The screen’s favourite spy

Half the world’s population has seen a Bond movie – it’s one of the most successful series in film history. But why? What is it about 007 that audiences love so much? The answer lies in the Bond formula. This is a mixture of elements which appear in every film. It includes: fantasy, exotic locations, charming women, adventure, gadgets, humour, the cool, tough, sophisticated and very “British” character of James Bond himself.

And what’s it like to be in a Bond film? One person who knows it is the actor Thomas Wheatley. He appeared in “The Living Daylights” as Saunders, a British agent who helps 007 on a mission in Vienna. In one of his interviews he said:

“I was very lucky to get the part. The casting director saw me when I was taking part in one of BBC TV plays. She asked me to come for an interview where I just chatted to the producer, director and writer. There was no screen test or anything. Then a few hours later, they rang to say I’d got the part. It was my first film, so I was very, veryexcited.

The script arrived almost immediately. I read it and signed the contract. After that the costumes were made. I needed seven different suits. We shot all scenes with my participation in two places. There was a fortnight on location in Vienna, and then we did all the interior scenes at Pinewood Studios near London. It was very easy for me to work with Timothy Dalton.

It was his first Bond film, so he was a little bit nervous, but he didn’t show it. He was completely relaxed while we were filming. Very funny, too. I enjoyed working with him a lot. And I can say that the crew was like a family. They had all worked together so often before and they were all very polite and generous too. They made “new boys” like me feel very welcome. The worst moment of being in “The Living Daylights” was dying. My character, Saunders, was cut in two by sliding glass doors - very nasty. As for the best moment, well - that was probably the big scenes where there were hundreds of extras and technicians. Being a part of something enormous and complex like that is really thrilling. And I was very excited at the premiere at the Odeon cinema, Leicester Square. The Prince and Princess of Wales were the guests of honour, so everybody was dressed-up. They even re­named Leicester Square, “James Bond Square” for the evening. You know, it was the first time I’d seen the film. Before that I’d only seen a rough-cut. It was strange to watch myself up there on the big screen. In fact I enjoyed the whole thing - being in “The Living Daylights”, I mean – from the very beginning to the end.”