The Bond icon
The release of ‘Quantum of Solace’ tomorrow marks the 22nd installment of the James Bond series. Running for 46 years with a combined box office revenue of more than $4.4 billion, it seems as though there’s no stopping the 007 legacy.
From sex symbols Sean Connery and Roger Moore to the unimpressive George Lazenby, we’ve seen our fair share of topless man-meat. The newest Bond, Daniel Craig, exploded on the film scene with ‘Casino Royale’ in 2006, pulling back all the 007 fans who bailed on the saga after Pierce Brosnan’s green-screen-driven ‘Die Another Day.’
Clive Owen turned down the offer to be the next Bond when asked first by the producers, but Craig still proved to be quite a step-up from Brosnan. ‘Casino Royale’ made a worldwide box office revenue of $595 million, compared to the $456 million made by ‘Die Another Day.’
Craig has been splashed on magazine ads and Coca-Cola commercials near and far to promote the new film – it gets much more ridiculous after that. But the 007 series has become known for much more than the sex and gunfire – the films have actually turned into sources of cutting-edge technology.
So it comes as no surprise that the guys at Sony and Verizon have jumped on the Bond bandwagon. They have upped the ante by creating Bond products far beyond the typical movie posters and cut-outs.
Sony created a limited-time release VAIO TT Series 007 Notebook computer in anticipation of what could be on the list of top 50 grossing films of all time. After all, ‘Casino Royale’ is number 43.
Like Bond himself, the computer is bigger and more badass than other computers in its league. With a widescreen WXGA XBRITE-DuraView LCD display, dual-layer DVD burner, 64 GB hard drive and an integrated webcam, this bad boy sells for $2,399.99 – a computer based on James Bond’s gadgets, in James Bond’s budget.
Verizon made what’s arguably one of the ugliest and most dysfunctional phones in circulation today specifically for the release of the film – the VIP 007. It’s built like one of those things we call cell phones from the 80’s, with the large body, awkward side you speak into and scary antenna.
While the VAIO 007 might have a chance, the VIP 007 by Verizon is a flop, to say the least.
So, Sony got one up on Verizon on this one, too; they created their own 007 phone, one that’s actually pretty snazzy. The C902 Cyber-shot phone by SonyEricsson has a sleek, titanium body, a 5-megapixel camera and a slide-screen. It looks much more like the kind of phone Bond would use. And it should – it’s featured in the movie.
Some say the best way to make a good movie is to market the hell out of it. ‘Quantum of Solace’ has done just that, and done it well, for the most part. Whether or not the film itself will be worth the millions poured into advertising is yet to be determined.
Bond has come a long way, and Craig’s career has really taken off these last few years. With the next Bond film, ‘Bond 23,’ already in production, we’re probably in for more gadgets, bombs and naked hot chicks.
One thing’s for sure, Sean Connery may have been steaming up the sheets, but he sure wasn’t running around with these gadgets 46 years ago.
Published on November 12, 2008 at 12:00 pm
