My Favorite Bond

Like so many others, my favorite James Bond is Sean Connery. Starring in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983, Connery still represents my classic idea of the British secret agent: elegant, at times reserved—almost shy—yet a ladies’ man and a tough-as-nails operative, full of wit and charm. In my eyes, no one embodied 007 as perfectly as the Scottish actor.

Few film franchises have thrilled so many generations the way Bond has. The first movie appeared in 1962—and in 2012, with Skyfall, the saga continued. That’s 50 years of cinema history, 50 years of Bond.

Bond and His Women

Bond is inseparable from his women—from Honey Ryder (Dr. No) to Camille (Quantum of Solace). The films also introduced legendary, cheekily suggestive names like Strawberry Fields (Quantum of Solace), Xenia Onatopp(GoldenEye), Holly Goodhead (Moonraker), and of course, Pussy Galore (Goldfinger).

Shaken, Not Stirred

One drink, too, owes much of its worldwide fame to 007: the Vodka Martini—“shaken, not stirred.” Bond consumed dozens over the years. Here’s Ian Fleming’s original recipe:

Fleming’s Original Vodka Martini

• 3 measures Gordon’s gin
• 1 measure vodka (preferably grain-based, not potato)
• ½ measure Kina Lillet
• Shake until ice-cold, then serve in a champagne goblet with a long, thin slice of lemon peel.

For me, it was almost sacrilege when I learned that in Skyfall, Bond would be drinking a Heineken—part of a marketing campaign by the Dutch brewer from my own homeland.

License to Kill

That Bond kills without hesitation goes without saying. With his license to kill and the iconic gun barrel sequence, audiences can be sure every villain will meet his deserved end at the hands of Judge Dre—sorry, Bond.

But which Bond was the most “Bond-like”? Who seduced the most women, drank the most martinis, and dispatched the most villains? Surprisingly, it was Pierce Brosnan! With only four films, he outpaced longtime Bonds like Connery and Moore.

Bond Cars

One detail I haven’t touched on yet: the cars. As a petrolhead, I couldn’t forget them. The first brand that comes to mind is, of course, Aston Martin. For me, it’s the only true vehicle for a British secret agent. Whether DB5 or DBS—it just has to wear the badge with the iconic wings. Across nine films, Bond drove one of these legendary machines from the hallowed halls of Aston Martin (today part of Prodrive).

The New Bond: Daniel Craig

Finally, a few words about the new Bond: Daniel Craig. I think he brilliantly redefined the role for a new generation. Outwardly, he is harder, rougher, more aggressive and combative—but inwardly, softer and more vulnerable. He adds a whole new dimension to the character while updating Bond for today’s world: more action, brighter visuals, and raw muscle are now part of the package.

I’m genuinely excited about the new Bond film, Skyfall. The 23rd installment hits theaters on Thursday, November 1st, 2012!