James Bond is one of the best-known characters in cinematic history, and the long-running series has changed a lot over its 60-year history. With 25 films in the main series, not every entry can get the spotlight and recognition it deserves, andTomorrow Never Diesis one of the biggest victims.
The James Bond franchiseoccupies an interesting place in modern cinema. People seem generally excited when one comes out, but hardcore fans are in the minority. Everyone knows the basic building blocks of a 007 film, and every new entry has a few unique spins on the format to keep things interesting.
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Released in 1997,Tomorrow Never Diesis the 18th Bond film overall and the second entry with Pierce Brosnan in the central role.The film follows Bondas he does battle with the megalomaniacal CEO of a news conglomerate who seeks to start World War III. On the way, he links up with a Chinese spy and his old flame. At the time, critics lauded the film for its stellar action scenes and great cast, but many felt it was a bit by the numbers. Over the years since the film’s release, it’s been credited for being weirdly prophetic in some ways, and for its place in the center of some of the franchise’s biggest transitions.
For numerous reasons, the 18th Bond is at a crossroads.Tomorrow Never Diesis the first Bond film made after the death of Albert R. Broccoli, the producer who brought the franchise to EON Productions. His input on the franchise was hugely important, and his descendants continue to produce the series to this day. Theprevious entry wasGoldenEye, which is still remembered today as one of the strongest in the series. The next entry, 1999’sThe World Is Not Enoughis the first Bond with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade attached as screenwriters. The duo has since co-written every single film in the franchise, up to and includingNo Time to Die. Without the original producer or the screenwriters who made the franchise what it is today, the film comes from some unique voices.
Beyond the transitionary period behind the scenes,Tomorrow Never Diesis a crossroad in tone as well. The film features plentyof late-90s silliness, but it also introduces a more contemporary approach to political intrigue and modern villainy. A look at its action scenes demonstrates the film’s influence on recent entries. Bond fans who wish the franchise wasn’t as self-serious as it is today would enjoy a glance back at this late-90s classic.Brosnan’s performance as Bondis as fun and suave as it was in his debut feature, butTomorrow Never Diesgives him a chance to stretch a bit as a performer. Critics at the time put special attention on a sad moment in the film. Brosnan isn’t the first Bond to lose a loved one, but he handles the scene well.
Tomorrow Never Dieshas a great time with its premise while also taking thetone of its villainfairly seriously. The pitch of a news media mogul furnishing a war to increase his ratings and triple his market share is hugely grim, and the film doesn’t shy away from the implications. Johnathan Pryce’s performance as villain Elliot Carver is less of a classic Bond villain and more of a living social satire. He even directly compares himself to William Randolph Hearst’s campaign of yellow journalism, setting subtlety aside for the big finale. On the other side,Michelle Yeoh appears asBond’s ally, bringing some solid martial arts action and natural charisma to a non-traditional Bond girl role. The cast is across the board excellent.
Viewers looking for a good introduction to the world of James Bond will enjoyTomorrow Never Dies. Hardcore fans who want to enjoy an earlier era of the franchise can get a lot out of the feature as well. The critics who decried its similarities to earlier entries had a point, but it’s unfair to call it a standard-issue Bond film. The unique aspects are a bit more subtle. Its approach to action has evolved, Brosnan’s performance has evolved, its villain has evolved, and the sense of humor has grown.Tomorrow Never Dieshas thetraditional fun of a James Bond film, complete with a ton of unique elements. A dedicated fan could pick out all the parts, but they’re all done well. From the big opening action scene to the theme song, from the unique villain to the climax, it’s a well-done Bond film.
Tomorrow Never Diesis the only one of Brosnan’s takes on Bond that wasn’t #1 at the box office. Granted, that’s not the film’s fault, it’s because it hit the big screen on the exact same day asTitanic.Tomorrow Never Diesdeserves a fond look back from fans and newcomers.
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