NMR: Everything or Nothing

Prior to the release of Skyfall last November, a documentary was released celebrating the world of James Bond in honor of the film franchise's 50th anniversary. The documentary is now available on Netflix Instant View which enables me a chance to finally see it. Given that this documentary did not receive a lot of fanfare or even a theatrical release made me worried that it would either be hatchet job or look cheap. Thankfully neither are true. I actually loved this depiction. While I certainly knew a lot of the information, I was pleasantly surprised that it did give insight into the franchise that I was not previously familiar with. It goes into a lot of detail about Albert Broccoli, the producer of the Bond films and his often contentious relationships with others associated with the films. We also get some insight from the various men who have played Bond. One of the things that struck me about their comments is that each of them, regardless of how long or successful their tenure was as 007 absolutely loved playing the role. You could tell that for each of them, this was more than just an acting job. The success of these films is nothing short of spectacular and you truly get a sense while watching this film as to how they've managed to keep the franchise alive all these years. Some of it was luck, but it also took a lot of talented people with a devotion to this character to constantly being driven to wanting to always make the best film possible. While Bond fans should absolutely check this out, I do think that those who don't care much for the series would still find the film interesting as well. Not too many franchises can say they've been around for a half century, so why not check out what make this one so unique. Rating: *****

Doc-topussy

From comingsoon.net:

MGM, Columbia Pictures, Passion Pictures and Red Box Films announced today their new feature documentary Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 directed by Stevan Riley (Fire in Babylon), produced by John Battsek (One Day in September, The Tillman Story) and Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Project Nim) to coincide with the 50th anniversary of James Bond films on October 5. Country specific release plans to be announced shortly.

"Everything or Nothing" focuses on three men with a shared dream: Bond producers Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman and author Ian Fleming. It's the thrilling and inspiring narrative behind the longest running film franchise in cinema history which began in 1962. With unprecedented access both to the key players involved and to Eon Productions' extensive archive, this is the first time the inside story of the franchise has ever been told on screen in this way.

Director Stevan Riley follows a story that begins with a ground-breaking spy thriller and continues six Bonds and five decades later. While Bond was saving the world from chaos and catastrophe on screen, this compelling documentary draws back the curtain to reveal the battles, threats and real stakes unfolding behind the camera.

Bond-ing together

My wish has come true! For the first time ever, all 6 men who have portrayed James Bond will be in the same room together as part of the 50th anniversary of the iconic spy franchise. Here's more details on the event from msn.com

Six actors who have played James Bond over the years are set to unite at a party to celebrate 007's 50th anniversary in Hollywood.

The superspy from Ian Fleming's books first hit screens in 1962 movie "Dr. No" with Sean Connery in the lead role, and the other stars to officially play the iconic character in the franchise are Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and current Bond Daniel Craig.

The actors will be brought together this year for a massive celebration to mark 50 years since the release of first movie, according to Britain's Sunday Express.

The event will take place following the premiere of the latest 007 film, "Skyfall," in October and will also include many of the actresses who have played Bond girls over the years, including Ursula Andress and Eva Green.

A statement from the MGM movie studio reveals the party will be the climax of a "whole year of birthday celebrations for 007 in the movies", while Daniel Craig says, "It's an astonishing record for any character to endure for five decades in showbiz but I'll bet this: the franchise is such a phenomenon that in another 50 years time a whole new bunch of actors and their leading ladies will be gathering for another party when Bond becomes a centenarian."