, which did produce a television episode. After years of struggle the producers brought together an actor and studio, both capable and interested in creating all the elements required to bring Mr. Fleming’s character to life on the big screen.
The opening scene!…..yes, this changed the way movies could open. The title imagery and music together were a perfect fit, it’s an iconic part of “Bond” lore. An odd, eccentric villain who seemed to enjoy witty repartee with our hero was introduced in Dr NO. The “Bond” women were special…and still are. The triumphant ending against all odds, quickly followed by a casual and light-hearted moment of intimacy. The last thing of note in Dr NO that became a “tradition” was a line in the ending credits that fans would wait for…..”James Bond will return in…”