It's an often-criticised performance, to be sure, but even here he radiates charisma and screen presence and totally owns the part.
He does radiate charisma, as always, but I don't think he totally owns the part in YOLT. At least, not like he used to. He only owns the part kind of by default. By the time that movie came out, there was no question that he WAS James Bond (as the marketing campaign explicitly stated), so he really didn't have to try. That being said, I love watching Connery in all of his Bond movies (even NSNA) so whatevs.
I'll do it for you then! His first five, in order! )
Nah... not quite!
Personally speaking, my favourite Connery performance is in YOLT. -{
Very unconventional choice for sure.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
I like all Bond performances .... however, will attempt to mention a few in no particular order
* SC in Dr. No, FRWL and GF (those films had some strong villains as well so the performances are more notable)
* RM in TSWLM (The perfect representation of the RM style - "so does England")
* Lazenby in OHMSS (The raw action sequences were top notch and at times hard to emulate)
* Dalton in TLD and LTK (Wow, he wanted to represent Bond differently than RM and managed to pull it off)
* Brosnan and Craig in many of their films (a combination of some of the versions above)
-Dalton in TLD: Very impressive to see how he owned the part on his first go. Just amazing stuff.
-Connery in GF: A performance that set the standard for later Bond actors. To this day, it still impresses.
-Brosnan in all his last 3 films: He just owned the part so dazzlingly, it's a bit sad that he doesn't seem to be getting that much love as a Bond actor.
-Moore in TSWLM, MR, and OP. Terrific stuff. Moore's evolution as Bond is fascinating to see, and these are the performances of his that hit me the hardest.
Not quite a Top 5, but I think that'll do.
"Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
-Brosnan in all his last 3 films: He just owned the part so dazzlingly, it's a bit sad that he doesn't seem to be getting that much love as a Bond actor.
Both Brosnan and Craig have the benefit of knowing how the character played out over the years so they can mix and match various elements, while some of the other actors brought in some of their own elements
Now imagine Brosnan comes and say "Bond, James Bond" like he did in GE or TND, and than Connery says that like he did in his entry in Dr. No, and people would most likely believe that Connery is the Bond
This is a difficult topic, and thus I'm gonna cheat with a top 10, wrapped in a top five:
1) Sean Connery - Dr. No/FRWL/GF/TB
Simply put, the definitive portrayal of James Bond on film. From his coldness to his unexpected emotional display to his cool, its all there, and every single actor since has attempted to replicate or emulate or simply be inspired by him, and his turn in those films. While he does display some boredom in TB, I kinda think adds to the character, and isn't as noticeable as it is in YOLT. Its an iconic performance, and if he had done OHMSS with Hunt, it'd have been an even more complete, more human portrayal, but no less iconic. Simply perfect.
2) Timothy Dalton in LTK
So many have argued how he's the most Fleming version, but I am not sure. Not that he isn't, but that could potentially undervalue his additions and contribution to the cinematic equivelant, which is world-weariness, sorrow and single-minded obsession. Sure, they're all attributes of Fleming's Bond, but Dalton imbues with singular effort, and whats astounding is how he completely owned the part from even TLD. But what he does in LTK is hint at both a darkness and a despair, which Bond also abhors about himself but still serve him well. I could write for hours about his work in this, but basically, Dalton really did redefine Bond for a whole generation. At least, that's how I see it. Both Brosnan and Craig have gone out of their way to accomodate the more vulnerable side of Bond, even when they have to be as cool and suave as Connery's has. But Dalton, as much as I hate to admit it, did pave the way for them both (and not just Craig, which irritates the **** outta me). I dearly wish Dalton had at least done one or two more. Alas...
3) Pierce Brosnan in TWINE
You know, Daniel Craig is a great Bond, and certainly very well-rounded, but I will always argue that Brosnan was the coldest Bond, by far, at least in terms of Bond's skill in assassinating. Its the one aspect where Dalton's Bond never ventured in, although he was a brutal bastard for sure. The lovely thing about Brosnan's Bond is that it continues the line of thinking started for the character all the way back in FYEO, and much, much more specifically in TLD and onwards. He is the same man who avenged Della and courted Kara despite himself, and when you take that into account, his at first surprising reaction to Electra's seeming betrayal is not as shocking, because its an earned reaction of the miscalculation of a veteran who, at this stage, allows himself to feel love again, and yet not really earn it back. Brosnan, accordingly, is more than mature and seasoned enough to display himself in that light, allowing Bond to be used but not diminish the character's efficiency as a season professional. It certainly adds that Brosnan in an intelligent Bond fan, and as such manages to add a lot of what makes Bond work as a cinematic character, and that includes his suaveness, his cool, his charm and his wit, all of which are certainly attributes his predecessors mastered, but Brosnan borrows and more than makes his own. But make no mistake, he IS James Bond, and he IS a cold-blooded killer. While the argument about an amalgamated Bond is valid, he certainly walks down the path started by Dalton. His work is so good here, my wishes for a fifth Bond for him mainly derive from my desire to him exit in an entry that'd use his talents the same way he did here. Bronsnan was never bad, never dull, but this is without a doubt his best.
4) Daniel Craig in CR/SF
I really wasn't sure if I should've added his SPECTRE turn, too, but I have see it again. In fact, I might raise him from this spot if I see the films again soon. But as is, he is still a great Bond, worthy of the praise and worthy of the casting, despite the hype (which, you know, is very dismissive towards previous Bonds, especially Brosnan). He is probably the most human Bond, maybe to the detriment of his work as a secret agent, but I appreciate Craig's efforts all the same. In fact, he is equal in CR and SF for giving Bond in a rounded double turn that sees him from rookie to veteran with the same dexterity and effort but with wildly different viewpoints. He's an eager, flexible, capable agent in CR, even at his weakest, and he's basically a wreck in SF, and Craig manages to sell that effortlessly. Both performances complement each other, and as such I refuse to list them seperately. For all of their films' weaknesses, Craig manages to give a complete portrayal of a man who might have love without a cost, ever.
5) Roger Moore in FYEO/Sean Connery in NSNA
Basically, they're both playing the seasoned professional, and surprisingly in very much same result, albeit going through different ways. Moore's Bond hadn't quit the service, which serves his subdued manner in the film and unexpected wisdom, while Connery's was out of action for a while, and that serves his eagerness and willingness to prove himself in action, to validate himself in the field, which he knows is where he's best at. And yet, they're both the same Bonds from before - they've progressed and matured, visibly older but not slower, still quick with the wit, and the kill, and still more than capable at saving the world and the Crown from all threats. And I just love that we got to see them this way, as it genuinely adds to the overall experience of watching the films. If Craig's Bond ever ends up becoming the seasoned veteran, I hope he borrows from Moore and Connery's entries here, since they're that good.
And the rest:
6) Roger Moore in TSWLM
I don't dislike Roger Moore. Far from it. I find his turn in Bond is more underrated than people give him credit for. It just so happens that I prefer three other actors as Bond, more. But that doesn't diminish his contributions to the role, and he certainly proved that Bond COULD carry on after Connery, with very much his performance here. More than Broccoli or Lewis Gilbert, its Roger Moore who proves that Bond could survive both Connery AND Harry Saltzman. His Bond here is the purest cinematic depiction of the character, along with all his characteristic charm, wit and delight, without sacrificing his cold-hearted roots. Simply great.
7) Pierce Brosnan in GE/Timothy Dalton in TLD
They're both as good here as they were gonna be in the above entires mentioned, but they have some small shortcomings here in comparison to TWINE/LT, respectively. And they're common. Basically, Brosnan's Bond appears wooden in some scenes while trying Connery wit, and Dalton seems stiff while trying out Moore humor. That doesn't undermine what they bring in their first entries, which is freshness, commanding a presence and edge - its just that they both did better in the part.
8) George Lazenby in OHMSS
The first Bond to showcase emotion. I can't really say much beyond he was good, much better than any rookie had any right to be, especially in a varied piece of writing as this was, and he didn't ruin the film. His private moments are believeable, and his reaction to Tracy's death was well-delivered. It truly is a undervalued turn by a lot of people. I just wish he'd been Bond before this, so he wouldn't come as stiff in certain section of the film, which is understandable. But still, more than very good.
9) Roger Moore in OP
Basically, the amalgamated Roger Moore performance - just like the film itself. All the elements from his previous performances are on display, and Moore is genuinely as good as he was ever gonna be. However, the main reason its bellow both FEYO and TSWLM is... the crocodile. Sorry, but even I have my limits.
SEAN CONNERY in Thunderball
This was the point where Connery had truly inhabited the role of Bond, without becoming bored of it. It's also his widest-ranging performance – the nightmarish Junkanoo chase scene is the only occasion on which Connery's normally unflappable Bond appears terrified, making Fiona Volpe a particularly effective villain.
GEORGE LAZENBY in OHMSS
My single favourite performance as Bond, and the widest-ranging: Lazenby nails violence, suaveness, concern, charm, hurt, fear, playfulness and ennui perfectly. In fact, the only thing he can't pull off is the one-liners (which, in fairness to him, were dreadful).
ROGER MOORE in Live And Let Die
Suave, supercilious and slightly detached, Moore's mildly glib portrayal of Bond was a world apart from Connery and Lazenby. It's also perfect as the English gentleman abroad in this slightly surreal Blaxploitation pastiche.
TIMOTHY DALTON in The Living Daylights
Second only to Lazenby for range, and sometimes he's even better – during the scene when he's about to shoot Pushkin, his Bond is a terrifying force of nature.
DANIEL CRAIG in Skyfall
He looked too old to play the ingénue in Casino Royale and was too relentlessly dour in Quantum Of Solace, but here his dignified reaction to betrayal provides the perfect contrast to the revenge-obsessed Silva.
That leaves out poor old Pierce Brosnan, whose best performance by far was in TWINE – the only Bond film that really stretched his acting talents to any degree.
Comments
SEAN CONNERY
Everyone else
So, can you list his top five in order for us then? B-)
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I love that part. Had it as my sig for a while. -{
1. GE 2. MR 3. OP 4. TMWTGG 5. TSWLM 6. TND 7. TWINE 8.DN 9. GF 10. AVTAK
Nah... not quite!
Well played :007) -{
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Bond: Pierce Brosnan Villain: Hugo Drax Girl: Pam Bouvier
So the answer to your question is yes, I did kill him.
"Better make that two."
He does radiate charisma, as always, but I don't think he totally owns the part in YOLT. At least, not like he used to. He only owns the part kind of by default. By the time that movie came out, there was no question that he WAS James Bond (as the marketing campaign explicitly stated), so he really didn't have to try. That being said, I love watching Connery in all of his Bond movies (even NSNA) so whatevs.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
Yeah he's fine in all of his others, but Spectre, he really kicks ass at being James Bond.
For the first time in Craig's portrayal as JB, I actually wanted to be him.
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Craig's performances have gotten better with each film, though I think there was a huge improvement in Skyfall.
Very unconventional choice for sure.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
* SC in Dr. No, FRWL and GF (those films had some strong villains as well so the performances are more notable)
* RM in TSWLM (The perfect representation of the RM style - "so does England")
* Lazenby in OHMSS (The raw action sequences were top notch and at times hard to emulate)
* Dalton in TLD and LTK (Wow, he wanted to represent Bond differently than RM and managed to pull it off)
* Brosnan and Craig in many of their films (a combination of some of the versions above)
-Dalton in TLD: Very impressive to see how he owned the part on his first go. Just amazing stuff.
-Connery in GF: A performance that set the standard for later Bond actors. To this day, it still impresses.
-Brosnan in all his last 3 films: He just owned the part so dazzlingly, it's a bit sad that he doesn't seem to be getting that much love as a Bond actor.
-Moore in TSWLM, MR, and OP. Terrific stuff. Moore's evolution as Bond is fascinating to see, and these are the performances of his that hit me the hardest.
Not quite a Top 5, but I think that'll do.
New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
Bond actors to be re-ranked later
Both Brosnan and Craig have the benefit of knowing how the character played out over the years so they can mix and match various elements, while some of the other actors brought in some of their own elements
Now imagine Brosnan comes and say "Bond, James Bond" like he did in GE or TND, and than Connery says that like he did in his entry in Dr. No, and people would most likely believe that Connery is the Bond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbvrhb33Ggs
^ Brosnan - "Bond, James Bond" (GE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDj3NRYTU8
^ Connery - "Bond, James Bond" (Dr. No)
So good.
"Better make that two."
1) Sean Connery - Dr. No/FRWL/GF/TB
Simply put, the definitive portrayal of James Bond on film. From his coldness to his unexpected emotional display to his cool, its all there, and every single actor since has attempted to replicate or emulate or simply be inspired by him, and his turn in those films. While he does display some boredom in TB, I kinda think adds to the character, and isn't as noticeable as it is in YOLT. Its an iconic performance, and if he had done OHMSS with Hunt, it'd have been an even more complete, more human portrayal, but no less iconic. Simply perfect.
2) Timothy Dalton in LTK
So many have argued how he's the most Fleming version, but I am not sure. Not that he isn't, but that could potentially undervalue his additions and contribution to the cinematic equivelant, which is world-weariness, sorrow and single-minded obsession. Sure, they're all attributes of Fleming's Bond, but Dalton imbues with singular effort, and whats astounding is how he completely owned the part from even TLD. But what he does in LTK is hint at both a darkness and a despair, which Bond also abhors about himself but still serve him well. I could write for hours about his work in this, but basically, Dalton really did redefine Bond for a whole generation. At least, that's how I see it. Both Brosnan and Craig have gone out of their way to accomodate the more vulnerable side of Bond, even when they have to be as cool and suave as Connery's has. But Dalton, as much as I hate to admit it, did pave the way for them both (and not just Craig, which irritates the **** outta me). I dearly wish Dalton had at least done one or two more. Alas...
3) Pierce Brosnan in TWINE
You know, Daniel Craig is a great Bond, and certainly very well-rounded, but I will always argue that Brosnan was the coldest Bond, by far, at least in terms of Bond's skill in assassinating. Its the one aspect where Dalton's Bond never ventured in, although he was a brutal bastard for sure. The lovely thing about Brosnan's Bond is that it continues the line of thinking started for the character all the way back in FYEO, and much, much more specifically in TLD and onwards. He is the same man who avenged Della and courted Kara despite himself, and when you take that into account, his at first surprising reaction to Electra's seeming betrayal is not as shocking, because its an earned reaction of the miscalculation of a veteran who, at this stage, allows himself to feel love again, and yet not really earn it back. Brosnan, accordingly, is more than mature and seasoned enough to display himself in that light, allowing Bond to be used but not diminish the character's efficiency as a season professional. It certainly adds that Brosnan in an intelligent Bond fan, and as such manages to add a lot of what makes Bond work as a cinematic character, and that includes his suaveness, his cool, his charm and his wit, all of which are certainly attributes his predecessors mastered, but Brosnan borrows and more than makes his own. But make no mistake, he IS James Bond, and he IS a cold-blooded killer. While the argument about an amalgamated Bond is valid, he certainly walks down the path started by Dalton. His work is so good here, my wishes for a fifth Bond for him mainly derive from my desire to him exit in an entry that'd use his talents the same way he did here. Bronsnan was never bad, never dull, but this is without a doubt his best.
4) Daniel Craig in CR/SF
I really wasn't sure if I should've added his SPECTRE turn, too, but I have see it again. In fact, I might raise him from this spot if I see the films again soon. But as is, he is still a great Bond, worthy of the praise and worthy of the casting, despite the hype (which, you know, is very dismissive towards previous Bonds, especially Brosnan). He is probably the most human Bond, maybe to the detriment of his work as a secret agent, but I appreciate Craig's efforts all the same. In fact, he is equal in CR and SF for giving Bond in a rounded double turn that sees him from rookie to veteran with the same dexterity and effort but with wildly different viewpoints. He's an eager, flexible, capable agent in CR, even at his weakest, and he's basically a wreck in SF, and Craig manages to sell that effortlessly. Both performances complement each other, and as such I refuse to list them seperately. For all of their films' weaknesses, Craig manages to give a complete portrayal of a man who might have love without a cost, ever.
5) Roger Moore in FYEO/Sean Connery in NSNA
Basically, they're both playing the seasoned professional, and surprisingly in very much same result, albeit going through different ways. Moore's Bond hadn't quit the service, which serves his subdued manner in the film and unexpected wisdom, while Connery's was out of action for a while, and that serves his eagerness and willingness to prove himself in action, to validate himself in the field, which he knows is where he's best at. And yet, they're both the same Bonds from before - they've progressed and matured, visibly older but not slower, still quick with the wit, and the kill, and still more than capable at saving the world and the Crown from all threats. And I just love that we got to see them this way, as it genuinely adds to the overall experience of watching the films. If Craig's Bond ever ends up becoming the seasoned veteran, I hope he borrows from Moore and Connery's entries here, since they're that good.
And the rest:
6) Roger Moore in TSWLM
I don't dislike Roger Moore. Far from it. I find his turn in Bond is more underrated than people give him credit for. It just so happens that I prefer three other actors as Bond, more. But that doesn't diminish his contributions to the role, and he certainly proved that Bond COULD carry on after Connery, with very much his performance here. More than Broccoli or Lewis Gilbert, its Roger Moore who proves that Bond could survive both Connery AND Harry Saltzman. His Bond here is the purest cinematic depiction of the character, along with all his characteristic charm, wit and delight, without sacrificing his cold-hearted roots. Simply great.
7) Pierce Brosnan in GE/Timothy Dalton in TLD
They're both as good here as they were gonna be in the above entires mentioned, but they have some small shortcomings here in comparison to TWINE/LT, respectively. And they're common. Basically, Brosnan's Bond appears wooden in some scenes while trying Connery wit, and Dalton seems stiff while trying out Moore humor. That doesn't undermine what they bring in their first entries, which is freshness, commanding a presence and edge - its just that they both did better in the part.
8) George Lazenby in OHMSS
The first Bond to showcase emotion. I can't really say much beyond he was good, much better than any rookie had any right to be, especially in a varied piece of writing as this was, and he didn't ruin the film. His private moments are believeable, and his reaction to Tracy's death was well-delivered. It truly is a undervalued turn by a lot of people. I just wish he'd been Bond before this, so he wouldn't come as stiff in certain section of the film, which is understandable. But still, more than very good.
9) Roger Moore in OP
Basically, the amalgamated Roger Moore performance - just like the film itself. All the elements from his previous performances are on display, and Moore is genuinely as good as he was ever gonna be. However, the main reason its bellow both FEYO and TSWLM is... the crocodile. Sorry, but even I have my limits.
SEAN CONNERY in Thunderball
This was the point where Connery had truly inhabited the role of Bond, without becoming bored of it. It's also his widest-ranging performance – the nightmarish Junkanoo chase scene is the only occasion on which Connery's normally unflappable Bond appears terrified, making Fiona Volpe a particularly effective villain.
GEORGE LAZENBY in OHMSS
My single favourite performance as Bond, and the widest-ranging: Lazenby nails violence, suaveness, concern, charm, hurt, fear, playfulness and ennui perfectly. In fact, the only thing he can't pull off is the one-liners (which, in fairness to him, were dreadful).
ROGER MOORE in Live And Let Die
Suave, supercilious and slightly detached, Moore's mildly glib portrayal of Bond was a world apart from Connery and Lazenby. It's also perfect as the English gentleman abroad in this slightly surreal Blaxploitation pastiche.
TIMOTHY DALTON in The Living Daylights
Second only to Lazenby for range, and sometimes he's even better – during the scene when he's about to shoot Pushkin, his Bond is a terrifying force of nature.
DANIEL CRAIG in Skyfall
He looked too old to play the ingénue in Casino Royale and was too relentlessly dour in Quantum Of Solace, but here his dignified reaction to betrayal provides the perfect contrast to the revenge-obsessed Silva.
That leaves out poor old Pierce Brosnan, whose best performance by far was in TWINE – the only Bond film that really stretched his acting talents to any degree.