Elvis Mitchell Picks the 10 Best James Bond Openings

By Madison Poulter Thu., Jun. 7 2012 at 8:00 AM

Starting June 9th, LACMA, in collaboration with Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of James Bond film franchise, launches its new exhibit "...Is James Bond." The exhibit features the opening sequences for all 22 Bond films. Even better: free movies. Starting in July, LACMA (along with Film Independent) will be screening double Bond features on Thursday nights.

In anticipation for "...Is James Bond," film critic and LA Weekly alum Elvis Mitchell picked his ten favorite Bond opening sequences. From Casino Royale to Live and Let Die, see what Bond classics make Mitchell's list.

10. Casino Royale (2006)
Chris Cornell croons the song "You Know My Name" in this first Bond film, starring the alluring Daniel Craig as everyone's favorite spy.

9. Die Another Day (2002)
Madonna sings the title track and stars in Die Another Day, Pierce Brosnan's final film as James Bond.

8. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
This was the first James Bond film to be made without longtime producer Albert R. Broccoli, who receives a dedication in the ending credits. Sheryl Crow performs the title song in this film about a media mogul attempting to start WW III.

Tags:

elvis mitchell, james bond, lacma

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Boris Minder

YOLT theme music is different from the soundtrack album released. Dunno the rules exactly, but sometimes the soundtrack recorded for a film was re-recorded for the album release. I think it may have been to do with musicians' unions. The Spy Who Loved Me was released as the Original Motion Picture 'Score', not 'Soundtrack', meaning it had been re-recorded. The YOLT album was released as a 'Soundtrack', yet re-recorded - hence my not knowing the rules exactly. P.S. Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes only - the only singer to appear in the Bond opening titles.

Andraia Blue

Great selection. Is the song "You Only Live Twice" an alternate take, a remix, a cover version? It sounds very different, though not bad or anachronistic,

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ohmss

ummmm...goldfinger was before diamonds are forever...you know...the last sean connery film for eon productions . dame bassey sang both title songs....

Rahm Emmanuel

I think Number 11 should be David Fincher's Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

drem

You Only Live Twice is definitely NOT the last Bond film to star Connery. How about Diamonds are Forever? or how about Never Say Never Again? Great research for the article.