Oh well, things cycle, cheesy Bond will back with us before we know it.
I don't like cheesy Bond. What I do like is good Bond.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
The Biggest Surprise for me was the torture scene, I didn't know ahead of time that he was going to be naked, and I kinda felt sry for him with the pain and all.
Biggest Dissappointment was the car getting recked.
My surprise was how intense the parkour chase was-I haven't been on the edge of my seat since Raiders of the Lost Ark.
My favorite scene was the nonchalant look on his face as he stood before the bad guy at the end in a 3 piece suit holding-what was that, a sniper rifle with a silencer?
My dissapointment was that they didn't play Herb Alpert's CR theme from the original-even just a piece would've been fun.
Frankly, I also had the impression that Bond and Solange were "interrupted' by the phone call.
My impression was that they're having fun on the floor, she says she's afraid "he will sleep with her to get to her husband" but "not too afraid to stop" - which implies to me that they haven't yet.
She then does her sultry little wiggling down thing, implyinng that things are about to heat up, he asks her about Ellipsis, but right then her phone rings.
As soon as Bond hears that Dimitrios is en route to Miami, he knows doesn't have a moment to lose and immediatelyy gets up with the excuse of ordering more champagne and caviar. You can see her in the background on the floor and then getting up.
His getting up is immediate - no time for anything!
She gets up while he is on the phone and walks off to either the bedroom or bathroom - and he orders the room service for one -
I figured he was out the door before she even came back into the room or knew he was gone, and ended up with room service for one.
And she maybe was also probaly smart enough to warn Dimitrios that Bond was on his way to Miami and I wonder if that isn't why Dimitrios is so quick to spot Bond at BodyWorlds.
Frankly, I also had the impression that Bond and Solange were "interrupted' by the phone call.
My impression was that they're having fun on the floor, she says she's afraid "he will sleep with her to get to her husband" but "not too afraid to stop" - which implies to me that they haven't yet.
She then does her sultry little wiggling down thing, implyinng that things are about to heat up, he asks her about Ellipsis, but right then her phone rings.
As soon as Bond hears that Dimitrios is en route to Miami, he knows doesn't have a moment to lose and immediatelyy gets up with the excuse of ordering more champagne and caviar. You can see her in the background on the floor and then getting up.
His getting up is immediate - no time for anything!
She gets up while he is on the phone and walks off to either the bedroom or bathroom - and he orders the room service for one -
I figured he was out the door before she even came back into the room or knew he was gone, and ended up with room service for one.
And she maybe was also probaly smart enough to warn Dimitrios that Bond was on his way to Miami and I wonder if that isn't why Dimitrios is so quick to spot Bond at BodyWorlds.
I don't think she would have warned Dimitrios. She'd have trouble explain how Bond knew he was on his way to Miami. When you're in Dimitrios' line of work and the same guy who won your car in a card game the day before happens by the same museum as your about to give a bomber his "tools," it's got to arouse your suspicions.
I wouldn't call my disappointments "big", but there were a few that echo previous posters. I was not thrilled that they switched Chemin de Fer to Texas Hold 'Em, I thought the title sequence started off well but wasn't great, and I agree that the effectiveness of the "bitch is dead" line - which really sets the tone for Bond as a whole - was muted.
Biggest surprise, definitely that they did stick pretty closely to the book. I was expecting it to be really chopped up, but they stuck relatively closely to Fleming while still modernizing it - one of the reasons I did like the movie very much.
Well not wishing to harp on to much, but picking up a copy of Casino Royale the other day, it did strike me that, as Mrs D suggested, more of the novel could have been included. The book has a smoky, noirish feel to it that the film doesn't really attempt.
Now in fairness this is a charge you could level at Doctor No and FRWL too. We see them as fairly faithful to Fleming's work, but the tone imo is very different. The films are much lighter, jokier, and less seedy. And these films started the franchise, and were all fresh, whereas later movies like FYEO and TLD, more in keeping with Fleming, naturally felt a bit more tired and wan.
Still, I think the casino came across better in the other adaptations, even the Barry Nelson one. Some things come across: Bond refers to 'the big picture' but in the film this is depicted as some big learning curve, whereas in the book it's just a normal mistake he's realised he's made, much as he does in other novels.
CR is really a noir novel, much like Key Largo or Casablanca in tone imo, but Campbell didn't really attempt that and had to shoehorn two major action scenes in before we get to the point that the novel starts with. Fair's fair, Bond is meant to be an action film first and foremost, not noir. And Campbell was playing to his strengths as an action director.
CR is really a noir novel, much like Key Largo or Casablanca in tone imo, but Campbell didn't really attempt that and had to shoehorn two major action scenes in before we get to the point that the novel starts with. Fair's fair, Bond is meant to be an action film first and foremost, not noir. And Campbell was playing to his strengths as an action director.
I would have been more than happy -- even preferred -- if CR had begun with Bond on the train and had more of a "noirish" feel (I'd like all the Bonds that way). But the fact that it didn't has little to do with Campbell, IMO. Eon made CR what it is, good or bad, and that's true of all the Bond flics. Neither the director -- nor the writers or anyone else, for that matter --controls the general mood or direction of a Bond film. Campbell isn't an auteur like Scorcese bringing his vision of Bond to the screen. It's Eon's vision. Campbell, like many movie directors, is a gun-for-hire. He did a nice job on CR, and his vision may have coincided with Eon's in this case. I'm sure he had input. But it wasn't his shot to call, anymore than Michael Curtiz's was the last word on Casablanca, which was basically a stew that turned out all right at the end. Just like the plot in the movie.
I dunno, I thought Campbell got quite a bit of noir into CR, even the first part of the film, in Madagascar and the Bahamas didn't seem too far from the noir template, OUT OF THE PAST goes all over the place, including Mexico, so sunny locations never seem to me anti-noir per se, it's how one uses them. Granted, all that action sure ain't noir--that's solid Bond! For a noirish Bond, CR comes the closest IMHO, the combinmation of plot, direction, and well just everything.
I dunno, I thought Campbell got quite a bit of noir into CR, even the first part of the film, in Madagascar and the Bahamas didn't seem too far from the noir template, OUT OF THE PAST goes all over the place, including Mexico, so sunny locations never seem to me anti-noir per se, it's how one uses them. Granted, all that action sure ain't noir--that's solid Bond! For a noirish Bond, CR comes the closest IMHO, the combinmation of plot, direction, and well just everything.
I understand what you're saying, but I disagree. What I left out of my last post is that what NP describes as "noir" is not "noir" to me. Some people view hard-boiled detective fiction as "noir" because there's an anti-hero who goes around drinking bourbon in smoke-filled rooms and meeting colorful characters. I don't. It's atmospheric, certainly, but not "noir." I would describe Casablanca and, to a lesser, extent, Key Largo, as exotic and full of atmosphere, but not "noir." CR is exotic and atmospheric, I think. But classic "noir" is characterized more by the plot, not the setting or atmosphere as you noted correctly in Out of the Past. The protagonist is a guy who knows the leading lady is no good for him but is nontheless helpless and willing to be led down the garden path by her -- even it it means his actual or metaphorical doom. Casino Royale, and especially Casablanca, do the opposite IMO. Rick Blaine becomes a better man as the result of meeting Ilsa again. James Bond become a better secret agent, if not a better human being, through his involvement with Vesper. Not "noir" at all. I would like to see a heavier atmosphere in the Bond films. Less light-heartedness, but I don't know if that would sell an action film.
I think the storyline of Bond discovering the true traitor is Vesper, and it cuts him to his core, is very noir (the book more than the film, just the way it ends, but even the film CR is the most noirish Bond film, IMO--not true noir, sure, but the most noirish, both plotting and visuals, the casino stuff and the torture especially). The whole "better agent" thing is realized so briefly, but then they also temper the "bitch is dead" line quite a bit. Not noir, but some nice nods to it, definately appreciated and effective.
Okay, I was using noir loosely I admit, merely in terms of general atmosphere and style, not in the femme fetale sense. It's true that Campbell may not be an auteur, but I do sort of detect his fingerprints over CR, much as I do with GE. Though I really have no proof of any changes or input he may or may not have had. Mike Newell jumped ship on Bond 22, though, not sure if this proves that he storyline shaping wasn't being approved, or alternatively he wasn't allowed any at all...
My take is that Campbell is great at action and knows it, so the smoky, laid-back style isn't really him. Even the briefing with M, the camera has to keep moving bam bam bam, fair enough, but doesn't lend itself to the easy, Pulp Fiction style banter and one-upmanship that some noir does.
Most classic noir was made under less than ideal circumstances, on the cheap, and by hacks...only a very few hit on something sublime, or in hindsight proved to be in any way remarkable. A lot of Campbell's work on CR (and GE even) falls well within that range. And kudos to him to bringing what he did of that sensibility to a very noirish Bond story.
Surprises: They didn't elaborate more on him being promoted. Not having better looking women in the film.
Disappointments: I'll keep it short...there's too many to type.
1. Gun barrel sequence. The design looks like the paper your grandmama uses to cover cupcakes.
2. The torture scene was wack. In the novel, Bond isn't talking smack to Le Chiffre its the other way around. I wasn't amused at all. Others in the theater did...I guess they don't get out of the house that often.
3. The Aston Martin on screen for 20 seconds. What a beautiful car only to get wrecked down the road.
4. The fact that it didn't feel like a Bond film at all. One of my friends thinks that its a rip off of The Transporter and Jason Bourne movies. I don't know because I've never seen the Bourne movies and I've only seen Transporter 2. That airport scene felt like a Die Hard movie.
5. Craig's portrayal as 007. He needs some work. His acting is suspect, he runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2. He doesn't speak clearly. I saw the movie twice and couldn't hear what he was saying half the time.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
See you at the premiere of the next one, Jermaine76 {[]
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
4. The fact that it didn't feel like a Bond film at all. One of my friends thinks that its a rip off of The Transporter and Jason Bourne movies. I don't know because I've never seen the Bourne movies and I've only seen Transporter 2. That airport scene felt like a Die Hard movie.
Nothing like either the Transporter films or Bourne films. The transporter films are very martial arts based. The plots in both films are pretty basic as well. As for it feeling like die hard is that just because one of the Die Hard films was set in a airport.
5. Craig's portrayal as 007. He needs some work. His acting is suspect, he runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2. He doesn't speak clearly. I saw the movie twice and couldn't hear what he was saying half the time.
Imo he is a brilliant actor, that is agreed by most. The only time he runs like that is when he runs up the crane, because he is restricted by the harness. Never couldn't hear what he was saying either.
5. Craig's portrayal as 007. He needs some work. His acting is suspect, he runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2. He doesn't speak clearly. I saw the movie twice and couldn't hear what he was saying half the time.
Imo he is a brilliant actor, that is agreed by most. The only time he runs like that is when he runs up the crane, because he is restricted by the harness. Never couldn't hear what he was saying either.
I don't think that Craig is a brilliant actor, but that's not why I'm posting. The person whom I couldn't understand half the time wasn't Craig (except for one scene when he was in the casino) but Eva Green. I saw CR twice and there were times when it appeared to me that Green wasn't even opening her mouth.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
See you at the premiere of the next one, Jermaine76 {[]
Funny that you said that because no matter who is playing 007 and no matter if I like or dislike him, I'll be the first one at the first showing. Two things that I'm a passionate fan of...James Bond and the Washington Redskins. Became a fan of both on the same night back in 1983. I just don't see what others see in Craig. In the torture scene, he makes he comment about the villian being known for scratching his balls. To me, this is so un-James Bond-like. I couldn't picture the previous five Bonds saying the same thing. Maybe thats what people like in this new guy. Yeah, Casino Royale is doing great in the theaters, but I believe 75% of it is because of Brosnan's success as 007. He's riding his coattails. Its like a coach who retires from a team after winning the Super Bowl and the new coach comes in and does some changes, but not enough to jepordize winning the Super Bowl again. Bad analogy, I know. Its still football season, you know.
Imo he is a brilliant actor, that is agreed by most. The only time he runs like that is when he runs up the crane, because he is restricted by the harness. Never couldn't hear what he was saying either.
He runs like the Terminator when he storms out of the casino. I totally forgot about the crane part. Maybe I;m just too picky. I want a natural look.
Imo he is a brilliant actor, that is agreed by most. The only time he runs like that is when he runs up the crane, because he is restricted by the harness. Never couldn't hear what he was saying either.
Well, something is either wrong with me or you because his brilliant acting skills aren't present in this movie. I don't have the strong feeling like I did when Dalton and Brosnan became Bond. The presense isn't there. You know, that commanding stance that says, "I'm Bond, James Bond." He's another Hayden Christainsen. He can do the dark scenes and nothing else.
Craig ... runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
The person whom I couldn't understand half the time wasn't Craig (except for one scene when he was in the casino) but Eva Green. I saw CR twice and there were times when it appeared to me that Green wasn't even opening her mouth.
Yeah, I don't hate her and I think she's very sexy indeed, but her diction was a little odd. My friend described as being like she'd completely emptied her lungs before each line and then sucked in a gutload of air whilst she was talking! And the accent was odd too- not sure why they didn't just let her use a French one and have a throwaway line to excuse it- it's not all that weird to have a person with an accent not from their home country.
Craig ... runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
Only time I noticed him running oddly (I wouldn't compare it to the T-1000), is when he runs up the crane, it isn't a natural movement because he is somewhat restricted by the safety equipment.
I noticed the same thing, specifically when he's running behind the pillars during his confrontation with Gettler in Venice. Very straight-backed, with machine-like vertical movements of the arms. Not really unusual for a trained sprinter, but it does lend an appearance of your torso trying to catch your legs.
Craig ... runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
Only time I noticed him running oddly (I wouldn't compare it to the T-1000), is when he runs up the crane, it isn't a natural movement because he is somewhat restricted by the safety equipment.
Sort of reminds me -and this isn't Pierce-bashing Brosfans- of someone on CBn who described Pierce's running style (see the bit in DAD when he's trying to catch the plane) as seeming as if he is masterbating two invisible donkeys on either shoulder! That sort of mental image stays with you!:D
I noticed the same thing, specifically when he's running behind the pillars during his confrontation with Gettler in Venice. Very straight-backed, with machine-like vertical movements of the arms. Not really unusual for a trained sprinter, but it does lend an appearance of your torso trying to catch your legs.
Craig's running style in CR is similar to Brosnan's when he was Bond. I think it's just that the modern day Bond has to be (and seen to be) very fit, physical and athletic. The straight backed running style with the pumping arms is mean't to emphasise this.
If you look at the running scene that Craig does in Layer Cake you will notice quite a difference.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
Only time I noticed him running oddly (I wouldn't compare it to the T-1000), is when he runs up the crane, it isn't a natural movement because he is somewhat restricted by the safety equipment.
Sort of reminds me -and this isn't Pierce-bashing Brosfans- of someone on CBn who described Pierce's running style (see the bit in DAD when he's trying to catch the plane) as seeming as if he is masterbating two invisible donkeys on either shoulder! That sort of mental image stays with you!:D
MMmmm. I've spent many hours training with monkeys myself; I wonder if it shows ...
I don't think the reason Craig's running might appear odd on the crane is because of a harness, though he is no doubt wearing one. Rather it's because he is actually running up the neck of a crane on a steep incline. The crane neck is relatively narrow, which would require him to pay more attention to where he puts his feet to keep his balance. And since he is basically climbing as much as running, his arms would likely be pumping harder than they otherwise would. Try running up a narrow plank of wood or a flight of stairs and you'll see what I mean.
Yeah, I don't hate her and I think she's very sexy indeed, but her diction was a little odd. My friend described as being like she'd completely emptied her lungs before each line and then sucked in a gutload of air whilst she was talking! And the accent was odd too- not sure why they didn't just let her use a French one and have a throwaway line to excuse it- it's not all that weird to have a person with an accent not from their home country.
We finally agree on something.
Regarding the running, I don't have a problem with the way that Craig runs. I love the chase scene, and althouth I do have a problem with one part of it (a forward jump that the bomber made), I have never objected to Craig's running style. In fact, I don't think any of the Bonds are bad runners. Some are better than others, of course, but I never watch a Bond film and think to myself that the particuar Bond can't run. They are all convincing. -{
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Craig ... runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
Look at him when he runs. Very stiff doing so. I don't expect the guy to run like Reggie Bush, but damn. It looks to rehearsed. Would you run like that if your woman was kidnapped? Hell nah I wouldn't.
Comments
Biggest Dissappointment was the car getting recked.
My favorite scene was the nonchalant look on his face as he stood before the bad guy at the end in a 3 piece suit holding-what was that, a sniper rifle with a silencer?
My dissapointment was that they didn't play Herb Alpert's CR theme from the original-even just a piece would've been fun.
My impression was that they're having fun on the floor, she says she's afraid "he will sleep with her to get to her husband" but "not too afraid to stop" - which implies to me that they haven't yet.
She then does her sultry little wiggling down thing, implyinng that things are about to heat up, he asks her about Ellipsis, but right then her phone rings.
As soon as Bond hears that Dimitrios is en route to Miami, he knows doesn't have a moment to lose and immediatelyy gets up with the excuse of ordering more champagne and caviar. You can see her in the background on the floor and then getting up.
His getting up is immediate - no time for anything!
She gets up while he is on the phone and walks off to either the bedroom or bathroom - and he orders the room service for one -
I figured he was out the door before she even came back into the room or knew he was gone, and ended up with room service for one.
And she maybe was also probaly smart enough to warn Dimitrios that Bond was on his way to Miami and I wonder if that isn't why Dimitrios is so quick to spot Bond at BodyWorlds.
I don't think she would have warned Dimitrios. She'd have trouble explain how Bond knew he was on his way to Miami. When you're in Dimitrios' line of work and the same guy who won your car in a card game the day before happens by the same museum as your about to give a bomber his "tools," it's got to arouse your suspicions.
Biggest surprise, definitely that they did stick pretty closely to the book. I was expecting it to be really chopped up, but they stuck relatively closely to Fleming while still modernizing it - one of the reasons I did like the movie very much.
Now in fairness this is a charge you could level at Doctor No and FRWL too. We see them as fairly faithful to Fleming's work, but the tone imo is very different. The films are much lighter, jokier, and less seedy. And these films started the franchise, and were all fresh, whereas later movies like FYEO and TLD, more in keeping with Fleming, naturally felt a bit more tired and wan.
Still, I think the casino came across better in the other adaptations, even the Barry Nelson one. Some things come across: Bond refers to 'the big picture' but in the film this is depicted as some big learning curve, whereas in the book it's just a normal mistake he's realised he's made, much as he does in other novels.
CR is really a noir novel, much like Key Largo or Casablanca in tone imo, but Campbell didn't really attempt that and had to shoehorn two major action scenes in before we get to the point that the novel starts with. Fair's fair, Bond is meant to be an action film first and foremost, not noir. And Campbell was playing to his strengths as an action director.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I would have been more than happy -- even preferred -- if CR had begun with Bond on the train and had more of a "noirish" feel (I'd like all the Bonds that way). But the fact that it didn't has little to do with Campbell, IMO. Eon made CR what it is, good or bad, and that's true of all the Bond flics. Neither the director -- nor the writers or anyone else, for that matter --controls the general mood or direction of a Bond film. Campbell isn't an auteur like Scorcese bringing his vision of Bond to the screen. It's Eon's vision. Campbell, like many movie directors, is a gun-for-hire. He did a nice job on CR, and his vision may have coincided with Eon's in this case. I'm sure he had input. But it wasn't his shot to call, anymore than Michael Curtiz's was the last word on Casablanca, which was basically a stew that turned out all right at the end. Just like the plot in the movie.
I understand what you're saying, but I disagree. What I left out of my last post is that what NP describes as "noir" is not "noir" to me. Some people view hard-boiled detective fiction as "noir" because there's an anti-hero who goes around drinking bourbon in smoke-filled rooms and meeting colorful characters. I don't. It's atmospheric, certainly, but not "noir." I would describe Casablanca and, to a lesser, extent, Key Largo, as exotic and full of atmosphere, but not "noir." CR is exotic and atmospheric, I think. But classic "noir" is characterized more by the plot, not the setting or atmosphere as you noted correctly in Out of the Past. The protagonist is a guy who knows the leading lady is no good for him but is nontheless helpless and willing to be led down the garden path by her -- even it it means his actual or metaphorical doom. Casino Royale, and especially Casablanca, do the opposite IMO. Rick Blaine becomes a better man as the result of meeting Ilsa again. James Bond become a better secret agent, if not a better human being, through his involvement with Vesper. Not "noir" at all. I would like to see a heavier atmosphere in the Bond films. Less light-heartedness, but I don't know if that would sell an action film.
My take is that Campbell is great at action and knows it, so the smoky, laid-back style isn't really him. Even the briefing with M, the camera has to keep moving bam bam bam, fair enough, but doesn't lend itself to the easy, Pulp Fiction style banter and one-upmanship that some noir does.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Disappointments: I'll keep it short...there's too many to type.
1. Gun barrel sequence. The design looks like the paper your grandmama uses to cover cupcakes.
2. The torture scene was wack. In the novel, Bond isn't talking smack to Le Chiffre its the other way around. I wasn't amused at all. Others in the theater did...I guess they don't get out of the house that often.
3. The Aston Martin on screen for 20 seconds. What a beautiful car only to get wrecked down the road.
4. The fact that it didn't feel like a Bond film at all. One of my friends thinks that its a rip off of The Transporter and Jason Bourne movies. I don't know because I've never seen the Bourne movies and I've only seen Transporter 2. That airport scene felt like a Die Hard movie.
5. Craig's portrayal as 007. He needs some work. His acting is suspect, he runs like the T-1000 model in Terminator 2. He doesn't speak clearly. I saw the movie twice and couldn't hear what he was saying half the time.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Atleast we had the DB5 as well. There was enough car for me.
Nothing like either the Transporter films or Bourne films. The transporter films are very martial arts based. The plots in both films are pretty basic as well. As for it feeling like die hard is that just because one of the Die Hard films was set in a airport.
Imo he is a brilliant actor, that is agreed by most. The only time he runs like that is when he runs up the crane, because he is restricted by the harness. Never couldn't hear what he was saying either.
Funny that you said that because no matter who is playing 007 and no matter if I like or dislike him, I'll be the first one at the first showing. Two things that I'm a passionate fan of...James Bond and the Washington Redskins. Became a fan of both on the same night back in 1983. I just don't see what others see in Craig. In the torture scene, he makes he comment about the villian being known for scratching his balls. To me, this is so un-James Bond-like. I couldn't picture the previous five Bonds saying the same thing. Maybe thats what people like in this new guy. Yeah, Casino Royale is doing great in the theaters, but I believe 75% of it is because of Brosnan's success as 007. He's riding his coattails. Its like a coach who retires from a team after winning the Super Bowl and the new coach comes in and does some changes, but not enough to jepordize winning the Super Bowl again. Bad analogy, I know. Its still football season, you know.
He runs like the Terminator when he storms out of the casino. I totally forgot about the crane part. Maybe I;m just too picky. I want a natural look.
Well, something is either wrong with me or you because his brilliant acting skills aren't present in this movie. I don't have the strong feeling like I did when Dalton and Brosnan became Bond. The presense isn't there. You know, that commanding stance that says, "I'm Bond, James Bond." He's another Hayden Christainsen. He can do the dark scenes and nothing else.
This isn't the first time I've heard this from a CR critic. Could someone please explain the tell-tale characteristics of a running T-1000 model in Terminator 2? I like to run, and I'd hate to think people are secretly snickering: "Look at that guy ... He runs just like a T-1000 model in Terminator 2."
Yeah, I don't hate her and I think she's very sexy indeed, but her diction was a little odd. My friend described as being like she'd completely emptied her lungs before each line and then sucked in a gutload of air whilst she was talking! And the accent was odd too- not sure why they didn't just let her use a French one and have a throwaway line to excuse it- it's not all that weird to have a person with an accent not from their home country.
Only time I noticed him running oddly (I wouldn't compare it to the T-1000), is when he runs up the crane, it isn't a natural movement because he is somewhat restricted by the safety equipment.
Sort of reminds me -and this isn't Pierce-bashing Brosfans- of someone on CBn who described Pierce's running style (see the bit in DAD when he's trying to catch the plane) as seeming as if he is masterbating two invisible donkeys on either shoulder! That sort of mental image stays with you!:D
Craig's running style in CR is similar to Brosnan's when he was Bond. I think it's just that the modern day Bond has to be (and seen to be) very fit, physical and athletic. The straight backed running style with the pumping arms is mean't to emphasise this.
If you look at the running scene that Craig does in Layer Cake you will notice quite a difference.
MMmmm. I've spent many hours training with monkeys myself; I wonder if it shows ...
I don't think the reason Craig's running might appear odd on the crane is because of a harness, though he is no doubt wearing one. Rather it's because he is actually running up the neck of a crane on a steep incline. The crane neck is relatively narrow, which would require him to pay more attention to where he puts his feet to keep his balance. And since he is basically climbing as much as running, his arms would likely be pumping harder than they otherwise would. Try running up a narrow plank of wood or a flight of stairs and you'll see what I mean.
Regarding the running, I don't have a problem with the way that Craig runs. I love the chase scene, and althouth I do have a problem with one part of it (a forward jump that the bomber made), I have never objected to Craig's running style. In fact, I don't think any of the Bonds are bad runners. Some are better than others, of course, but I never watch a Bond film and think to myself that the particuar Bond can't run. They are all convincing. -{
Look at him when he runs. Very stiff doing so. I don't expect the guy to run like Reggie Bush, but damn. It looks to rehearsed. Would you run like that if your woman was kidnapped? Hell nah I wouldn't.