James Bond in review - Thunderball (Terence Young, 1965)

"You seem to be unbeatable Mr Bond!"

Over the ensuing years following its 1965 release, Thunderball has been divided amongst Bond fans. Some see it as laboured with underwater sequences and lacking the style and sophistication of the previous three films, others see it the way many saw it on its release – as the biggest Bond of all. The thing that surprised me the most, upon rewatching the film, is that despite a sometimes overly complex plot and some labouring moments, Thunderball is one of the more entertaining of the Bond films, perhaps the most entertaining of the Connery films.

Paula, Domino and Fiona chill out on the Thunderball Bahamas coastline

The elements all gel – the villains are excellent, we get to see one of the only group meetings of SPECTRE agents plotting their schemes in the series, the Bond girls are some of the best in the series – and most beautiful – and Sean Connery actually feels at ease in the role, relishing the humour and the sun of the Bahamas. Add to this mix the return of Terence Young as director and another terrific score from Bond veteran John Barry and Thunderball looks and sounds brilliant. The cynics of Thunderball all latch onto the length of the underwater scenes in the film. It’s surprising therefore to discover that these scenes make up less than 25 minutes of the two hour screen time. The scenes themselves, in particular the climactic underwater battle – Bond versus Largo – is brilliantly filmed and draws the film to a fine conclusion. Domino ultimately defeating her tormenter is a nice touch and the frenetic editing on the Disco Volante adds to the excitement.

Largo, SPECTRE agent number 2

The real treat of the film is undoubtedly Luciana Paluzzi’s Fiona Volpe. She is one of the best villainesses in the series and clearly relishes the role. It seems ridiculous to even try to picture her as Domino, the heroine of the film, the role that she originally auditioned for. She is so perfectly sadistic in the role of Largo’s right hand woman and gets all the best dialogue – “do you like wild things Mr Bond James Bond?” is perhaps one of the most rhetorical questions in the series and one of the best humorous moments.

Bond and Domino

Connery’ s 4th Bond is an entertaining romp. Some great characterisations, one of the most sadistic villains brought to life in a brilliantly sly manner by Adolfo Celi and a narrative that flows well, keeping the audience excited. With Goldfinger and Thunderball, the mid-60s saw the launch of Bond mania. A coffin with the initials JB teasingly opens the film playing on the notion of Bond’s death and two hours later he once again saves the day and gets the girl. It is easy, on reflection, to see how Thunderball is one of the biggest Bond box office successes. His name’s James Bond and for nearly 50 years we’ve been “admiring [his] form.”