It's been a long ride. 24 posters in all. Most are probably glad to see this final post, not because they are excited for the reveal of my favorite domestic one-sheet poster from the James Bond film series, but instead because they want me to move on to something new. Well, like I've said in several posts before this one, this is my blog and I'll post what I'm interested in, and what I am interested in is movies, especially 007 movies when a new one is soon to be released.
So without further ado, let's see what tops the chart of my favorite artwork used in United States theaters to promote a James Bond film.
1. Casino Royale
You might look at the above poster and say, "Really, that's the best of the lot?" I agree. Compared to other posters in this series it is very light on action and plot details. It provides very little in the way of teasing the viewer and is probably not the most creative in design or marketing. So what exactly is it that makes me adore this poster so much that I would frame and hang it in my living room? The answer to that question is one word: subtlety. I could probably add another word to why I like this poster and that would be elegance.
There are only two people found in the frame, so there really isn't a whole lot to break down as to what I am talking about. Let's start with the subtlety of the poster. The major draw of the 007 film series is the action, women, cars, locations, explosions, and stunts. These films have created an iconic hero who is cool under pressure and always saves the day. So without having any explosions on the page, Bond fighting a henchman drawn in a corner of the canvas, or a car flying across the page with a rocket in pursuit, how do you express that level of excitement we expect from these films? In the case of the Casino Royale poster you have our hero brandishing a silenced Walther PPK while sporting a disheveled appearance with the tuxedo shirt unbuttoned and loose bowtie around his neck. By giving Daniel Craig's incarnation of Bond a more tousled appearance, it gives the viewer an idea that his version of 007 would be one that gets his hands dirtier than his predecessors.
Timothy Dalton's take on the character was also one that was more down-to-earth and hardened, which could be seen in his film posters as well. Here is one from License to Kill with the same unbuttoned look as Craig.
Along with the characteristics of Bond movies listed above, this film series is also one filled with sophistication. Bond eats the best food, drinks the most expensive wines, stays in the most luxurious hotels, and sports the most chic outfits. While his tuxedo is not properly fitted with the bowtie undone and shirt unbuttoned, he is still in the tux. He is also walking away from the Casino Royale, which is a name that signifies class and refinement. But what really fits the bill of elegance is Vesper's dress. The low-cut, flowing gown is an outstanding costume and has become one of the most memorable outfits of the series, trailing behind only Bond's tuxedo and Honey Rider's bikini from Dr. No.
While the poster alone does a great job of showing off Eva Green's beautiful figure, it doesn't truly do the dress justice as when she is seen entering the poker room. At that point even Bond's draw drops at how gorgeous she is.
It is because of the simplicity of Bond's aggressive manner and Vesper's stylish formal wear that I love what the artist has conveyed in this poster. It sums up so much of what the 007 movies are about in two simple images.
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