Upper Class English within James Bond
The Speech of the Upper Stiff Lip. PT. 1
I have been watching James Bond lately December 2020 whether on YouTube or paid streaming service (you choose your poison). Not that I haven’t seen them before God knows I’ve been watching them since my father introduced them to me on free television yes ITV. ITV one of the few of the air channels in the United Kingdom that had advertising; And no we weren’t off the hook paying for the BBC television license. That’s another whole blog speaking on this particular License. As a kid the language used in the early Sean Connery movies used particular vehicular parts of Upper-Class English Language; You either get it or you don’t.
That Would Be completely Satisfactory
Dr. No
James Bond is at the Casino. Mr. Bond is playing a classic game called Chemin-de-fer in other words Blackjack 21. He sits opposite a lady of fine grace Sylvia Trench. Her face structure equals Venus De Milo not that I’ve seen Venus personally for women playing Blackjack in a Red Dress she definitely means business. Bond admires her; She admires James Bond’s luck, and wanted his name he replied with the signature Bond James Bond (music anthem chimers in the background). The game table gets hectic with the crowd gathered. Bond is interrupted, he must be on his way. The usher asks Mr. Bond how would he want his winnings Cash or Check. He replied, “That would be completely satisfactory”. Meaning he wants it with a Check. Now the way Mr. Bond replied that language is very present in that particular Casino with a dinner jacket and bowtie.
We really need to stop meeting like this?
The Spy Who Loved Me…
Whenever there’s a hiatus in a film series such as James Bond. It has been three years since the last movie was made, The spy who loved me was released in the summer of 1977. The writers had plenty of time to get everything correct including the one-liners. The signature Bond James Bond for introductions; The collaboration with the Russian KGB alliance; Last but not least both British and Russian nuclear submarines are missing sending the audience needing more drama.
There were in particular times where James Bond saw himself meeting Major Anya Amasova more than twice. They do happen to enter the van seconds apart (Jaws was driving) James says “We really need to stop meeting like this”; She replied it will get people talking”. Now, how many times have you gone around the corner, come out of the bathroom, in and out of the elevator to run into the same person you know? I’m talking friendly environment here. You or the other person will announce this statement and laughter will pursuit.
I only mention two of my top favorite lines in James Bond movies. Please let me know what was your favorite lines.
More to come soon.