Review of Dr. No (1962) by Will H — 15 Dec 2011

In our modern times, the James Bond franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, with production ramping up on the 23rd film in the long-running spy series just in time for its 50th anniversary. And while the earliest installment of this half-century anthology may not quite live up to the complete test of time, mainly due to dated effects and some cheesy elements, Dr.

No is still an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek, and relatively tame first entry, that faithfully brings the works of Ian Fleming to the big screen. Veteran director Terence Young was given the helm, and his experience benefits the film greatly, with some very clever directorial flourishes hidden within (note how the camera focuses on Dr.

No leaving the room while his goons rough Bond up), and soon-to-be-longtime Bond screenwriter Richard Maibaum, in conjunction with Johanna Harwood and Berkely Mather, adapts the original Fleming story well, with some great (if limited) action sequences and an interesting and engaging mystery plot that pits Bond against his first nemesis, the wonderfully villainous Dr.

Julius No. Another aspect that must be praised in the production design, with No's base becoming the prototypical villainous lair that the sequels would follow. And I can't get through much more of this review without mentioning Sean Connery.

Always one of my favorite actors, Connery was the perfect casting choice for this iteration of Bond, suave, confident, and charming all the way, basically breathing life into a character only before experienceable on the page.

Joseph Wiseman also deserves praise as No, maintaining a genuinely sinister attitude in a potentially overtly campy environment. Jack Lord, Lois Maxwell, and Bernard Lee bring the characters of Felix Leiter, Miss Moneypenny, and M to life, and Johm Kitzmiller gives a good supporting performance as Quarrel.

Not much can be said about Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder, other than that she succeeds as the first Bond girl based on sex appeal alone, but her dubbed dialogue limits her acting ability greatly. Monty Norman's score is serviceable, though the John Barry theme is absolutely legendary.

The film is admittedly rough and uneven at times, and the beginning lacks much punch, sans Bond's introductory scene. And the dated effects and some subpar acting in the supporting cast keeps Dr. No from being on par with the recent Casino Royale.

However, Connery is as good a Bond as there ever was, and even with some rough patches, Dr. No is good enough reason to start the franchise.