Director: Stevan Riley
Featuring: Albert R. Broccoli, Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Harry Saltzman, Ian Fleming, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Pierce Brosnan
Running Time: 93 minutes
Certificate: 12
Extras: None
Billing a story as untold is a dangerous ploy; there will always be those who know. EVERYTHING OR NOTHING attempts to uncover the secrets behind Bond’s big-screen debut DR. NO (1962) and every major change in the franchises history, and whilst it may surprise some, those in the know will find little to enjoy.
Appropriately current Bond Daniel Craig opens this documentary with a skit on his love of Ian Fleming’s creation. Suave, immaculately presented but lacking substance, Craig’s appearance sums up all that is good and bad about EVERYTHING OR NOTHING.
Director Stevan Riley has crafted a beautiful film; movie scenes are segued in to visually represent what is being said by the contributors, and the production value is second to none. Trouble is when something looks beautiful, it also needs interest and this Riley has more trouble with. Contributors Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson and Christopher Lee are vapid interviewees who seem intent on making their voices heard rather than telling a compelling story, and after the first 15 minutes the documentary loses momentum and becomes a bit of a backslapping exercise.
Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli’s relationship is explored deeply, but never deeply enough. Just as we seem to be getting to a juicy part the subject is changed and someone inevitably slags off Sean Connery – notable by his absence. Things pick up when George Lazenby is on screen, regaling with his motives for becoming Bond and his rather questionable methods in procuring the role, and the same can be said for Pierce Brosnan who, quite rightfully, mercilessly rips into his last two outings.
EVERYTHING OR NOTHING is typical of a studio produced documentary; it skirts issues, dodges bullets and does it all whilst distracting you with lovely visuals. It doesn’t fail on every count but the untold story this is not.
EVERYTHING OR NOTHING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF 007 is released on DVD 28th January
