Octopussy Title Sequence
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Title sequence created by Maurice Binder
'All Time High' performed by Rita Coolidge, written by John Barry and Tim Rice
Featured in Octopussy (1983)
Visuals
Maurice Binder makes a departure from his usual style of title sequence, to adopt something more used by Robert Brownjohn in the From Russia With Love and Goldfinger titles.
This time lasers, a new invention in 1983, are used to great effect to project images of the shape of Bond, his number, and other shapes onto naked female forms. Interspersed with more lasers creating the 007 logo, more shapes and florescent smoke, are traditional scenes of men and woman bouncing around on trampolines set to a smoky background, and of course the Roger Moore as Bond image.
Theme
John Barry was back on the scene with the assistance of Tim Rice, who decided not to incorporate the films title into the theme. For the fourth time in a row another romantic tune is used, however 'All Time High' » definitely falls behind its similar neighbours, with fans and critics rating this as the least successful. It would also mark the end of the period for such themes, as future songs would adopt a much more upbeat, dynamic sound.
The song itself doesn't appear to have any of the better elements from the previous romantic themes. Rita Coolidge tries to create a smooth, sexy tone, but sadly the result you hear is more of a longing, like looking back on past events with fond memories, rather than indicating falling in love as the lyrics suggest. Critics have also mentioned the rather languishing pace, lack of vocal range and generally melancholy feel, leading to little love for this dreamy theme.
Global success was much the same with 'All Time High' reaching number 36 on the US charts, while barely making number 75 on the UK chart. There was some success in Europe however, with the song reaching number 7 in Switzerland and Sweden and number 11, 13 and 14 in Finland, Germany and Austria respectively.
Lyrics
All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two, had no intention to do the things we've done. Funny how it always goes with love, when you don't look, you find. But then we're two of a kind, we move as one.
We're an all time high, we'll change all that's gone before. Doing so much more, than falling in love. On an all time high, we'll take on the world that way. So hold on tight, let the flight begin.
I don't want to waste a waking moment, I don't want to sleep. I'm in so strong and so deep, and so are you. In my time I've said these words before, but now I realise, my heart was telling me lies, for you they're true.
We're an all time high, we'll change all that's gone before. Doing so much more, than falling in love. On an all time high, we'll take on the world that way. So hold on tight, let the flight begin. So hold on tight, let the flight begin. We're an all time high. §
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