Sean is still the quintessential, but Daniel Craig, is now firmly number 2.
And everyone else is far, far behind...
Casino Royale is a fresh, new look at an otherwise tired and old character.
And what makes Craig's Bond work so well?
It is because he plays it true to Ian Flemming's original vision - of a cold and calculated killer, a professional. There is no remorse nor pause, and there are many layers of fascinating darkness and wit. And yes, there is style.
I wonder if the recent Jason Bourne movies have had an affect on the making of Casino Royale... I see many similarities.
For the first time since the mid-seventies, I can say without hesitation - I'm a Bond fan once again ...
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After I posted, I realize that I might as well list my favourite James Bonds:
1. Sean Connery
2. Daniel Craig
3. Timothy Dalton
4. Pierce Brosnan
5. Roger Moore
6. George Lazenby
The main reason for my dislike of the last three is that they all overplayed Bond in a smug, tongue-in-cheek fashion. This has never worked for me. Connery, Craig and Dalton brought more realism to the role, creating many not-sure-what's-going-to-happen-next moments.
That's my take - your own Bonds may vary....
3 comments:
I've not yet seen THIS Casino Royale. (There it was first in 1967 with David Niven!)
A priori, I agree with your assessment, although I loved Brosnan in Remington Steele and in effect, he reprised that same general character into Bond, so I'd be hypocritical in saying I dislike that style.
Same with Moore, I'm old enough to remember actually liking The Saint.
Dalton on the other hand did more "staring & glaring" than Bloom in LOTR! And I just cannot shake off the impression that he's on stage rather than in front of a camera.
I'll be seeing the movie soon enough and shall return with more rebuttal I'm sure.
I've got Connery at #1.
I like Brosnan over Dalton.
I'd put Niven next.
I hated Moore and Lazenby.
I've yet to see Craig, but I'm guessing I'd put him somewhere from 2 to 4.
OK, I've seen it, I see your point and I agree with you, Craig rocks. Although I still like Brosnan, for the reasons I already mentioned.
The next movie will decide it for me, but my "new" order is now: Sir Sean, Craig/Brosnan, then Moore and then the others.
OB the movie, too much bloody running! Craig runs really nicely, but enough is enough!
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