007: The Living Daylights

Originally published on social media on January 26th, 2022

This film did not feel like a Bond film, nor did it feel like an 80’s film, and yet I enjoyed it… more than I thought I would. Why did I enjoy it?

The only things that gave the illusion that this was filmed in the 80s was the A-ha theme song, the music, a few props, casting choices, and the emphasis on a woman’s boobs in one scene (the 80’s LOVED their boobs). In general, this film felt like a 60s or early 70’s film. The color scheme contributes to this as well as the film quality itself being less sharp. The wild card in depicting the film’s time period was the wardrobe that mimicked both 60’s and 80s fashion. The ambiguity of the time period was how it made the film feel classic and timeless.

Timothy Dalton was not my kind of James Bond, but he did grow on me a bit more as the film went on. In general, Dalton felt more like an average guy who perhaps has a desk job than a “secret” agent, but he carried a greater sense of purpose and wanting to “save the world” than a license to kill and seek revenge. He did not carry that classic distinctive air nor did he seem suave or sexy enough where ALL WOMEN could fall for him, but he was the most compassionate Bond and was attractive in his own way. I enjoyed how Dalton’s Bond showed more sensitivity and consideration for women as well as the interest in getting to know them as people. Bond’s romance with Maryam D’Abo’s Kara Milovy was about more than just sex and it was very refreshing. Dalton’s Bond did not fall into the typical Bond tropes and stereotypes, and this almost makes him not Bond at all, but he gave a great performance in this film. Also, Caroline Bliss’ Moneypenny was absolutely adorable and had a great personality and brought spark to the character.

The gadgets were legit and used in a clever and less corny way. In the midst of having escapist qualities, this film had a more realistic storyline and villain. Bonus: there were less chase scenes.