We all love, and axiomatically respect, Desmond Llewelyn. Love him because he's so witty, with catchy charisma, and a mark that connects all the Bond movies from the 1960s till the 2000s. He was one of the most famous imaginary inventors during the second half of 20th century. I don't recall someone who had played the same role, over and over again, to gain this popularity through consecutive cinematic hits that long else him; even it was some scenes in some movies. In fact, we didn't watch him away from this role, so while the years passing by, he became Mr. Q utterly, who's always surviving while many Bonds come and go. Also, and personally, he resembled my late grandfather a lot; with the same tallness, white hair, and elegance. To the extent that every time I first see him in a Bond movie, I smile to greet him naturally: "Hello Grandpa!".
About respecting him, it has more than semi-implied side; firstly, Q was way smarter than 007. It shows. Bond was the charming playboy, yet always in troubles without Q's fascinating gadgets, so whenever Bond pulls it off with some wicked invention, we know that this is not his brain's work!
Moreover, Q was unlike Bond a serious man; he was partly the mentor, the stiff teacher. Look at him saying the catchphrase to Sean Connery. He was deeply meaning it (Btw, Desmond talked here about his bad experiment with Connery!). We all got so much regard for this bright old man who could give Bond the scorn look or the vexed expression, reprimanding him like a hopeless father: "Grow up 007!". He was the living proof that Bond is reckless, adolescent, and maybe stupid!
Not to mention how Q almost represented us in the Bond movies, and in the best way too. Whereas we're the ones who stay at home, do our homework, keep off the action, however Q gave us the hope that the geek, who doesn't have muscles or handsomeness or youth, or all of them, can be some respectable hero.
The producers of Bond paid attention to Desmond's abilities so late. Although in (Diamonds Are Forever - 1971) he got a bit extension for his role. But we had to wait till the 1980s to watch him in more scenes. Though I see that his best ones were the ones with Pierce Brosnan, and this documentary admitted that Brosnan is the best Bond when it comes to the real relationship between the star and his fellow actor.
Actually, the hottest moment in this documentary is when Desmond expresses openly his opinion about every single Bond till 2000. And its most touching one is when he leaves the studio, sadly for the last time in his life, with echoes for his famous lines to Bond.
It's very lovely documentary, with beautiful appreciation. Amongst so many documentaries about Bond's world, this is the warmest. And after Llewelyn's sudden death in car crash shortly later, it became a perfect gem. The old man quitted his role, and completed the documentary, in short time before his end, as if he knew, by undeclared cool gadget, about it earlier! Finally, if you're a fan of Q, you'll be more than satisfied with this well-made, rare film.
