ok ok ok-Its not a case of i don't just like the look of him,i don't like what iv'e seen or heard of him. I don't care if i personally fancy Bond-i'm abit wiser than that. I didn't find Connery attractive but i loved him as Bond,he was belivable and a brilliant Bond. Yes i will wait and see the movie and i bet my opinion of Craig doesn't change.
As for Brosnan,well i'm female,he's my favourite actor so him becoming Bond was well........
but as i keep saying,i loved Moore and i do see beyond looks,i am not superficial but im sorry what has Daniel Craig got? His interview earlier was awful,it was like listening to a posh David Beckham,no charisma,no charm,no confidence,no warmth, no sexiness,basically no personality,im at a loss
What I saw and heard today that I liked and did not like.
Liked - Craig's voice, Craig's down to earth answers, EON is looking for an attractive actress that can ACT, they are already working on Bond 22 (maybe 007 in 007), no Q (didn't really care for Cleese) down to earth plot, the add campaign looks promising and the website.
Didn't like - Craig's look (that will never change), no Moneypenny (love Moneypenny) Bladerunner completing reversing himself , some of the dumb questions asked of Craig (how do these people become journalist)
Wait a minute! You're not allowed to say that on his birthday!!
I suspect that he didn't get much in the way of briefing for the press conference given some of his answers, but then again I'm not surprised. Remember that TD was never particularly confident during press conferences and PB himself definately improved over the years.
Good point Blade, I'm just having some fun at your expense. Trying to lighten the mood.
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
It's kinda funny how Daniel Craig has sort of become the Harriet Miers of many of us Bond fans since we don't really know what to respect from him. Leading up to and after the official press announcement, I came out with some quick criticism, which I now find to be quite premature and unfair. I saw Craig in his first James Bond publicity shot, and I actually am beginning to see him as Bond. I am coming around. The only reason I can come up with for my actions is that I really was hoping that Pierce would return. He was who I was rooting for the whole time. Also, I was introduced to the series with Pierce Brosnan's GE, and this will be the first time I will have to deal with an actor switch. I'm sure the tension was high even when George Lazenby, Roger Moore, and all the rest were dragged into the series. I am really excited for Casino Royale, I can't wait to see who is cast for the other vital roles. Even though it will take until November to find out what kind of Bond Craig will make, I'm willing to give him a shot.
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
-Roger Moore
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'm sorry if I offended you...I do apologise sincerely, and I hope my changing my mind quite so radically was not too offensive to the rest of you.
I feel odd myself, I hated the guy for the role but now I am suddenly starting to like him and what he might bring to the film(s).
If things are this bad for Craig imagine the uproar if Goran Visnjic had been at that press launch...or even Ewan Stewart!...
You SHOULD BE SORRY! You...malcontent, you...
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
It just made me laugh when he squirmed about in his seat when asked if he was abond fan,there sat a man who came across to me as if he had never seen a bond movie and came out with the classic yes since a kid and connery as a favourite,how original,the body language-said it all to me,but we will see.Totally agree with you on the reporters Barry
sorry this was in response to Predator's point on the press conference.
It just made me laugh when he squirmed about in his seat when asked if he was abond fan,there sat a man who came across to me as if he had never seen a bond movie and came out with the classic yes since a kid and connery as a favourite,how original,the body language-said it all to me,but we will see.
Yeah, I noticed that he was a tad on the defensive in the brief clip I saw. But at the same time I felt that he didn't want to offend his predecessors when he was asked that question...at least that's how I took his squirming...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Good Lord! My bowels would have turned to water...
He did pretty well, all things considered...
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
It just made me laugh when he squirmed about in his seat when asked if he was abond fan,there sat a man who came across to me as if he had never seen a bond movie and came out with the classic yes since a kid and connery as a favourite,how original,the body language-said it all to me,but we will see.
________________________________________________
I think it is possible he knows Pierce was a popular Bond and perhaps he has seen some of the reaction to the rumors he was going to be Bond. I would understand if he was uncomfortable.
Yeah, I noticed that he was a tad on the defensive in the brief clip I saw. But at the same time I felt that he didn't want to offend his predecessors when he was asked that question...at least that's how I took his squirming...
Well call me silly, but I thought he was just nervous. You know the whole huge world press do and ceremony and being the new James Bond and all that jazz.
Good Lord! My bowels would have turned to water...
He did pretty well, all things considered...
I would have been beaming and lapping it up,one of the best roles to land,yes must have alot of pressure on him but then im female will never get the chance to be Bond lol or be the subject of a press conference,never mind.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
It just made me laugh when he squirmed about in his seat when asked if he was abond fan,there sat a man who came across to me as if he had never seen a bond movie and came out with the classic yes since a kid and connery as a favourite,how original,the body language-said it all to me,but we will see.
Yeah, I noticed that he was a tad on the defensive in the brief clip I saw. But at the same time I felt that he didn't want to offend his predecessors when he was asked that question...at least that's how I took his squirming...
Well call me silly, but I thought he was just nervous. You know the whole huge world press do and ceremony and being the new James Bond and all that jazz.
Yeah, I just thought that went without saying. It was plain as the nose on our faces he was stressed to the hilt. )Did ok though...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I just read an online story that said Craig is a close personal friend of the Broccoli's. That would explain a lot. I guess Pierce should have hung out with Babs more.
Maybe my eyesight is going, but I thought Babs looked pretty good. (can't believe I am saying that)
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
She'll look better to me if DC (and Eon) make a good film...
But you're right...she's much easier on the eyes than Cubby...
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
he had this nerdy irritating type of laugh that he did between questions when interviewed by the ITN entertainment reporter after the press conf and also during the conf he didn't come across as poised as i remember Dalton was. there was a point when a q was asked and he swivelled in his chair like a schoolboy with his hands to face and directed it towards Michael.
But i've just realised that playing Bond is about hair. With his longer hair today he looked more Bond than he did with in pix with shorter hair elsewhere!
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
I remember well when TD took over from RM. An actor as Bond ... a classically trained actor? Dear oh dear! And that chaotic press conference! And he doesn't look like Moore or Connery. He doesn't sound like them ... I only remember him being in Flash Gordon. (etc etc)
But TLD was a fresh new Bond film ... that contributed massively to the development of the franchise.
As a Remington Steel fan, I was so excited when Brosnan was named, then felt bad when dumped, but elated when Dalton took over. You see, it was only Flash Gordon that I've seen him in, my "movie" of the 1980 holiday season, and I thought he owned that movie. When they named hims a Brosnan's replacement, I said...wait a minute, it's Baron without the moustache...will he look as good without the moustache, I asked? )
Anyway, the first thing that connected to me, was Barin calling Ming's daugher, "bitch!" and Bond's famous last line in CR, and I thought, Dalton is going to make the best Bond ever, with no question in my mind. But that was a different time, and the only parallels I can draw between Dalton and Craig is their ability to exude a tough and serious persona, but Dalton certainly had the "look."
"...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.....
You can't be serious! A blonde BOND! NO WAY jose! What are you people thinking? This will definately spell the demise of 007. There will be no room in my collection for this one. This is a very very sad day in the anals of 007 history. R.I.P. 007
Over 30 years ago my parents took me to my first Bond movie. I had seen Bond movies on TV but this was my first time viewing a Bond movie in a theater. The movie started and I was stunned. Where was Bond? There was an actor claiming he was Bond but he didn't look like the Bond I grew up watching on ABC Sunday night movies. The movie was the Man With The Golden Gun and the "Bond" was Roger Moore. This was not my Bond. Come Nov. 2006 some young man will go to the theater and have the same experience. I've only watched one other Roger Moore as Bond movie, A View To a Kill (my date was a Moore fan). I've skimmed a little of the other Moore movies but still can't sit through a full movie.
Hopefully, CR will be a good movie. Based on the curiosity factor alone it will make it a big grosser. Craig can act but he just doesn't look the part. I guess the nativist who couldn't get past Goran V's nationality must be ecstatic.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Well, not ecstatic, but I've felt worse...
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Hello everyone, I am Eye Of The Tiger's brother.
I have sad news! At approximately 7:00 PM tonight Eye Of The Tiger took his own life. He had just finished watching GE, TWINE and DAD. He did not watch TND though because he said it is Marjil's favorite Brosnan-Bond film! He just finished watching the three films, and then he was overheard saying "It will never be the same again." Then he pulled out a Walther PPK and then...well, you know...
He will be layed to rest with his GE, TWINE and DAD DVD's, as well as his Rocky DVD collection.
Please remember him in a good light, and when he was happiest, which was telling you good people that Pierce Brosnan would be back in Casino Royale!
Well...there goes us breaking down Browns games...:P
Walther, huh? That sort of hurts...you sure Eye didn't take the easy way out and swallow shampoo or something?
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I found a decent article that addresses the "divide" that's being seen among the Bond fans; and it appeared--of all places--on the MTv site. You can read the whole thing by clicking the link I provided; but here's the relevant stuff, augmented with my comments:
"He isn't the sort of person that I see as being the Bond that the general public has become used to," offered Graham Rye, editor/designer/publisher and founder of the 25-year-old publication _007 Magazine_. "(Bond is) a wise-cracking guy who can kill any number of bad guys and bed any number of luscious ladies, but has always got a quip on the end of it. He's not the type to be very serious."
"He's obviously not the best-looking actor in the world," Richard Schenkman, an independent filmmaker who founded the world's first James Bond fan club in the 1970s and published the 007 magazine _Bondage_ for two decades, said of Craig. Like Rye, Schenkman feels that the new actor's appointment is worrisome since he comes from so far outside the Bond mold; he did admit, however, that certain aspects of the appointment intrigue him.
"They've gone a Timothy Dalton-route, hiring a solid actor, a guy with a really solid career and an enormous amount of range," Schenkman observed. "Remember, he played a weasely American in 'Road to Perdition,' and a babbling lunatic in 'The Jacket.' ... It's an interesting choice, because (Bond producers) went very pretty with Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan, and even to a degree George Lazenby, because he was a professional model at the time they hired him to be Bond. ... This guy's ruggedly handsome; it's just that he's not a looker."
Just to note, it's good to hear from Schenkman again. I was a member of his Bond Fan Club decades ago, and I hope certain people who shall remain anonymous see that one can criticize Craig's looks and still be a Bond fan. But here's where the fellas really twist the knife:
Both Rye and Schenkman agreed that hardcore Bond fans have recently felt as unappreciated as an anonymous SPECTRE henchman, beaten down by a series of Brosnan films that enjoyed enormous box-office success while making the franchise louder, dumber and more generic. "The scripts of the last few Bond movies have been absolutely abysmal," Rye fumed. "The last film, (2002's) 'Die Another Day,' regardless of how much money it made ... I think was the worst Bond film of the entire series."
Testify, brother! I don't so much agree with the knocks on DAD, but, as I've made it loud and clear on other posts, I think the Bond fans have indeed been kicked over and over by EON--which is why I've called out for everyone to not allow themselves to be taken for granted. Hold EON's feet to the fire--or their cojones to the carpet-beater, whichever the case may be. But I digress. . .
"The problem is that they really got into the 'top this' game," Schenkman lamented. "What can we do next? How can we top this?"
"From already reading stuff on Web sites all over the Internet, I think (Craig) is going to fall into two camps," Rye speculated. "There's going to be one set of people who will throw their hands up in the air and say, 'Oh my God, not this guy. Please, anybody but him.' And a second group will say, 'This is just what these films need, a harder edge and a harder-looking actor."
Obviously he's been here. . .
Remaining as optimistic as their hero when inevitably tied to a death machine, both men view Craig as a possible olive branch from longtime gatekeepers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who may finally be willing to lose the gloss and return to the basics of the original Ian Fleming source novels. . . .
"It would seem to be an indication that they intend to get grittier and dirtier, but I don't trust them," Schenkman barked. "Michael Wilson really thinks he knows what's best. ... Until he's decided to make a complete change from what he was doing before, you're not going to see it, no matter who they hire." . . .
"When the 'XXX' movies are being made, Bond can either lump himself in with that kind of filmmaking, or go the other direction," Schenkman urged Campbell. "Go back to 'From Russia With Love,' go back to the books. The fact that they're doing 'Casino Royale' is potentially very interesting, because the climax of (the 1953 novel) 'Casino Royale' is Bond being tortured, nearly to death, via his testicles. ... It's basically a game of cat-and-mouse between Bond and this double agent with a gambling addiction, and Bond has to outdo him at the baccarat table."
"Is it going to be a cat-and-mouse game?" Schenkman wondered of the movie plot point that could very well define Craig's tenure. "Or is (the villain) going to have 47 nuclear bombs around the world in silos, aimed at all the world's capitals?"
"If you're a Bond fan of any sort, you're going to be interested," Rye conceded. "It's something that gets into your blood, and you just have to see what happens next."
I represent that remark. As for what these Bond scholars say about the future of Dan'l Craig:
These two lifelong fans ultimately admitted that they'll likely see "Casino Royale" during its opening weekend in 2006, and they then agreed to participate in a Bond game as timeless as the counting of his conquests. So, we asked them, how many movies will Daniel Craig make before they move on to the next guy?
"I say two," Schenkman offered.
"If, after they've gone to the cinema and they've seen it, (audience members) think 'I much preferred Pierce Brosnan, or anyone else for that matter,' it could be the kiss of death," Rye speculated, saying that Craig may end up a one-timer. "It could be the case."
So there you have it--two camps for Bond fans. What shall we call ourselves? Red and blue Bond fans? Black and blond Bond fans? It's all a matter for Bond history. . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Interesting stuff, Hardy; thanks. Many of us are asking the same questions, and exchanging the same concerns.
Glad to hear the experts will be there on opening weekend, as well. :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
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Hell, 'Eye's Brother,' that was a lifetime ago. I was a much younger man then; my hair jet black, my whole life ahead of me...
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
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Hello everyone, I am Eye Of The Tiger's brother.
I have sad news! At approximately 7:00 PM tonight Eye Of The Tiger took his own life. He had just finished watching GE, TWINE and DAD. He did not watch TND though because he said it is Marjil's favorite Brosnan-Bond film! He just finished watching the three films, and then he was overheard saying "It will never be the same again." Then he pulled out a Walther PPK and then...well, you know...
He will be layed to rest with his GE, TWINE and DAD DVD's, as well as his Rocky DVD collection.
Please remember him in a good light, and when he was happiest, which was telling you good people that Pierce Brosnan would be back in Casino Royale!
Well...there goes us breaking down Browns games...:P
Walther, huh? That sort of hurts...you sure Eye didn't swallow shampoo or something?
Can you remember which thread "Eye" made the first post on today about Art Modell? It was made right after the official announcement that Daniel Craig was the new Bond.
Page two...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Here is a pretty good article from The Irish Independent. I am very disturbed by the fact 007 will play Texas Hold 'em and that this film is a prequel. (I mean continuity wise....Judi Dench as M? Texas Hold 'em prior to 1962 and in Europe??..What else is wrong??...quoting M in TMWTGG....."The list is endless"
We've been expecting you Mr Bond
Daniel Craigunveiled as new the 007
IT'S been said that his appearance is more skid-row than Savile row, but that has not stopped English actor Daniel Craig (37) from being unveiled as the cinema's sixth James Bond.
Craig, the star of 'Layer Cake' and 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider', arrived to meet the world's media on a Royal Marine speedboat on the Thames.
He walked up the gangplank of HMS President in Bond's trademark tuxedo and said he was "speechless" when asked how he felt.
He posed for pictures with his arm around Barbara Broccoli, daughter of legendary Bond producer Cubby Broccoli.
Craig will play Ian Fleming's superagent for the first time in 'Casino Royale', which is currently in pre-production in the Bahamas. 'Casino Royale' will be the 21st film in the longest running series in movie history.
The Bond films have grossed nearly $4bn at the box office since Sean Connery starred in 'Dr No' in 1962. The last film 'Die Another Day' took $450m.
It is not the first time the Casino Royale title has been used. A 1967 spy spoof starring David Niven was loosely based on the novel.
Craig follows in the footsteps of Irish actor Pierce Brosnan who allegedly priced himself out of the role. Producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, have used the opportunity of Brosnan's departure to reinvigorate the franchise.
'Casino Royale', the first Bond book written by Fleming, will show the character on an early mission, learning his trade as he attempts to thwart a Russian spy from winning a no-limit 'Texas Hold'em' game of poker worth millions.
Bollywood star Gulshan Grover has already been cast as the villain in the movie, which will be directed by New Zealand filmaker Martin Campbell, who was behind GoldenEye.
Commenting on the casting of Craig, Campbell said yesterday that each of the actors who had played Bond had brought "his own style and imprint" to it. He said he expected the English actor would do the same.
'AMBITION'
Producers Michael Wilson said the new star would bring a "contemporary edge" to the part.
Mr Wilson added: "It has been a long-time ambition for us to film the first book in the series, Casino Royale, which defined the complex character of James Bond."
Craig, who will earn a relatively modest £2m (€3m) for Casino Royale, will have been expected to sign a multi picture contract when taking over as agent 007.
He will alternate his work on the Bond films with other high profile projects. Craig probably has a stronger pedigree than any of the other actors who have played James Bond.
A 31year-old Sean Connery was an unknown, acting in Disney fantasies and Tarzan movies when he invented James Bond in the movies.
Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan were TV actors and, of course, George Lazenby was little more than a male model.
The only Bond star to match Craig's stage, TV and movie background was Timothy Dalton who only lasted for two movies having failed to make a breakthrough in the United States.
Dozens of prominent actors- including Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Clive Owen, Colin Farrell- were, reportedly, considered for the part. Craig was convinced to take it on when he read the script by Million Dollar Baby writer and Crash writer/director Paul Haggis. He described the script as "cracking".
Hello everyone, I am Eye Of The Tiger's brother.
I have sad news! At approximately 7:00 PM tonight Eye Of The Tiger took his own life. He had just finished watching GE, TWINE and DAD. He did not watch TND though because he said it is Marjil's favorite Brosnan-Bond film! He just finished watching the three films, and then he was overheard saying "It will never be the same again." Then he pulled out a Walther PPK and then...well, you know...
He will be layed to rest with his GE, TWINE and DAD DVD's, as well as his Rocky DVD collection.
Please remember him in a good light, and when he was happiest, which was telling you good people that Pierce Brosnan would be back in Casino Royale!
Well, I thought he'd take the news much harder than that.
"We come here to bury Eye of the Tiger, not to praise him..." although I do feel bad that he missed out on TND because of me.
Good one, Eye. Keep the chin up, man. Of course, with the rigor mortis and all, you probably don't have much choice (or chin, depending on where the Walther was aimed).
Comments
As for Brosnan,well i'm female,he's my favourite actor so him becoming Bond was well........
but as i keep saying,i loved Moore and i do see beyond looks,i am not superficial but im sorry what has Daniel Craig got? His interview earlier was awful,it was like listening to a posh David Beckham,no charisma,no charm,no confidence,no warmth, no sexiness,basically no personality,im at a loss
Liked - Craig's voice, Craig's down to earth answers, EON is looking for an attractive actress that can ACT, they are already working on Bond 22 (maybe 007 in 007), no Q (didn't really care for Cleese) down to earth plot, the add campaign looks promising and the website.
Didn't like - Craig's look (that will never change), no Moneypenny (love Moneypenny) Bladerunner completing reversing himself
Wait a minute! You're not allowed to say that on his birthday!!
I suspect that he didn't get much in the way of briefing for the press conference given some of his answers, but then again I'm not surprised. Remember that TD was never particularly confident during press conferences and PB himself definately improved over the years.
-Roger Moore
You SHOULD BE SORRY! You...malcontent, you...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
sorry this was in response to Predator's point on the press conference.
I think he looks very good.
http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/5463/craigbond8sc.jpg
Yeah, I noticed that he was a tad on the defensive in the brief clip I saw. But at the same time I felt that he didn't want to offend his predecessors when he was asked that question...at least that's how I took his squirming...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
He did pretty well, all things considered...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I would have been beaming and lapping it up,one of the best roles to land,yes must have alot of pressure on him but then im female will never get the chance to be Bond lol or be the subject of a press conference,never mind.
Yeah, I just thought that went without saying. It was plain as the nose on our faces he was stressed to the hilt.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Maybe my eyesight is going, but I thought Babs looked pretty good. (can't believe I am saying that)
But you're right...she's much easier on the eyes than Cubby...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
But i've just realised that playing Bond is about hair. With his longer hair today he looked more Bond than he did with in pix with shorter hair elsewhere!
As a Remington Steel fan, I was so excited when Brosnan was named, then felt bad when dumped, but elated when Dalton took over. You see, it was only Flash Gordon that I've seen him in, my "movie" of the 1980 holiday season, and I thought he owned that movie. When they named hims a Brosnan's replacement, I said...wait a minute, it's Baron without the moustache...will he look as good without the moustache, I asked?
Anyway, the first thing that connected to me, was Barin calling Ming's daugher, "bitch!" and Bond's famous last line in CR, and I thought, Dalton is going to make the best Bond ever, with no question in my mind. But that was a different time, and the only parallels I can draw between Dalton and Craig is their ability to exude a tough and serious persona, but Dalton certainly had the "look."
Couldn't agree more myself
YIKES!!!
Wow...history repeating itself...that would be interesting. Just pray Brosnan doesn't comeback fat and old looking in a campy film!!
Hopefully, CR will be a good movie. Based on the curiosity factor alone it will make it a big grosser. Craig can act but he just doesn't look the part. I guess the nativist who couldn't get past Goran V's nationality must be ecstatic.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Well...there goes us breaking down Browns games...:P
Walther, huh? That sort of hurts...you sure Eye didn't take the easy way out and swallow shampoo or something?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
"He isn't the sort of person that I see as being the Bond that the general public has become used to," offered Graham Rye, editor/designer/publisher and founder of the 25-year-old publication _007 Magazine_. "(Bond is) a wise-cracking guy who can kill any number of bad guys and bed any number of luscious ladies, but has always got a quip on the end of it. He's not the type to be very serious."
"He's obviously not the best-looking actor in the world," Richard Schenkman, an independent filmmaker who founded the world's first James Bond fan club in the 1970s and published the 007 magazine _Bondage_ for two decades, said of Craig. Like Rye, Schenkman feels that the new actor's appointment is worrisome since he comes from so far outside the Bond mold; he did admit, however, that certain aspects of the appointment intrigue him.
"They've gone a Timothy Dalton-route, hiring a solid actor, a guy with a really solid career and an enormous amount of range," Schenkman observed. "Remember, he played a weasely American in 'Road to Perdition,' and a babbling lunatic in 'The Jacket.' ... It's an interesting choice, because (Bond producers) went very pretty with Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan, and even to a degree George Lazenby, because he was a professional model at the time they hired him to be Bond. ... This guy's ruggedly handsome; it's just that he's not a looker."
Just to note, it's good to hear from Schenkman again. I was a member of his Bond Fan Club decades ago, and I hope certain people who shall remain anonymous see that one can criticize Craig's looks and still be a Bond fan. But here's where the fellas really twist the knife:
Both Rye and Schenkman agreed that hardcore Bond fans have recently felt as unappreciated as an anonymous SPECTRE henchman, beaten down by a series of Brosnan films that enjoyed enormous box-office success while making the franchise louder, dumber and more generic. "The scripts of the last few Bond movies have been absolutely abysmal," Rye fumed. "The last film, (2002's) 'Die Another Day,' regardless of how much money it made ... I think was the worst Bond film of the entire series."
Testify, brother! I don't so much agree with the knocks on DAD, but, as I've made it loud and clear on other posts, I think the Bond fans have indeed been kicked over and over by EON--which is why I've called out for everyone to not allow themselves to be taken for granted. Hold EON's feet to the fire--or their cojones to the carpet-beater, whichever the case may be. But I digress. . .
"The problem is that they really got into the 'top this' game," Schenkman lamented. "What can we do next? How can we top this?"
"From already reading stuff on Web sites all over the Internet, I think (Craig) is going to fall into two camps," Rye speculated. "There's going to be one set of people who will throw their hands up in the air and say, 'Oh my God, not this guy. Please, anybody but him.' And a second group will say, 'This is just what these films need, a harder edge and a harder-looking actor."
Obviously he's been here. . .
Remaining as optimistic as their hero when inevitably tied to a death machine, both men view Craig as a possible olive branch from longtime gatekeepers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who may finally be willing to lose the gloss and return to the basics of the original Ian Fleming source novels. . . .
"It would seem to be an indication that they intend to get grittier and dirtier, but I don't trust them," Schenkman barked. "Michael Wilson really thinks he knows what's best. ... Until he's decided to make a complete change from what he was doing before, you're not going to see it, no matter who they hire." . . .
"When the 'XXX' movies are being made, Bond can either lump himself in with that kind of filmmaking, or go the other direction," Schenkman urged Campbell. "Go back to 'From Russia With Love,' go back to the books. The fact that they're doing 'Casino Royale' is potentially very interesting, because the climax of (the 1953 novel) 'Casino Royale' is Bond being tortured, nearly to death, via his testicles. ... It's basically a game of cat-and-mouse between Bond and this double agent with a gambling addiction, and Bond has to outdo him at the baccarat table."
"Is it going to be a cat-and-mouse game?" Schenkman wondered of the movie plot point that could very well define Craig's tenure. "Or is (the villain) going to have 47 nuclear bombs around the world in silos, aimed at all the world's capitals?"
"If you're a Bond fan of any sort, you're going to be interested," Rye conceded. "It's something that gets into your blood, and you just have to see what happens next."
I represent that remark. As for what these Bond scholars say about the future of Dan'l Craig:
These two lifelong fans ultimately admitted that they'll likely see "Casino Royale" during its opening weekend in 2006, and they then agreed to participate in a Bond game as timeless as the counting of his conquests. So, we asked them, how many movies will Daniel Craig make before they move on to the next guy?
"I say two," Schenkman offered.
"If, after they've gone to the cinema and they've seen it, (audience members) think 'I much preferred Pierce Brosnan, or anyone else for that matter,' it could be the kiss of death," Rye speculated, saying that Craig may end up a one-timer. "It could be the case."
So there you have it--two camps for Bond fans. What shall we call ourselves? Red and blue Bond fans? Black and blond Bond fans? It's all a matter for Bond history. . .
Glad to hear the experts will be there on opening weekend, as well. :007)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Page two...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
We've been expecting you Mr Bond
Daniel Craigunveiled as new the 007
IT'S been said that his appearance is more skid-row than Savile row, but that has not stopped English actor Daniel Craig (37) from being unveiled as the cinema's sixth James Bond.
Craig, the star of 'Layer Cake' and 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider', arrived to meet the world's media on a Royal Marine speedboat on the Thames.
He walked up the gangplank of HMS President in Bond's trademark tuxedo and said he was "speechless" when asked how he felt.
He posed for pictures with his arm around Barbara Broccoli, daughter of legendary Bond producer Cubby Broccoli.
Craig will play Ian Fleming's superagent for the first time in 'Casino Royale', which is currently in pre-production in the Bahamas. 'Casino Royale' will be the 21st film in the longest running series in movie history.
The Bond films have grossed nearly $4bn at the box office since Sean Connery starred in 'Dr No' in 1962. The last film 'Die Another Day' took $450m.
It is not the first time the Casino Royale title has been used. A 1967 spy spoof starring David Niven was loosely based on the novel.
Craig follows in the footsteps of Irish actor Pierce Brosnan who allegedly priced himself out of the role. Producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, have used the opportunity of Brosnan's departure to reinvigorate the franchise.
'Casino Royale', the first Bond book written by Fleming, will show the character on an early mission, learning his trade as he attempts to thwart a Russian spy from winning a no-limit 'Texas Hold'em' game of poker worth millions.
Bollywood star Gulshan Grover has already been cast as the villain in the movie, which will be directed by New Zealand filmaker Martin Campbell, who was behind GoldenEye.
Commenting on the casting of Craig, Campbell said yesterday that each of the actors who had played Bond had brought "his own style and imprint" to it. He said he expected the English actor would do the same.
'AMBITION'
Producers Michael Wilson said the new star would bring a "contemporary edge" to the part.
Mr Wilson added: "It has been a long-time ambition for us to film the first book in the series, Casino Royale, which defined the complex character of James Bond."
Craig, who will earn a relatively modest £2m (€3m) for Casino Royale, will have been expected to sign a multi picture contract when taking over as agent 007.
He will alternate his work on the Bond films with other high profile projects. Craig probably has a stronger pedigree than any of the other actors who have played James Bond.
A 31year-old Sean Connery was an unknown, acting in Disney fantasies and Tarzan movies when he invented James Bond in the movies.
Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan were TV actors and, of course, George Lazenby was little more than a male model.
The only Bond star to match Craig's stage, TV and movie background was Timothy Dalton who only lasted for two movies having failed to make a breakthrough in the United States.
Dozens of prominent actors- including Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Clive Owen, Colin Farrell- were, reportedly, considered for the part. Craig was convinced to take it on when he read the script by Million Dollar Baby writer and Crash writer/director Paul Haggis. He described the script as "cracking".
Philip Molloy
Well, I thought he'd take the news much harder than that.
"We come here to bury Eye of the Tiger, not to praise him..." although I do feel bad that he missed out on TND because of me.
Good one, Eye. Keep the chin up, man. Of course, with the rigor mortis and all, you probably don't have much choice (or chin, depending on where the Walther was aimed).