Watch Becoming Bond

Becoming Bond is a biographical comedy film from Hulu Originals, which is based on true events about the life of George Lazenby, who was the enigmatic actor that played James Bond only once in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum and stars Josh Lawson as George Lazenby and Kassandra Clementi as Belinda, George’s love interest.

The film is a mixture of comedy and drama, with a lot of insightful and emotional moments. The film begins with George Lazenby’s early life as a car mechanic in Australia, and how he landed his first modelling gig, followed by acting. The film captures some hilarious moments of George's life, such as his time spent as a used car salesman using his Bond persona to sell to potential customers. But beneath the humour, the film also delves into darker subjects, such as George's struggles with his father’s abusive nature, the death of his mother, and his complicated relationships with women.

Despite being relatively unknown, George Lazenby is still one of the most memorable actors to play James Bond on the big screen, and his story is intriguing. The film documents his journey from a car mechanic in Australia to the big screen in London, and everything in between. What makes this film stand out is how it tells its story. Instead of a straightforward biopic, the filmmakers craft an almost fictional narrative, with George Lazenby narrating his own life story directly to the camera. The result is a witty, self-aware film that is engaging and immersive.

Josh Lawson is perfect as George Lazenby, capturing his humour, charisma, and occasional sadness. He’s very believable in his portrayal, never going too far into caricature of the real-life figure. George is presented more as a charismatic storyteller than as a typical protagonist, and the film cleverly explores his appeal, both as a human being and as James Bond. Kassandra Clementi, playing George’s love interest Belinda is also impressive in her portrayal, bringing a lot of charm and romance to the film.

One of the most interesting things about the film is its presentation of the Bond franchise. While in many other films, the franchise is the ultimate goal for an actor, Becoming Bond explores how George’s Bond experience influenced the rest of his life. It’s refreshing to see that the film doesn't just idolize the franchise but rather shows the negative aspects of its impact on George. The film is critical in the right way, without ever veering into mean-spirited slander. It’s a fine line, but Becoming Bond walks it with grace and poise.

The film's cinematography is top-notch, with beautiful landscapes and vibrant colours that capture the spirit of the era. It's very evocative and does a great job of transporting the viewer back in time. The costume design is also stellar, with clothing that perfectly encapsulates the fashion of the time, especially during the Bond-specific scenes. The music is appropriately Bond-like, capturing the essence of the franchise with huge success.

In conclusion, Becoming Bond is an excellent film that stands out in two ways. Firstly, it’s a hilarious and well-made biopic that explores one of the most enigmatic actors that played James Bond. Secondly, it’s a sharp critique of the franchise, showing both the impact of fame and success, as well as the personal struggle of George Lazenby in finding himself. Though the film is rooted in the past, the themes it explores are timeless, and the film is a worthy addition to Hulu Originals.