Picture: A Pixel Art image of an underwater action scene featuring Sean Connery as James Bond in Thunderball film.
Set in the Bahamas
The Thunderball film is the fourth instalment in the James Bond series— a landmark film that pushed the boundaries of action cinema. Released in 1965 and directed by Terence Young, it featured Sean Connery as James Bond, solidifying his status as the quintessential 007.
Thunderball follows Bond as he battles SPECTRE, a global criminal organisation threatening to detonate two stolen nuclear bombs. The film is renowned for its ambitious underwater sequences, which were revolutionary then. These scenes were technically challenging and posed real risks to the cast and crew. Sean Connery, performing many of his stunts, faced genuine danger, particularly in the infamous shark scene. A small plastic shield was meant to protect him from the sharks, but accounts vary on its effectiveness. Connery’s evident fear added a layer of authenticity to the scene, which remains one of the most memorable in the Bond franchise.
The production of Thunderball was also marked by legal disputes. Kevin McClory and Jack Whittingham, who had collaborated with Ian Fleming on a screenplay before Fleming turned it into a novel, fought for and won certain rights to the story. This legal victory resulted in McClory serving as a producer on the film. The legal issues surrounding Thunderball resurfaced in 1983 with the release of Never Say Never Again, a non-Eon Bond film that was essentially a remake of Thunderball and starred Connery.
The Thunderball film was a massive box office success
Thunderball was a massive box office success, becoming not only the highest-grossing Bond film at the time but also one of the top-grossing films of 1965. Its impact on popular culture was profound, setting new standards for action films with its combination of exotic locations, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling action sequences. The film’s theme song, performed by Tom Jones, was also a hit, contributing to the film’s enduring legacy.
However, Thunderball is not without its critics. Some have pointed out that the film’s pacing is slower compared to other Bond films, especially due to the extended underwater scenes. Despite this, the film’s technical achievements and its influence on the spy genre far outweigh these criticisms.
Where to watch
Apple TV | YouTube | Amazon Prime Video | Google Play Movies
Final thoughts.
Thunderball is a significant entry in the James Bond series, showcasing the franchise’s ability to evolve and innovate. It cemented Sean Connery’s legacy as the definitive James Bond and set a high bar for future instalments. The film’s mix of adventure, danger, and exotic locales continues to captivate audiences, making Thunderball a timeless classic in the world of cinema.
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