Daniel Craig performance review

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  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    The good news, ben, is that you almost certainly won't have to wait 14 years :# ;)
    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
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,961MI6 Agent
    benskelly wrote:
    Didn't Craig just cry over a dead woman? Did he cry in a much tougher, grittier way? I must miss the fine distinctions of machismo.

    Just when I thought the board was missing some sarcasm. Sorry- I find the death of the woman you love to be a bit more worthwhile of crying over than the sight of a woman who once walked past you on a computer screen when she was a bit upset a few years ago.
    You'll notice I didn't accuse Lazenby of being a cry baby Bond- again, I can't really hold his tears against him; death of the woman he loves etc.
    benskelly wrote:
    Two things, IMO, to dread for 22 - Campbell returns, and Bond's "revenge" (the umpteenth under Wilson-Broccoli) makes for a joyless drag of a film.

    I take it you predicted CR would be a drag too?
  • ATrustATrust Posts: 7MI6 Agent
    I tend to wait until films come out on DVD before seeing them, so it was only last night that I watched "Casino Royale." Previously, I really couldn't picture him as Bond, even though I knew from "Munich" that he's an outstanding actor. But wow! He was an excellent Bond. In first viewing the last, say, 15 Bond films, I was distracted by looks (Ah, Pierce!), hammy lines and such. Craig was utterly believable in the role, from start to finish. The only moment that was distracting for me was his first scene in a suit--he looked so like Steve McQueen in the original "Thomas Crown Affair."

    Craig's got it. -{ Now it's up to the franchise owners to provide good scripts (such as "Royale") and direction.
  • bluemanblueman PDXPosts: 1,667MI6 Agent
    Been watching some of the CR DVD, and Craig's performance is still awesome. After so many years in the Bond-as-Superman wilderness, it's great to have Bond the man back. So many nice moments, big and small. Easily the best Bond performance since Lazenby in OHMSS, and in the best Bond film since OHMSS. Just a great movie.
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Fish1941 wrote:
    Anyone could be better than Connery. The latter wasn't all that hot. All he did was create the cliche of Bond. He wasn't able to elevate above that.
    I know, he only created (IMO) the perfect combination of suaveness and ruthlessness. 8-) I find it interesting how you always talk about how all the interpretations of all the Bonds are valid, yet you constantly attack Connery.
    blueman wrote:
    Easily the best Bond performance since Lazenby in OHMSS, and in the best Bond film since OHMSS. Just a great movie.
    Fair enough, but IMO Craig's performance was the best since Brosnan in DAD in the best Bond film since TWINE. :p :D Sorry, couldn't resist. ;) Seriously, although I'm not going to join any pro-CR fan club, I do consider CR to be among the best 13 Bond films of all time, and Craig's perormance to be superior to at least 5 other Bond performances. ;) (The two Daltons, Lazenby's, Connery's in NSNA and Moore's in AVTAK.)
    "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
  • Barry NelsonBarry Nelson ChicagoPosts: 1,508MI6 Agent
    Craig's performance was fine, however I don't think it was any better than some other past Bonds. Still thnk Lazenby was easily the worst. I also think Bond actors should be judged on their body of work. Loved the early Connery, not so much the DAF Connery.
  • MoniqueMonique USAPosts: 696MI6 Agent
    Fish1941 wrote:
    It's a shame that Connery had never been able to escape the cliche. Even Moore, Dalton and Lazenby were able to.

    Um...huh? How did Moore escape it? That makes absolutely no sense to me, of anyone, he was affected by it the most!!
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Monique wrote:
    Fish1941 wrote:
    It's a shame that Connery had never been able to escape the cliche. Even Moore, Dalton and Lazenby were able to.
    Um...huh? How did Moore escape it? That makes absolutely no sense to me, of anyone, he was affected by it the most!!
    Plus, does it matter? Some things become cliches because they work. One can like Moore or not (I certainly do ;)) but I think that one should base one's thoughts on Moore on his performances themselves, not wether he was affected by so-called cliches.
    "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
  • bluemanblueman PDXPosts: 1,667MI6 Agent
    benskelly wrote:
    "You must refer me to your oculist"

    ;)

    Yeah I know, I just like it, lol (and sadly, it's way past time for bifocals).

    I'm also one of those who really likes Lazenby's protrayal, he missed a few beats here and there but he fit the film perfectly, and many of his scenes--especially with Rigg--are perfect, IMO. With his inexperience, not sure if he could've repeated, but OHMSS is great Bond. And CR is right up there with it. IHMO.
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    edited April 2007
    I'm intrigued by the notion of Brozzer's Bond touching the computer screen image of Electra being more effective than Vesper's stuff with Craig ?:) To me, the 'touching of the screen' bit in TWINE is almost laughable---I much preferred his farewell to her after he had shot her dead in Act 3---but no two Bond fans ever seem to see such things the same, and so it goes.

    Each to his own Bond, naturally :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
  • bluemanblueman PDXPosts: 1,667MI6 Agent
    benskelly wrote:
    blueman wrote:
    I'm also one of those who really likes Lazenby's protrayal, he missed a few beats here and there but he fit the film perfectly, and many of his scenes--especially with Rigg--are perfect, IMO. With his inexperience, not sure if he could've repeated, but OHMSS is great Bond. And CR is right up there with it. IHMO.

    Blue - We are 100% in agreement on this. Except for the last few words. So, that's not bad...

    Not bad at all. {[]

    Although I gotta agree with Loeff, the TWINE stuff was hammy, especially in comparison to CR (talk about 180 degress on that one, heh). I can agree that the intention was there for all that you're saying about TWINE, for me the execution just didn't pull it off, I'd have to project the kinda depth you're talking about onto those scenes for it to be there. But I do get what you're saying.

    On another board, someone posted that they'd read P&W's first draft of TWINE, before it got rewritten a couple times, and they said it was far better than what actually got filmed: no awkward Stockholm Syndrome scene, no M kidnapping, no crying over dead Elektra. That's very intriguing to me, I'm not all that wild about the child getting back at its parent thing as motivation for a Bond villain, but I also don't think it's been attacked all that smartly. A TWINE that approaches that core dynamic differently might indeed be a whole lot more appealing to me. Also if they have Renard do more than hold hot rocks, that would be cool. Like, an actual Bond-Renard fight, I mean the guy can't feel pain, what a terrific setup! You could break his arm and he'd just keep grinning at you...yikes. And they totally passed on it. Makes me sad. The most we get of that is, they say mean things to each other. Anyway, way OT here, just some random thoughts.
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 37,917Chief of Staff
    benskelly wrote:
    All I can tell you, Loeff, is it's the subtlety and nuance with which something is directed. Michael Apted was a much better director, IMO, than Campbell. The whole Electra arc was very engaging to me, and it all starts with that tiny moment at the computer. He's convinced she's a victim and that colors what he does after that. The avalanche scene really works for me - I just...believed it. Hell, even in the mess that is DAD, I like the moment where Bond carries the "dead" Jinx to warm water. The Vesper stuff doesn't feel authentic or as moving to me as it should. And I think Eva Green's acting in the "little finger" scene is false and overdone...to me. The drowning is still powerful, but I can only imagine how powerful it could have been under a better director. Tracy's relationship with Bond and her death are still the benchmark, ironically, considering it wasn't the "real" Bond (as viewed by the public anyway).

    You're right - to each his own.

    Ben- I'm quoting you in full because I back what you're saying. Apted is a better director than Campbell (with people, anyway; actionwise Campbell wins IMO); the computer moment is a lead-in to what Bond is thinking/feeling, handled well by both Brosnan and Apted and leading into the emotional aspects of the avalanche scene; Vesper doesn't move me as she should and the actress does seem false; and Tracy remains the benchmark.

    Verily, to each his own; but I re-iterate that only the newness of the current CR gives it such a high reputation and in time the weaknesses will stand out. TWINE isn't perfect, but it is sincere- unlike DAD and like OHMSS.
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    edited April 2007
    I'm sure it's just me...but Orson Wells, Akira Kurosawa or John Ford shooting Brozzer touching a computer screen wouldn't have sold that moment any better for me.

    Bond just doesn't strike me as the sort of guy who--even alone---would reach out touch a computer screen's depiction of a teary eye...ergo, the moment rings false to me---yes, it nicely plants the seeds for what follows, as any even partially serviceable script should, but to me it's flaccid.

    I rather thought Vesper's 'little finger' moment was a nice one---talking about planting seeds for what comes...

    Then again, a lack of an awkwardly nonsensical parafoil assault likely tips the scales in CR's favour, as far as I'm concerned; that sequence had 'pasted-in' feel which unfortunately reminded me of a previous era. Hopefully the Craig Era can successfully minimize such stuff.

    Re: Renard's painlessness: greatly underused, in my opinion. Not that I have any complaints with the final fight, but it certainly would have been nice to see his affliction more thoroughly 'tested,' as blue suggested.

    Either way, TWINE and CR were both great successes, so everybody wins...right? {[]
    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
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    edited April 2007
    benskelly wrote:
    It's Orson Welles.

    Yes, of course it is...My sincere apologies for the typo; I do try to minimize such things...

    Great to have you back, ben.
    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
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    benskelly wrote:
    (Bond wouldn't touch the tear on the screen, but he would suck the imaginary blood off the fingers of this woman who he had yet to have a sincere moment with?

    Yes, I think he would...different situation completely, relating to a live woman next to him.

    But I can't type Welles' name correctly, so what do I know?

    Nothing positive happens from here on. Bailing out...
    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
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Re: Renard's painlessness: greatly underused, in my opinion. Not that I have any complaints with the final fight, but it certainly would have been nice to see his affliction more thoroughly 'tested,' as blue suggested.
    I completely agree. One of my disappointments with TWINE was that Renard couldn't feel pain (which could have been great) but the film does absolutely nothing with it. :# Plus, to make things worse, he was played by Robert Carlyle, an actor whom I quite respect, and IMO he ended up being completely wasted. :#
    "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
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    benskelly wrote:
    All I can tell you, Loeff, is it's the subtlety and nuance with which something is directed. Michael Apted was a much better director, IMO, than Campbell. The whole Electra arc was very engaging to me, and it all starts with that tiny moment at the computer. He's convinced she's a victim and that colors what he does after that. The avalanche scene really works for me - I just...believed it. Hell, even in the mess that is DAD, I like the moment where Bond carries the "dead" Jinx to warm water. The Vesper stuff doesn't feel authentic or as moving to me as it should. And I think Eva Green's acting in the "little finger" scene is false and overdone...to me. The drowning is still powerful, but I can only imagine how powerful it could have been under a better director. Tracy's relationship with Bond and her death are still the benchmark, ironically, considering it wasn't the "real" Bond (as viewed by the public anyway).

    You're right - to each his own.
    Ben- I'm quoting you in full because I back what you're saying. Apted is a better director than Campbell (with people, anyway; actionwise Campbell wins IMO); the computer moment is a lead-in to what Bond is thinking/feeling, handled well by both Brosnan and Apted and leading into the emotional aspects of the avalanche scene; Vesper doesn't move me as she should and the actress does seem false; and Tracy remains the benchmark.

    Verily, to each his own; but I re-iterate that only the newness of the current CR gives it such a high reputation and in time the weaknesses will stand out. TWINE isn't perfect, but it is sincere- unlike DAD and like OHMSS.
    Guys, I completely agree with you. {[] I to found the emotional scenes in CR to be unconvincing (Bond's sucking sucking the imaginary blood off Vesper's fingers was IMO actually quite creepy) and I wasn't convinced at all that Vesper cared for Bond. Part of this was the script (which I didn't think developed the romance at al) but it was mainly due to Green's performance, which I hated. She never really altered her emotion, her performance struck me as quite false much of the time, there were times when I couldn't understand what she was saying and I never felt for her. I just couldn't care less when she killed herself as I didn't care about her charavter and I wasn't convinced of her need to take her life. Plus, as I mentioned, I remain unconvinced that Vesper cared as much about Bond as she did about the money (if at all.)

    I agree that Apted is a much better director than Campbell (who post-GE has relly gone down in my estimation) and I also also agree that TWINE, like OHMSS, was sincere and convincing, unlike DAD and CR. Although I found the romance with Tracey to be less than ideal, I do believe that it was an extraordinary thing filled with passion and magic, and very, very believable. I can not say that about CR at all. Although I don't mind CR, I thought that Bond's romance with Vesper was enormously disappointing and I agree with Barbel that it is a very overrated film.

    BTW Ben, I do disagree with you about one thing; I didn't like any 'Jinx' scene in DAD at all. ;)
    "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
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    benskelly wrote:
    Even when she's just a lump in Bond's arms, huh? :))
    No. :)) I usually love Halle, but in that film, I really couldn't stand her. :#
    benskelly wrote:
    Hard to believe they wasted a year planning a spin-off, isn't it?
    That was the worst thing about it. :# It wasn't a Bond film, it was a 'Bond and Jinx' film. :s Could you imagine a spinoff with Honey Rider, Pussy Galore, Domino or Anya? I can't and IMO they were much more memorable Bond girls. (Not to mention that these are Bond films, not films about Bond and his friends.)
    "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
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Dan Same wrote:
    I to found the emotional scenes in CR to be unconvincing (Bond's sucking sucking the imaginary blood off Vesper's fingers was IMO actually quite creepy) and I wasn't convinced at all that Vesper cared for Bond. Part of this was the script (which I didn't think developed the romance at al) but it was mainly due to Green's performance, which I hated. She never really altered her emotion, her performance struck me as quite false much of the time, there were times when I couldn't understand what she was saying and I never felt for her. I just couldn't care less when she killed herself as I didn't care about her charavter and I wasn't convinced of her need to take her life. Plus, as I mentioned, I remain unconvinced that Vesper cared as much about Bond as she did about the money (if at all.)

    Well, just a few people disagree...surprisingly partisan, these divisions continue to be :(

    C'est la guerre (sic??)
    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
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Well, just a few people disagree...surprisingly partisan, these divisions continue to be :(

    C'est la guerre (sic??)
    Oh, I know that a few people would disagree with me on this, if that is what you were saying ;) Seriously, Loeff, I don't know why you would be upset. Yes, you and I might disagree passionately about the merits of Green's performance, but at least we both voted for GF in the elimination game; that's the important thing. :))
    "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
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Honest people of goodwill can disagree, my friend...

    {[]
    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
  • AxelFoleyAxelFoley Posts: 14MI6 Agent
    I thought he was "OK" at best, I have to see another one before I can truly judge him.

    To me it is strange to say that Craig is the best Bond ever after only 1 performance, but that's just me.

    Somehow this all feels like a big hype to me. Everyone was expecting disaster, but he did a very good job and the movie was awesome, got great reviews and revived the series, which brings this whole hype around him being the best Bond yet. I seriously think we should await his second performance before calling him "the best Bond ever".

    Again, this is just me.

    My first post on this forum by the way, hey everyone {[]{[]
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,470MI6 Agent
    Craig sort of is Bond now, he inhabits the role. They tailored the script to him in a way they never did with Brosnan, who is a fine comedy actor given no decent comedy to do, nothing with any pizazz at all.

    Craig is the first actor since Moore to break the mould, to simply not look like any predecessor. Lazenby looks roughly the same as Connery, you see. Brosnan about the same as Moore, cut from the same cloth.

    Craig isn't. So he's not tall, dark or conventionally handsome, kudos to Babs, she reinvented 007. Mainly the trad 007 fans who felt conned by poor Brosnan flicks are the main gripers - and I'm one of them, I admit.

    As for the film itself, well, Craig didn't seem too relaxed all the time, nor did Brosnan in GE. I don't think Campbell is good with actors, he's better with action. And Craig went from surly sociopath to witty Cary Grant type a bit too quickly in my book. I didn't find that convincing.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • AxelFoleyAxelFoley Posts: 14MI6 Agent
    Fish1941 wrote:
    I doubt that a second performance would allow Craig to claim the title of "Best Bond Ever". In fact, I don't think there is an actor in existence who can make that claim. Including the vastly overrated Connery.

    Hey hey hey! Those are fighting words where I come from!! :D
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,470MI6 Agent
    I didn't know placid Sweden had any fighting words... you're not exactly a country for burning effigies... ;)
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • AxelFoleyAxelFoley Posts: 14MI6 Agent
    I didn't know placid Sweden had any fighting words... you're not exactly a country for burning effigies... ;)

    Then you should check out our history. Sure we haven't fought a war for about 500 years and pussed out in WWII, but we kicked ass back in the day {:)
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Craig sort of is Bond now, he inhabits the role. They tailored the script to him in a way they never did with Brosnan, who is a fine comedy actor given no decent comedy to do, nothing with any pizazz at all.

    Craig is the first actor since Moore to break the mould, to simply not look like any predecessor. Lazenby looks roughly the same as Connery, you see. Brosnan about the same as Moore, cut from the same cloth.

    Craig isn't. So he's not tall, dark or conventionally handsome, kudos to Babs, she reinvented 007. Mainly the trad 007 fans who felt conned by poor Brosnan flicks are the main gripers - and I'm one of them, I admit.

    As for the film itself, well, Craig didn't seem too relaxed all the time, nor did Brosnan in GE. I don't think Campbell is good with actors, he's better with action. And Craig went from surly sociopath to witty Cary Grant type a bit too quickly in my book. I didn't find that convincing.
    NP, two comments:
    One, what do you mean by Brosnan and Moore being cut from the same cloth? Are you referring to them both being regarded as conventionally hansome? Because I don't think they look all that alike. :)) (Brosnan reminds me more of Dalton.)

    Two, please don't tell me that you feel ashamed or embarassed about preferring the Brosnan films and Brosnan to CR and CR? :o They might have had flaws (which btw IMO humour was not among them), but IMO GE and TWINE were both terrific Bond films. I also consider those two films to both be superior to CR, and I consider Brosnan to have been a much better Bond than Craig, and I say that unashamedly. :D
    "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
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 37,917Chief of Staff
    Dan Same wrote:
    IMO GE and TWINE were both terrific Bond films. I also consider those two films to both be superior to CR, and I consider Brosnan to have been a much better Bond than Craig, and I say that unashamedly. :D

    I'm with you on all of that bar GE- it's my least favourite Brosnan Bond- and I'm not ashamed either! :)
  • Dan SameDan Same Victoria, AustraliaPosts: 6,054MI6 Agent
    edited April 2007
    Barbel wrote:
    I'm with you on all of that bar GE- it's my least favourite Brosnan Bond- and I'm not ashamed either! :)
    :)) That's fine. Afterall, on the 'worst film' thread you listed TMWTGG and MR, which suggests you don't consider GE to be the worst Bond film of all time? Well, in that case, I certainly agree that it wasn't the worst Bond film of all time. :D
    "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
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 37,917Chief of Staff
    edited April 2007
    Dan Same wrote:
    you don't consider GE to be the worst Bond film of all time? Well, in that case, I certainly agree that it wasn't the worst Bond film of all time. :D

    Absolutely not. It's very far from being the worst Bond one. My not subscribing to the wildly OTT praise for CR (IMO a lot of that is similar to the situation with GE, where the long wait between films whetted the appetite) doesn't mean that I'm blind to its virtues, and the same goes for GE.
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