Becoming Bond (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

George Lazenby is an Australian mechanic and salesman who, through an extraordinary turn of events, became the actor cast as James Bond in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.' Before his acting career, Lazenby worked various jobs and experienced early failures, though his resilience and determination eventually led him to Hollywood stardom.

• george lazenby
• australian
• mechanic
• james bond
• background

The movie primarily takes place in two locations: Australia, which is George Lazenby's home where he returns to a more ordinary life after his time as James Bond, and London, which represents the ambitious pursuit of his dreams and connection to the glamorous film world he once entered.

• australia
• london
• setting
• locations

The movie is set in the 1960s, a transformative decade marked by cultural revolutions and significant societal changes. This era saw the rise of counterculture, the expansion of the film industry, and the evolution of iconic characters like James Bond.

• 1960s
• time period
• 1960s era

Resilience is a central theme in George Lazenby's journey, showing how he overcame early failures and challenges to achieve success. His story emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks, demonstrating how determination transformed him from a struggling salesman to a celebrated actor who later chose his own path.

• resilience
• perseverance
• overcoming challenges
• theme

The theme of love and sacrifice reveals Lazenby's personal journey, where his pursuit of love propels him to follow his heart across continents. This emotional drive ultimately shapes his destiny, forcing him to confront the sacrifices he must make in both love and career, leading to life-altering decisions.

• love
• sacrifice
• romance
• theme
• emotional journey

The theme of identity explores Lazenby's struggle to find himself amidst the fame and expectations of becoming James Bond. His reflections reveal a deep conflict between his public persona and personal desires, ultimately leading to a choice to embrace a life of authenticity over public acclaim.

• identity
• self-discovery
• authenticity
• persona vs self
• theme

George Lazenby declined a lucrative seven-film contract and substantial bonus offered by the Bond producers. Rather than continuing as James Bond, he chose to forge his own path away from the role, prioritizing personal fulfillment and authenticity over a guaranteed career as the iconic spy.

• james bond role
• declined
• contract
• decision
• leaving bond

Becoming Bond is a biographical comedy that tells the true story of George Lazenby's unexpected journey from Australian mechanic to James Bond. The film blends documentary-style interviews with comedic reenactments, creating a hopeful and sometimes lighthearted take on his remarkable true story.

• biography
• comedy
• true story
• genre
• documentary

The movie explores several interconnected themes: resilience through Lazenby's journey from failure to success, love and sacrifice as emotional drivers for his major decisions, and identity as he grapples with fame and authenticity. These themes combine to tell a story about finding personal peace over public acclaim.

• themes
• main themes
• meaning
• message
• interpretation

The movie has a primarily hopeful tone despite bittersweet elements. It focuses on Lazenby's resilience and ultimate success in finding a fulfilling life on his own terms. The emotional journey moves from initial failure through meteoric rise to a conscious rejection of fame, ending with a peaceful resolution that values personal peace over public acclaim.

• tone
• mood
• emotional
• hopeful
• bittersweet
• feel