There seems to be a small group of changed minds here, glad it's not just me. I feel the more stupid for it because I tended to make rather sarcastic comments and jokes about Craigs appearence )
You must know I am not changing my opinion much on that, just I didn't think he could look that alright in a suit and longer hair. Not too bad really. The main thing is just his voice, accent, general feel. They are better than I thought they could be. Plus he IS James Bond now, we all have to just get used to that as Bond fans, there's no point complaining about it now. Maybe a bit but you can't go on forever, so I'm just going to look foreward to the positive aspects he will give to the film and the character (for me, as more of a Fleming fan).
Quite right. For one, I was highly impressed by his voice, and the way in which he expressed himself. This will be his 'secret weapon' as far as Bond is concerned, I think. No trace of Croatian, there...or anything else. Pure British charm. More power to him.
This martini's for you, Danny Boy! -{
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
This is my 1st post since it all became official. I haven't read everything that's been posted, but I've seen enough to be impressed by the maturity shown by the new converts (as well as the usual wit and charm shown by Mr. sadler. Yikes!). You guys are doing yourselves proud.
Obviously, being one of the more outspoken (or more annoying if you prefer) proponents of change on this board, I'm pretty happy with the way the day has gone. Like you, Craig had to grow on me, and he has, once I saw Layer Cake I had no problem with him. The more I see him the more I am reminded of the early Connery. I don't want to damn him with unrealistic expectations, but I really do think his era could be a rebirth in the greatness of the Bond films.
Having said that, casting an extremely cool and charismatic actor (and a talented one at that) is not all that has to happen to reach this level that we are all hoping for. Now it takes a COMMITMENT from the producers and the directors to follow through with what they appear to be promising and bring these films back to the spirit of the origins of the franchise. To me it appears that they are heading in a direction that brings the tone of FRWL and DN back into vogue, kind of a retro tone set in the contemporary era, which I find to be very interesting. At the least, I hope that they use this opportunity to create rules for themselves that they will never again (at least during the Craig era) go over the Thunderball Line. They have to commit to story telling, not spectacle making, and the Craig Era can be a great one indeed. In other words, walk the walk, Mike and Babs. You're off to a good start, now follow through and you'll get the audience and the respect of the audience as well.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited October 2005
Agreed, Marjil. Glad to have you in today's historic mix... :007)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
BestBondSeanA Bavarian in CornwallPosts: 108MI6 Agent
edited October 2005
I have partially changed my mind on Craig, from initially dismissing the choice with a 'he just doesn't look right' attitude to 'give the man a chance, even if his broken boxer nose doesn't look right.'
He is definitely the best actor they could have chosen out of the advertised bunch and as others have remarked he can bring a lot, maybe new things to the table.
On this link there are some pictures of a dark(er) haired Craig in the BBC production 'Sylvia' alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. This also shows that he is tall enough standing next to Paltrow who herself is between 5'9 and 5' 10''. http://www.unreel.co.uk/reviews/s/Sylvia/index.cfm
also check out down to earth spy environment credits in a russian setting in the 2005 production 'Archangel' http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426911/
Buffing up should be the least of his problems, personally i think with his quite slim, but athletic built he suits the role quite well, more so than Brosnan.
His acting ability and versatility will ensure that IMHO it will not be down to Craig if 'Casino Royale' fails. :007)
Well, let's say I HOPE he will be great. I'm not yet totally convinced that he is the right choice but I'm still excited about the fact that FINALLY something happens in the Bond world and things are coming together.
I had one big sigh of relief when I saw this picture:
(I hope there won't be any copyright problem)
I must admit that seeing him THIS way brings me much more in "Bond mood".
Once again, this is the "cheers" thread, and therefore: -{ to Mister Bond. I'm looking forward to see you in action! :007)
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
Hopefully that is the kind of look he will bring to Bond. Nice find SCJB007. Definitely shines a little light on the clouded future of Daniel Craig as Bond.
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
Ok I have been a BIG skeptic when it comes to Mr Craig, but I have to say he looked miles better with the longer hair he sported at the Press Conference yesterday. Also, he has a more appropriate speaking voice than I expected ( I haven't seen any of his films). I am convinced he won't be blond when it comes to filming so we can forget about that concern.
Basically, many of us have been crying out for a grittier incarnation of Bond and this guy can bring this element to the role. My only worry is that the general film going public won't give him a chance and it doesn't turn into a Dalton situation where he is loved by the fans and critics but poorly regarded by the other film goers.
NB. Are any of you guys out there finding it hard to persuade your wives/girlfriends of his merits. Mine just keeps exclaiming 'But he's ugly!' (mind you, She has got to compare him with me.. )
There seems to be a small group of changed minds here, glad it's not just me. I feel the more stupid for it because I tended to make rather sarcastic comments and jokes about Craig's appearence )
It takes a big man to admit he was wrong )
Well, not wrong, I've done exactly the same thing! I've come full circle with Craig and I think when a few people get over the initial shock and start to get used to the idea of him, we will find a few others popping up in this thread.
He does have a great voice and I like the direction the film will take, so I am looking forward to CR.
As for blueman, I can only assume he hasn't popped in yet because he is too busy celebrating and saying 'I told you so' to a few members on here ( including me ;% )
scaramanga1The English RivieraPosts: 845Chief of Staff
I'd like to request that anyone with new pics of Craig from the conference or anything Bond related to post them here (I haven't seen many).
I posted this in the hair thread, but I'll post here to. I do hope it's the same Daniel Craig. It's not of the press conference, but a pic with him having darker hair.
That pic really reminds me of Connery! Ok the eyes aren't the same but there really is something in that pic. I really do think the right decision has been made with regards to Craig I am 100% behind him and think his critics are really short sighted. Despite blond hair I think he can be really Flemingesque in his portrayal.
I agree that we all need to give Craig a chance. I have always been a big Bond fan. But the movies that worked for me were the ones that played down the gadgets and played up the character. Bond is a dangerours spy playing a dangerous game in a dangerous time. The series from as far back as when Moore was doing Bond lost that. As someone who has seen the transformation of Bond from Connery through Brosnan, the series has become outlandinsh, buffoonish and more concerned with pretty boy image and the products that adorn every scene. They tried to refresh the series with Timothy Dalton but the writing put the kabosh on Dalton. The Bond films have lost whatever connection they had to the Flemmming novels. But that shouldn't be blamed necessarily on the actor so much as the writer and director. Because that's what it's about: the writing. When On Her Majesty's Secret Service came out everyone reemed George Lazenby,(and he really wasn't that bad) but I'm sure everyone will agree it is probably one of the best and most faithful adaptations of the Bond books. Why? Because of the writing and the directing. Just look at the fight scenes! I've never scene fight scenes as exciting since. Our directors these days should take some classes. Let's give Craig a chance. Craig has the goods and I'm sure he will bring the right amount of Bond panache and punch . . . but folks, we really need to rally for great script becuase if we don't have a great script you can have any any actor in the world in the role and it will still stink.
Logged on yesterday, got the news, posted just once I think, then went about my day with a big ol' grin . Not much to say really, except: who's Vesper, Who's Le Chiffre? C'mon, news!
Excellent post, MarJil, I was thinking the same thing: you've cast an actor who can take you where you want to go, EON, so go there and do it. Remains to be seen, but I'm always hopeful, it's a Bond movie.
Watching Layer cake again has futher persuaded me that Craig's voice is perfect for Bond, possibly the most Bondian of any of the previous Bonds (depends how you look at it, for some, Connerys will always be the favorite). Looks-wise, I am further at a loss as to why some people call this guy ugly.
Tell ya what: many of you Craig supporters have been telling us Craig bashers to tone down our criticism. I've essentially done that; but, might I encourage those who think Craig will be the savior of the series to also dial it down? Look at it this way--Craig will indeed bring something different to the role, but so would Dame Edna. Craig is an unknown quantity, period. Why not, then, join my crusade to demand that EON do more to sell us on Craig, through releasing material on the Net that will show Craig in action, by allowing representatives from the Bond fan sites to visit the set, and by being more forthcoming in general? Bond fans of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but the money you spend at the box office!
Why not, then, join my crusade to demand that EON do more to sell us on Craig, through releasing material on the Net that will show Craig in action, by allowing representatives from the Bond fan sites to visit the set, and by being more forthcoming in general?
Of course you would be the representative of AJB on the set right?
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
Of course you would be the representative of AJB on the set right?
Probably not--unless EON is willing to fly me out to England (or Prague or wherever) at a time when my job allows it. But this isn't about me. Not one little bit.
Vox clamantis in deserto
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited October 2005
I would like to see Craig define his Bond as the Fleming-written 'fastidious' Bond, who gives complete Martini instructions to the bartender, and very specific about food. His Bond should be able to tell the difference between a vodka made from potatoes and one made from grain.
I propose that characterization is the method they should use to overcome aesthetic concerns, and they should do it early. A tie-straightening is called for---and not an UNDERWATER tie-straightening.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Tell ya what: many of you Craig supporters have been telling us Craig bashers to tone down our criticism. I've essentially done that; but, might I encourage those who think Craig will be the savior of the series to also dial it down? Look at it this way--Craig will indeed bring something different to the role, but so would Dame Edna. Craig is an unknown quantity, period. Why not, then, join my crusade to demand that EON do more to sell us on Craig, through releasing material on the Net that will show Craig in action, by allowing representatives from the Bond fan sites to visit the set, and by being more forthcoming in general? Bond fans of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but the money you spend at the box office!
I find that an excellent idea, Eon do need to realise that Bond fans should be given some kind of extra attention during a time like this, and that particular suggestion is very good.
Lets not get into a Brosnan v Craig debate. Brosnan was fantastic but he has gone. Move on.
Craig is not Brosnan, he will bring his own interpretation to the role like Dalton did after Moore left.
I have seen Craig in several films and he is an outstanding actor. I haven't seen Tomb Raider (and I dont particularly want to) but independent UK gangster flick Layer Cake and Our Freinds In The North on British TV were excellent.
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
Lets not get into a Brosnan v Craig debate. Brosnan was fantastic but he has gone. Move on.
Craig is not Brosnan, he will bring his own interpretation to the role like Dalton did after Moore left.
I have seen Craig in several films and he is an outstanding actor. I haven't seen Tomb Raider (and I dont particularly want to) but independent UK gangster flick Layer Cake and Our Freinds In The North on British TV were excellent.
Very, very, very well.
Positive thinking for a great event, after some years we have a young Bond, without, perhaps, stuntman for him (!), and a great actor too.
There you go again, Mrrdyck, earlier co-relating masculinity with ugliness, and now, with an actor doing his own stunts. Do you understand how a movie making works? Imagine how many great movies we would not have seen if the leading man did all his stunts, since it's hard to finish a movie with a dead leading man!
What's next? "Many newspaper say that a Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Mister Daniel Craig, secret agent man Bond James Bond, hit Sienna Miller alot...what very real man!!! We very have a glorious future of Secret agent man 007!"
Brosnan has been known to do some of his own stunts, as the stiches on his face prooves:
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
There you go again, Mrrdyck, earlier co-relating masculinity with ugliness, and now, with an actor doing his own stunts. Do you understand how a movie making works? Imagine how many great movies we would not have seen if the leading man did all his stunts, since it's hard to finish a movie with a dead leading man!
What's next? "Many newspaper say that a Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Mister Daniel Craig, secret agent man Bond James Bond, hit Sienna Miller alot...what very real man!!! We very have a glorious future of Secret agent man 007!"
Tone it down superado (and you Myrddin). Both of you have different opinions. Live with it, but do not spill over to name calling.
I sincerely hope that was an honest typo superado ...
Thanks alot fot posting this thread "i expect u2 die." I'm glad that someone besides me thinks that Craig will be an excellent Bond. You hit the nail right on the head about Brosnan being a pretty boy. I've been ready for Brosnan to retire his licence to kill for a long time! He was, besides Roger Moore, the worst Bond of all!
I'll give Craig a chance, but I have to admit that I am skeptical. Bond doesn't have to be a pretty boy, but he does need to be handsome enough to charm the ladies without a whole lot of effort. They'll probably tone down the lady killer aspect of 007 that has been so prevelant in the most recent films, but that's ok.
By the way, Daniel Craig isn't ugly. I think the only reason some people are saying so is because they are comparing him to the very "pretty" Pierce Brosnan instead of simply judging him on his own merits.
Well, I is back from mi local, thankx for the invite to this thread. I'm gonna be positive about DC, come Nov 2006 I'll be able to judge him. Maybe I should have brought some salt n vinegar for the chip on supers shoulder Gawd I'm gonna suffer in the morning, anyone know of a good hangover cure??
Well, I is back from mi local, thankx for the invite to this thread. I'm gonna be positive about DC, come Nov 2006 I'll be able to judge him. Maybe I should have brought some salt n vinegar for the chip on supers shoulder Gawd I'm gonna suffer in the morning, anyone know of a good hangover cure??
Night guys.
Ant.
Drink plenty of water now!
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
Maybe I should have brought some salt n vinegar for the chip on supers shoulder
Yum! And it does wonders covering the dandruff.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
Tell ya what: many of you Craig supporters have been telling us Craig bashers to tone down our criticism. I've essentially done that; but, might I encourage those who think Craig will be the savior of the series to also dial it down? Look at it this way--Craig will indeed bring something different to the role, but so would Dame Edna. Craig is an unknown quantity, period. Why not, then, join my crusade to demand that EON do more to sell us on Craig, through releasing material on the Net that will show Craig in action, by allowing representatives from the Bond fan sites to visit the set, and by being more forthcoming in general? Bond fans of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but the money you spend at the box office!
I find that an excellent idea, Eon do need to realise that Bond fans should be given some kind of extra attention during a time like this, and that particular suggestion is very good.
I don't see Craig as any more of an unknown than Brosnan was before he got the role, or Dalton before him. Craig has a screen presence neither of those two quite have (voice, demeanor, physicality, everything). It's a change in the Bond actor, we'll see how well they handle it. EON isn't concerned about Bond fans or they'd have brought back Brosnan, why they would do what you're asking Hardyboy is a puzzle. I suspect (as they probably do) every member of this site come next Novemeber will go see CR, whether THE MOVIE is any good or not will dictate if any of us go back for more. All they need to do now is make the movie.
What's next? "Many newspaper say that a Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Mister Daniel Craig, secret agent man Bond James Bond, hit Sienna Miller alot...what very real man!!! We very have a glorious future of Secret agent man 007!"
Sorry, but this is TOO funny!!!!!!!!!!!! ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
Comments
Quite right. For one, I was highly impressed by his voice, and the way in which he expressed himself. This will be his 'secret weapon' as far as Bond is concerned, I think. No trace of Croatian, there...or anything else. Pure British charm. More power to him.
This martini's for you, Danny Boy! -{
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Obviously, being one of the more outspoken (or more annoying if you prefer) proponents of change on this board, I'm pretty happy with the way the day has gone. Like you, Craig had to grow on me, and he has, once I saw Layer Cake I had no problem with him. The more I see him the more I am reminded of the early Connery. I don't want to damn him with unrealistic expectations, but I really do think his era could be a rebirth in the greatness of the Bond films.
Having said that, casting an extremely cool and charismatic actor (and a talented one at that) is not all that has to happen to reach this level that we are all hoping for. Now it takes a COMMITMENT from the producers and the directors to follow through with what they appear to be promising and bring these films back to the spirit of the origins of the franchise. To me it appears that they are heading in a direction that brings the tone of FRWL and DN back into vogue, kind of a retro tone set in the contemporary era, which I find to be very interesting. At the least, I hope that they use this opportunity to create rules for themselves that they will never again (at least during the Craig era) go over the Thunderball Line. They have to commit to story telling, not spectacle making, and the Craig Era can be a great one indeed. In other words, walk the walk, Mike and Babs. You're off to a good start, now follow through and you'll get the audience and the respect of the audience as well.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
He is definitely the best actor they could have chosen out of the advertised bunch and as others have remarked he can bring a lot, maybe new things to the table.
On this link there are some pictures of a dark(er) haired Craig in the BBC production 'Sylvia' alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. This also shows that he is tall enough standing next to Paltrow who herself is between 5'9 and 5' 10''.
http://www.unreel.co.uk/reviews/s/Sylvia/index.cfm
Whatever you might think of 'Tomb Raider'as a film, Craig pulled of the action part as 'hunky treasure hunter' with considerable ease.
http://www.planetlara.com/angelina/other_cast/daniel_craig.jpg
No, it's not for looking at Angelina's assets...
also check out down to earth spy environment credits in a russian setting in the 2005 production 'Archangel'
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426911/
Buffing up should be the least of his problems, personally i think with his quite slim, but athletic built he suits the role quite well, more so than Brosnan.
His acting ability and versatility will ensure that IMHO it will not be down to Craig if 'Casino Royale' fails. :007)
I had one big sigh of relief when I saw this picture:
(I hope there won't be any copyright problem)
I must admit that seeing him THIS way brings me much more in "Bond mood".
Once again, this is the "cheers" thread, and therefore: -{ to Mister Bond. I'm looking forward to see you in action! :007)
-Roger Moore
Basically, many of us have been crying out for a grittier incarnation of Bond and this guy can bring this element to the role. My only worry is that the general film going public won't give him a chance and it doesn't turn into a Dalton situation where he is loved by the fans and critics but poorly regarded by the other film goers.
NB. Are any of you guys out there finding it hard to persuade your wives/girlfriends of his merits. Mine just keeps exclaiming 'But he's ugly!' (mind you, She has got to compare him with me..
It takes a big man to admit he was wrong
Well, not wrong, I've done exactly the same thing! I've come full circle with Craig and I think when a few people get over the initial shock and start to get used to the idea of him, we will find a few others popping up in this thread.
He does have a great voice and I like the direction the film will take, so I am looking forward to CR.
As for blueman, I can only assume he hasn't popped in yet because he is too busy celebrating and saying 'I told you so' to a few members on here ( including me ;% )
That pic really reminds me of Connery! Ok the eyes aren't the same but there really is something in that pic. I really do think the right decision has been made with regards to Craig I am 100% behind him and think his critics are really short sighted. Despite blond hair I think he can be really Flemingesque in his portrayal.
Right here!
Logged on yesterday, got the news, posted just once I think, then went about my day with a big ol' grin
Of course you would be the representative of AJB on the set right?
-Roger Moore
Probably not--unless EON is willing to fly me out to England (or Prague or wherever) at a time when my job allows it. But this isn't about me. Not one little bit.
I propose that characterization is the method they should use to overcome aesthetic concerns, and they should do it early. A tie-straightening is called for---and not an UNDERWATER tie-straightening.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I find that an excellent idea, Eon do need to realise that Bond fans should be given some kind of extra attention during a time like this, and that particular suggestion is very good.
Craig is not Brosnan, he will bring his own interpretation to the role like Dalton did after Moore left.
I have seen Craig in several films and he is an outstanding actor. I haven't seen Tomb Raider (and I dont particularly want to) but independent UK gangster flick Layer Cake and Our Freinds In The North on British TV were excellent.
There you go again, Mrrdyck, earlier co-relating masculinity with ugliness, and now, with an actor doing his own stunts. Do you understand how a movie making works? Imagine how many great movies we would not have seen if the leading man did all his stunts, since it's hard to finish a movie with a dead leading man!
What's next? "Many newspaper say that a Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Mister Daniel Craig, secret agent man Bond James Bond, hit Sienna Miller alot...what very real man!!! We very have a glorious future of Secret agent man 007!"
Brosnan has been known to do some of his own stunts, as the stiches on his face prooves:
Tone it down superado (and you Myrddin). Both of you have different opinions. Live with it, but do not spill over to name calling.
I sincerely hope that was an honest typo superado ...
By the way, Daniel Craig isn't ugly. I think the only reason some people are saying so is because they are comparing him to the very "pretty" Pierce Brosnan instead of simply judging him on his own merits.
Night guys.
Ant.
Drink plenty of water now!
Yum! And it does wonders covering the dandruff.
I don't see Craig as any more of an unknown than Brosnan was before he got the role, or Dalton before him. Craig has a screen presence neither of those two quite have (voice, demeanor, physicality, everything). It's a change in the Bond actor, we'll see how well they handle it. EON isn't concerned about Bond fans or they'd have brought back Brosnan, why they would do what you're asking Hardyboy is a puzzle. I suspect (as they probably do) every member of this site come next Novemeber will go see CR, whether THE MOVIE is any good or not will dictate if any of us go back for more.
Sorry, but this is TOO funny!!!!!!!!!!!!