BOND: US vs UK

[Cooper]

Here's a question that I thought of replying to DCD in another thread...
Do Americans view James Bond differently than the British?

As an American, one of the things that I love about Bond is that he is English. Obviously, that wouldn't do anything for someone who is English (except for maybe some sense of national pride)

Another difference is Americans can thrill at Bond's various European locales. However, any person in London can go to Waterloo Station and hop a train to Paris and take off in a rent-a-car to Italy or Spain or the Netherlands...you get the point. I hop on a train in New York, I end up in Philadelphia or Washington DC. Not too exotic. Even if I went to a neighboring country, I'm in Canada.

So, do the Brits and the Yanks view Bond differently and does that influence our opinions about the movies?

[KingVoyeur]

I agree about the exotic locals viewpoint. One of the best things I love about Bond is the un-American-ness of it. There's enough American action movies as it is, I love rooting for a character who's not placed here. When Bond does come to America, a part of me is like "meh" and the other part enjoys the kind of fish out of water angle (even though it's difficult for the cool Bond to be a fish out of water anywhere!).

[BeauButabi]

Having left the US just once in my life (and only to Canada), Bond's glode-trotting is what I love. I also sigh whenever he comes here. Unless he ever came to Oregon. That would rule.

[Daltons Chin Dimple]

It's a strange one really. I have never really thought about it as Bond, for me, has been going for as long as I can remember and sort of a constant no matter what Anglo-American standing, relations or comparison there has ever been.

[pjpaul007]

Im British and I must admit I like fact that James Bond is British, although im not sure why. Maybe it is a pride thing and also the fact that its nice to have a British hero rather than British villains all the time!

It doesnt make the European countries he travels to any less interesting because Europe is still a massive place which ill never see all of and unlike USA they are separate countries completely.

A British hero has a certain class that Americans heros dont and its definately part of what makes him so cool.

[Kara Milovy]

A British hero has a certain class that Americans heros dont and its definately part of what makes him so cool.
I can agree 100% with that.

[Cooper]

Yes I do love the cool British attitude, whether it's James Bond or John Steed... or come to think of it, Sherlock Holmes.

While I agree that I am bored when Bond comes to America I have wanted to see at least a pre-credit sequence in NY. He hasn't been here since LALD. Another problem with Bond coming to America is we are treated to the sterotypical, fat, bumbling American cop. (LALD, DAF, AVTAK)

Speaking of national pride, I am VERY happy to see the return of Felix Leiter (and a good YOUNG Felix Leiter). I didn't really appreciate Jack Wade. (though I love the quick dismissive look Bond gives Wade's outfit in TND)

[BeauButabi]

Another problem with Bond coming to America is we are treated to the sterotypical, fat, bumbling American cop. (LALD, DAF, AVTAK)
Aw, come on. I LOVE the fat, bumbling, American cop stereotype. :D

[LeiterCIA]

Great thread!...

However, any person in London can go to Waterloo Station and hop a train to Paris and take off in a rent-a-car to Italy or Spain or the Netherlands...you get the point.

That's an intersting point. Personally, I view Bond's globetrotting as one of the most exciting aspects. But as you said, Bond can hop over to France, Spain, Belgium, as easily as I can drive up to Vermont for a ski weekend.

Ironically, Bond's more notable ventures abroad are probably the times he went to New York or San Francisco... which are perfectly BORING to me!

Aside from that aspect, I think we American's still regard the British as having an aura of 'sophistication.' I definitely think it contributes to the James Bond character FAR more than if an American were cast in the role.

[neglet]

Not to mention that Americans are stereotypically mavericks, so to have a independent spy character who's British (who are stereotypically seen as stuffy and conservative with a little c) makes him seem more daring in contrast.

Face it, if an American agent was going against superiors the way Bond always does, he (or she) would have an attitude about it, that typical American swagger ("Look at me, muthas!" --I'm picturing Bruce Willis in Die Hard, or something similar.) Because Bond is British, he still maintains that stereotypical aura of sophistication and modesty that says "Oh, that was nothing, just doing my duty." It just makes him sooo much cooler when he participates in those remarkable adventures.