Plot
Bond: That gun, it looks more fitting for a womanEmilio Largo: You know much about guns, Mr Bond?Bond: No, but I know a little about women While Bond girls and villains are important, the plot is the most vital part in a successful Bond movie.
The first four films are my favourites due to the great pacing and tone of the films. I like the modern Bonds but the stories have been a little lacklustre particularly the convoluted plot of Quantum. The first four Bonds Dr No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball - all have simple plots but because they dont have an action sequence every five minutes they focus more on the plot and the characters. For me the reason that the modern Bonds and Connerys first four Bonds cant be compared is because of their content. One of the main issues for the later Bond films especially the Roger Moore years was that the plots became more outlandish with each entry. The earlier Bonds, up to You Only Live Twice when Bond was made to look Japanese and learn to be a ninja had easy-to-follow plots. The train journey in From Russia with Love is an example of great pacing and storytelling, which is why it is my favourite Bond film.
Unfortunately, modern film audiences expect action, which means that From Russia with Love or Dr No probably wouldnt receive the same reception now as they did in the 60s. They have more in common with a film like Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy than the modern Bond films. Thats not to say the new Bond films are bad, quite the opposite, but they are nothing like the early entries. 50 years has changed 007 and it may be some time before Daniel Craig has to find a secret base in a volcano.
M: This is about trust. You said you werent motivated by revengeBond: I am motivated by my dutyM: No. I think youre so blinded by inconsolable rage that you dont care who you hurt. When you cant tell your friends from your enemies, its time to go