First shots in the above trailer shows part of the train fight.
The From Russia with Love train fight took two days of filming with three cameras. Sean Connery and Robert Shaw did all the stunts themselves except for one shot. The producers worried that the scene was too violent. Shaw's wire-in-a-watch is an actual weapon developed in WWll.
Director Terence Young made three important decisions: No music over the fight so every punch can be heard. Shaw shoots out the light making the train car a nightmarish blue. The window is smashed so the train sound is louder.
The movie introduced new elements to Bond movies: a pre-title sequence, Blofeld, a special gadget for Bond, a helicopter scene that's in every Bond movie (except for Man with the Golden Gun), a 'bonus' action scene after the main climax, a theme song with lyrics, and 'James Bond Will Return' in the end credits.
Filming the boat chase, director Terence Young's helicopter crashed in the water. He was trapped underwater with the art director, cameraman and pilot for several hours in an air bubble in the canopy before they were rescued.
The movie almost got an X rating because of Bond and Tania in bed being filmed from behind a one-way mirror. The British rating board said it ‘was too voyeuristic’ and told the producer to trim the scene so the cameraman is shown as little as possible. The producer tightened the shot.
Bond fan Steven Spielberg cast Robert Shaw in Jaws because of this movie, as well as Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Ian Fleming objected to casting Connery in the first movie Dr. No, but after seeing this second movie, he was convinced Connery was good as Bond.
The movie has twice the budget of Dr. No. Connery was given a $100,000 bonus as well as his $54,000 salary.
From Russia with Love is the shortest Bond movie, fast paced, with a clear and fast paced plot. It has two memorable villains, Shaw, and knife-in-the-shoe Lotta Leyna. It adroitly blends intrigue, action, locations, and romance into a compelling watch. Sean Connery called it his personal favorite Bond movie.
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The title makes me think of what Russia is doing to the Ukraine with such love/hate today. What a shame!
All movies are from behind the camera and therefore, voyeuristic. It's always interesting to see how far a director will go (and the actors) when it comes to couples in bed. Nowadays, it always seems like just a sudden urge to slam the woman up against the wall or over a counter or table and then a rape scene that somehow the woman seems to enjoy immensely. I'm getting tired of seeing it. One thing about the Bond movies; sex was portrayed more subtly and romantically.
One role can make a career. That was the case for both Shaw and Connery, but more so for Connery. The hero always gets more roles than the villain.
Please keep these interesting insights into our favorite films coming. Much enjoyed.
Ron