Thursday, October 30th, 2008...11:55 pm
Bond Girls: Past and Present
A James Bond movie just would not be complete without one or two “Bond Girls” gracing the screen. Bond could literally not live without them, considering how many have saved his life through the years, and we wouldn’t want to either! These roles have evolved over time and a true Bond Girl now needs to not only look good but be able to stand her own against Bond, usually as either his accomplice or enemy. Whether an actress is already well-known or just starting off her career the Bond Girl title gives her membership to a very exclusive club in movie history.
Take a look at the fabulous women and characters that have contributed to the legacy.
Ursula Andress “Honey Ryder” in Dr. No – Known as the first Bond Girl, it was the first movie after all, Andress left her mark walking out of the sea in a bikini.
Eunice Gayson “Sylvia Trench” in Dr. No – Gayson’s character is the only Bond Girl to appear in more than one film. Sylvia Trench was supposed to be a reoccurring role throughout the films but the idea was cut with a change in directors.
Diana Rigg – ‘’Teresa Di Vicenzo’’ in Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Vicenzo had the honor of being the only Bond Girl to ever marry Bond. Tragically, Teresa is murdered just after the wedding. Diana Rigg had previously starred as “Emma Peel” in The Avengers.
Maud Adams “Andrea Anders” in The Man With the Golden Gun and “Octopussy” in Octopussy – Adams is the only actress to play two Bond Girls in two different movies, first in The Man With the Golden Gun in 1974 and then in
Octopussy in 1983.
Lois Chiles “Dr. Holly Goodhead” in Moonraker – Despite the name’s innuendo (hey, it’s better than “Pussy Galore” from Goldfinger) Chiles’ character is intelligent and an integral part of the movie as a CIA spy and fully trained astronaut. Bond doesn’t have that on his resume!
Carole Bouquet “Melina Havelock” in For Your Eyes Only – Bouquet’s revenge-seeking character assists Bond in his mission throughout the film even helping him escape by killing one of the several bad guys with her crossbow.
Denise Richards “Christmas Jones” in The World is Not Enough – Richard’s character shows why Bond needs his female companions by playing a nuclear weapons expert who ends up saving the day by helping Bond stop a major nuclear incident.
Halle Berry “Jinx” in Die Another Day – Jinx is the ultimate modern Bond Girl, and definitely Bond’s equal, as a pilot with an excellent shot who can kill a few villains of her own.
Eva Green “Vesper Lynd” in Casino Royale – In the original novel series by Ian Flemming Vesper Lynd is the only woman Bond ever loves, or proposes to, besides Diana Rigg’s character in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The complicated character is actually a double agent breaking Bond’s heart twice when she tragically dies.
And introducing…
Gemma Arterton “Agent Fields” in Quantum Of Solace – Recently seen in the crime thriller Rocknrolla, directed by Guy Ritchie, Arterton plays an MI6 agent who’s supposed to keep Bond in check. Gemma Arterton is currently filming the BBC TV miniseries “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” playing the lead role of Tess Durbeyfield.
Olga Kurylenko “Camille” in Quantum Of Solace – Kurylenko’s character provides an ally for Bond, out for her own revenge against her family’s murderer.
The actress and model began her career in France and graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue and Elle by the age of 18 In 2009, she will be seen starring alongside Mark Wahlberg in John Moore’s Max Payne, and in the leading role of the French-produced drama, Kirot.
Quantum Of Solace is in UK cinemas everywhere from October 31st
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