More often than not, however, the James Bond films have been adaptations in name only.
Fortunately, this has left an abundance of material ripe for translation into new adventures for the filmic Bond.
The first and most obvious element to consider is the title.
OnlyCasino RoyaleandQuantum Of Solacebucked the trend by taking their names from a Fleming novel and short story respectively.
Concerned about his performance and wellbeing, M dispatches Bond to Japan on a diplomatic function.
Nevertheless, its something to consider if they wanted to end the story on a dark and unexpected note.
The books heroine, Special Branch agent Gala Brand, has also never been portrayed in the film series.
FlemingsThe Man With The Golden Gunfeatures plot elements which could be similarly adapted for modern-day concerns.
Bond later avoids a similar fate by outmanoeuvring the killer.
The increased violence of recent films also brings to mind some of Flemings more brutal moments.
A visceral torture scene fromDiamonds Are Foreverhas Bond trampled by thugs in studded football boots.
He subsequently commandeers a push-car and escapes along a disused railway line.
Its an intense and often squeamish passage which was dropped from the original film thanks to budgetary constraints.
Evidently, the 007 source material still holds a lot of potential for the worlds longest-running film franchise.
And its not just Flemings stories which can be plundered for the screen.
Having hardly read these works, I couldnt comment any further on their suitability for the cinematic Bond.
But at the very least, Sebastian FaulksDevil May Carewould be a cracking title for a future instalment.
