Goldeneye Title Sequence

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Title sequence created by Daniel Kleinman

'Goldeneye' performed by Tina Turner, written by Bono and The Edge. 'The Experience Of Love' performed and written by Eric Serra

Featured in Goldeneye (1995)

Visuals

For the first time in 30 years, a new title designer steps up. Originally doing the music video for Gladys Knight, Daniel Kleinman takes over the reigns where Maurice Binder left off. After the six-year break between films, the title sequence, and indeed Bond himself, had got old. A spark of reinvention was needed to kick-start Bond back into action once more.

Kleinman manages to deliver the goods, and more, producing an excellent title sequence. Taking advantage of the beginning of the digital age, there are new techniques such as layers of live action, graphical elements, animated portions as well as narrative sections. A new third dimension was used to further bring subjects to life, as well as a new approach in lighting the whole sequence, as opposed to using mainly black with coloured elements. This is not to say that previous sequences by Binder and Brownjohn were completely ignored, no this was simply taking the lessons on board of what worked well, and giving the titles a modern, improved twist suitable for the post Cold War era.

The titles are very symbolic, with representations of the hammer and sickle, stars and large Communist statues being pulled down all against highly stylised backgrounds. There are striking images of girls smoking cigars, only to a turn their head and appear literally two-faced, hinting at the films story. One of the heads then opens it's mouth to reveal, and fire a gun creating a very surreal image.

It's not all completely new imagery however. There are some familiar elements as well, such as the naked models, but these are presented in a different fashion than before. With a golden eye, girls dancing on the top of guns like chimneys, all wrapped up within a golden hue, no wonder this marks a turning point for some of the best Bond title sequences.

Theme

If the titles sequence needed a reinvention after the six-year gap, then the theme needed it more. Luckily audiences didn't have to worry, as for the Goldeneye title theme » in came the big guns in the form of Tina Turner, with a song written by Bono and The Edge of U2 fame. There is also 'The Experience Of Love' » performed by the composer of the soundtrack, Eric Serra at the end of the film, but the less said about this very average lounge-style track, probably the better.

The theme starts off slowly and brings in that great four-note beat. It continues to build the suspense, creating a sense of danger, intrigue, and grittiness that has often been missing in previous Bond films. The song is perfect for Tina Turner who brings back shades of Shirley Bassey from her performance in Goldfinger. As the theme comes to it's conclusion, it picks up pace and allows Turner to let loose her inner diva, whilst still retaining control. Considering this was actually released nearly 20 years ago, it still has that something, and grabs you every time with its catchy beat.

The single version of Goldeneye went on to become one of her highest charting singles, peaking at number 10 in the charts in the UK, and equally scoring highly in other European countries. However the song curiously didn't even chart in the United States.

Lyrics

See reflections on the water, more than darkness in the depths, see him surface in every shadow, on the wind I feel his breath. Goldeneye, I've found his weakness. Goldeneye, you'll do what I please. Goldeneye, no time for sweetness. But a bitter kiss will bring him to his knees.

[You'll never know how I watched you from the shadows as a child. You'll never know how it feels to be the one who's left behind. You'll never know the days, the nights, the tears, the tears I've cried, But now my time has come, and time, time is not on your side!]

See him move through smoke and mirrors, feel his presence in the crowd. Other girls they gather round him, if I had him I wouldn't let him out. Goldeneye, not lace or leather, golden chains take him to the spot. Goldeneye, I'll show him forever, It'll take forever to see what I got.

You'll never know how I watched you from the shadows as a child, You'll never know how it feels to get so close and be denied. It's a gold and honey trap I've got for you tonight. Revenge, it's a kiss, this time I won't miss, now I've got you in my sights!

With a Goldeneye. Golden, goldeneye. With a goldeneye. Goldeneye!

[ ] Not heard in the title sequence. §