Writing in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”

by Adam Huddleston

The sixth film in the James Bond franchise, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, is the first and only to star George Lazenby. Due to the fact that Sean Connery had played Bond in all of the previous installments, and had done a wonderful job, Lazenby had big shoes to fill. In my opinion, he did quite well.

The plot, still centered on S.P.E.C.T.R.E leader Blofeld, involves Bond’s infiltration of the antagonist’s base in the Swiss Alps. This film, while still containing several action sequences, has a bit slower pace. At 2 hours and 22 minutes, it is the longest installment up to that point and much of the movie involves Bond falling in love and getting married.

As far as dialogue goes, I actually had a difficult time understanding some of it. Many of the British actors mumbled their lines and I found myself having to rewind the film to hear them correctly. The length of the film and the dialogue lead to a less than enjoyable experience.

Writing in “Live and Let Die”

by Adam Huddleston

Roger Moore’s debut at 007 occurs in the eighth film in the series, “Live and Let Die.” The plot centers on James Bond investigating the deaths of three agents. He discovers that a Caribbean dictator, Dr. Kananga is involved and is growing a massive crop of poppy plants to produce heroin. Kananga is using the fear of tarot cards and the occult to keep the locals away from his headquarters. Although he is captured by Kananga’s henchmen, Bond ultimately kills Kananga, destroys the poppy fields, and escapes.

The plot was not horrible, but the editing left a lot to be desired. One particular boat chase scene near the end drug on for an insanely long amount of time. Several of the characters were beyond stereotypical and the Blaxploitation seen in many movies of that era was a little sickening. Moore’s portrayal as 007 was a breath of fresh air and I am looking forward to seeing more of his Bond films.

Writing in “Diamonds are Forever”

by Adam Huddleston

The final James Bond film produced by Eon Productions to star Sean Connery, “Diamonds are Forever”, finds 007 investigating a diamond smuggling ring. His travels lead him to Amsterdam where he assumes the identity of a smuggler, then on to Nevada where he once again encounters Blofeld, the head of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Blofeld’s plan is to create a satellite which would use the diamonds to focus a laser beam to destroy nuclear missiles. Bond discovers the antagonist’s headquarters is located on an offshore oil rig. In the film’s finale, he disables the satellite and destroys the rig.

As far as plot and dialogue go, neither was spectacular. The movie seemed to wander around at points, dragging in some places and speeding along at others. The acting was atrocious. I could tell that two of the smugglers were being used for comic relief but they ended up coming across as annoying.

I am a big fan of Sean Connery’s work, especially as Bond, but I’m saddened that his final (authorized) 007 film was so lackluster. The next film in the series is Roger Moore’s debut, “Live and Let Die.”

Writing in “You Only Live Twice”

by Adam Huddleston

The fifth film in the James Bond franchise, “You Only Live Twice” finds 007 travelling throughout Japan. Sean Connery, in his role as Bond, is tasked with discovering why two spacecrafts (one Soviet and one American) disappear in orbit. Each superpower believe that the other is to blame. Bond finds that S.P.E.C.T.R.E. is behind the disappearances and eventually runs into Ernst Blofeld, the evil organization’s leader. In the climax, 007 thwarts Blofeld’s plan to capture another American spaceship (which would lead to war between the two nations) and Blofeld’s secret base is destroyed.

I found “You Only Live Twice” to be quite a bit more enjoyable than the previous film “Thunderball”. There is a lot more action and the story line is more interesting. For example, Bond is seemingly shot to death in the opening minutes of the film. I won’t spoil the rest of the movie but it is definitely worth a watch.

Writing in “Thunderball”

by Adam Huddleston

“Thunderball”, the fourth film in the James Bond franchise, stars Sean Connery in the protagonist’s role. The plot of this movie centers on Bond’s attempts to locate and secure a pair of atomic bombs stolen by the evil organization, S.P.E.C.T.R.E. It is eventually discovered that the main antagonist, Emilio Largo, has them stored under his yacht in the Bahamas and is threatening to drop them on an American city, most likely Miami, or somewhere in the United Kingdom. A climactic underwater battle between Bond, aided by the Coast Guard, and Largo’s henchmen ensues. One of the bombs is recaptured by the Coast Guard, and after Largo attempts to escape with the other, he is fatally impaled with a harpoon.

While not one of my personal favorites, “Thunderball” was still an enjoyable movie with decent dialogue and acting. One of my critiques, and one shared by some film critics, is that the underwater scenes seem to take a bit too long. It almost detracts from the flow of the picture. That being said, overall, I would recommend it.

Writing in “From Russia with Love”

by Adam Huddleston

In a continuation of last week’s blog, this week we will be looking at the writing in the second James Bond movie, “From Russia with Love.” Much like the first installment in the series, this film contains good dialogue, action, and performances.

The plot concerns a trap to lure 007 to steal a Soviet encryption device. The plan was for Bond to be strung along by a blonde secret agent until he could be assassinated. Of course, our favorite protagonist foils their plans and ends up with the girl.

“From Russia with Love” contains the usual British slang but not near as much as “Dr. No.” Connery’s lines are sharp and his timing is great. Although generally not considered one of the top Bond films, this picture was still an enjoyable experience.

Writing in “Dr. No”

by Adam Huddleston

In my last blog, I mentioned how I was planning to watch all of the James Bond movies in chronological order and try to analyze the writing in each. Although I did not plan on making this a continuing blog, I figured, “why not?”

The first movie in the series is “Dr. No”. Filmed in 1962 and starring Sean Connery as 007, the motion picture is quite entertaining. It introduces many aspects of the “Bond” series that will be seen in future installments. These include his preference for martinis that are shaken, not stirred, an opening credits that incorporates a camera shot down the barrel of a gun, and of course, the always beautiful “Bond-girl”.

As far as writing goes, it was fairly well done. Being a British film, a lot of the dialogue included British terms and phrases. Each character’s lines (their voice) were distinct. Overall it was a very fun movie.

Next week: “From Russia with Love”

Writing in the James Bond Movies

by Adam Huddleston

For Christmas this year, my lovely bride gifted me a boxed set of all of the James Bond movies up to “Skyfall”. While the 007 motion pictures are known for their action and suspense, I can’t wait to dig into each movie to see how well they are written. My plan is to watch every film in the series chronologically from their release date. While I’m enjoying the harrowing escapes and cool gadgets, I’m looking to see if the dialogue sparks.

What are some of your favorite movies? If you are a writer, have you ever watched those films as a literary critic? I encourage everyone to try it. It can only strengthen your writing chops.

More Funny Quotes on Writing

by Adam Huddleston

This week I wanted to share a few more humorous (and often quite true) quotes about writing.

I wrote a few children’s books. Not on purpose.

– Steven Wright

If the English language made any sense, lackadaisical would have something to do with a shortage of flowers.

– Doug Larson

Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.

– Gene Fowler

I was sorry to hear my name mentioned as one of the great authors, because they have a sad habit of dying off. Chaucer is dead, so is Milton, so is Shakespeare, and I am not feeling very well myself.

– Mark Twain

It’s splendid to be a great writer, to put men into the frying pan of your imagination and make them pop like chestnuts.

– Gustave Flaubert

Only kings, presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial “we.”

– Mark Twain

Visualization

by Adam Huddleston

During my family’s recent trip to east Texas for Thanksgiving, I had a great opportunity to notice the differences in topography between the Panhandle and the Piney Woods regions. Growing up near Sulphur Springs, I took for granted just how beautiful that area of the state is. We now live in Canyon, just south of Amarillo, and while it has its own charm and splendor (try watching the sun set over the plains without believing in a higher power), the towering trees and rolling hills of my childhood will always hold a special place in my heart. This brings me to my point: when writing, work hard to help your reader visualize the surroundings.

Describe the flora around your characters. The length of grass and its color, height and species of trees, and types of flowers in the area go a long way in making the story world vibrant for your reader.

Mention any sounds the character might hear. Do they live in a bustling city with car engines and the constant murmur of passersby, or are they in a peaceful rural setting with only the wind rustling the leaves and the simple cluck of chickens?

Smells can play an important part as well, especially food. Describe what the character tastes and how it makes them feel. Try to relate it to a specific experience in their past.

With a little work and imagination, you can make your story’s environment jump off the page and pull your reader in. Happy writing!