Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 [DVD]

Good docs plenty of information

a truthful origin of 007

Charting the course of the James Bond story from the pages of Ian Fleming's novels to the highly successful movie franchise, this documentary is worthwhile viewing for any Bond aficionado.Starting with a brief outline of author Ian Fleming's life and why and how he created the James Bond character, things quickly move on to focus on the vital roles producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman had on the film franchise. The Broccoli and Saltzman story is told throughout the documentary, with interesting and revealing contributions from family members Barbara Broccoli, Michael G Wilson, Steven and Hilary Saltzman. In particular, the fall-outs between the two producers, the personal and financial problems of Saltzman, the legal battle with Kevin McClory and the fractured relationship between Broccoli and Sean Connery are described.There are only fleeting out-dated contributions from Sean Connery - it would have been very appealing to hear more from him on how he tackled being the first Bond actor. George Lazenby tells his well-known story (to Bond fans) as to why he only did one Bond movie - sadly he comes across as highly immature and seems a very distasteful character who blew his chance at film stardom.Roger Moore suavely provides interesting remarks as to why he enjoyed playing Bond. But it is Timothy Dalton's energetic contribution that stands out - he says he was desperate to be different from Connery and Moore and focus on Ian Fleming's dark image of Bond. In many ways he achieved his objective, but his two movies only received lukewarm reviews.Pierce Brosnan describes how he initially was offered the role in 1986, but dramatically lost out to Dalton due to a contract dispute over his "Remington Steele" television series. Daniel Craig explains what it was like to be offered the iconic role, but his contribution was minimal and lacked any new or dynamic information.For the well-informed Bond enthusiast, there is very little new information in this documentary. However, it accurately charts the course Bond has taken from Ian Fleming to the movie screens with Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig. At just over 90 minutes, there is not enough time to provide many new facts - at least 180 minutes would be needed to provide more depth and analysis.

Very interesting/enjoyable documentary on 50-odd years of JB. Some impressive talking heads are assembled, including all actors of the title part and featuring a couple of hilarious interviews with George Lazenby and Pierce Brosnan. Well worth a watch

This is a fantastic behind the scenes look at the meteoric rise of the spy film icon James Bond. A mix of archival footage and modern interviews filmed specifically for this film.Its a fantastic, VERY balanced look at those men who created the longest running film franchise in cinematic history. No holes barred, each of the three men: Brocolli, Saltzman and Fleming, each come off with their pros and cons.It covers the history, the culutral influences of the times and the influnece Bond had on the culture. Its a very broad brush, and some areas DO get glossed over a bit too quickly (music for instance, doesn't seem to be covered at all).However, for a documentary of only 90 minutes, it does a VERY commendable job.Some of the highlights for me, was George Lazenby's open heart account of his one film spell and what lead to his sudden departure, and on a more comedic note, Pierce Brosnan's recollection of some the more... ridiculous moments of his Bond's missions ("right Brosnan, today we're surfing a tidal wave").It is very good as i say, there are a few areas it does fall noticeably short; Connery's absence is very notable, and had he consented to appear, this documentary would have been lifted for it's detail it would have allowed. As it stands, whilst his side is put forward, the story of his fall out, does seem oddly one sided. But, a small niggle in an otherwise brilliant behind the scenes look.The real reason i struggled to give this the full 5 stars i would have liked was simply the lack of extras.Even deleted scenes (perhaps of the musical history, or publicity campaigns and how they changed), scenes that probably rightly didn't work for the brief 90 minute running time, i feel should have been included.However, as i say, if you're just after the film after being lucky enough to catch it's very short run in the cinema, or missed it and want this lovely overview of the 50 year Bond Legacy, DEFINITELY worth the nice price investment.However, don't expect any extras (although the case and DVD menu are very lovely, i'd love to have the artwork on my wall!)

interesting but poor choice of background music in places where you have a someone singing in the background when someones talking