Accusation that Connery is "uninterested" in YOLT

___0_0_7___ · July 2010

Can you please explain why many of you think this is the case? What specific cases are there where Connery appears not to "care"? As far as I see, his performance is decent, it's simply that the script didn't require his being enthusiastic about much.

thesecretagent · July 2010

I don't personally think Connery could cruise through a film not appearing to care - I think the director would have been on his case before long. Perhaps the nonchalant performance was his ability to sink into the role, afterall the role was his and he'd been in it for four films by this stage. I think script, direction and location had a lot to do with it. Japan really wore Connery down, it was here that whilst being filmed and photographed using a urinal (thought the paps were bad now?!)that he thought he'd had enough of the role and quit afterwards. If anything, I think Connery's later performance in DAF was a lot worse than his performance in YOLT.

Napoleon Plural · July 2010

The jokes are more formulaic in YOLT and as with Brosnan in some of his Bonds, the lead actor reacts accordingly, ie bored.

Apparently he didn't find Japanese girls attractive and this sort of shoes, he's most energised with Karin Dor although his relationship with Aki is quite sweet.

The plot isn't tailored to Connery's strengths quite so much, it's a Moore-type vehicle.

Andy007 · April 2011

have to say that i don't agree with any negatives on Connery in YOLT. It's another brilliant performance as far as i'm concerned. - i have read before that YOLT was his least inspired film. But for me it has to be DAF. He strolled through this film without any care i think. DAF is a terrible Bond film any way & in this I'd say that Connery's performance is lazy (certainly nonchalant for the majority). YOLT is a quality film though & Connery does nothing wrong.

Golrush007 · April 2011

YOLT has always been my least favourite Bond film, and as such I'm inclined to be more critical towards Connery's performance. I guess I prefer Connery in DAF because I prefer the film overall.

Also I think there is something in what Napoloen Plural says about it being more of a Moore type film. But I suppose there are many reasons why Connery's performance might come across as weaker than his other films, and of course it is very subjective so everyone will have their own opinion on the relative strength of it.

Blackleiter · April 2011

I didn't have a problem with Connery's performance at all. In fact, I think it was one of his more relaxed, not bored, performances because by that time he was thoroughly comfortable with the role. And YOLT is one of my favorite Bond films. Not the best, not the most well-made, not as plausible as some of the others perhaps, but immensely entertaining nevertheless. I think the exotic locations in Japan (they certainly seemed pretty exotic in the 1960s) really added to the appeal of the film. The score is gorgeous, and I just love Blofeld's vast volcano hideout and the attack of the ninjas! Silly, yes, but I believe I was 11 when YOLT was released and I remember that I had a ball watching it (I saw it 3 times in a row!) I guess it still brings out the eleven year old in me, and to this day YOLT is the Bond film that gets the most repeat viewing in my home.

Hardyboy · April 2011

Well, I'm one of those who rates this as Connery's worst performance as Bond. It's not really his fault--he has little to do as an actor. There are few dramatic scenes and not much in the way of dialogue; and even in the action scenes he mostly seems to press buttons (witness the Little Nelly air battle--yawn). Connery does what he can with the comedy ("Siamese vodka?!") and the look on his face when Aki is killed is great. . .but there isn't much of a character here for Connery to bring to life, or for the viewers to care about.

Le Samourai · April 2011

I'm one of those who thinks Connery appeared to have sleepwalked through YOLT. He seemed slow and sluggish, with no spark to his delivery of lines. Really, though, I think the whole film was on autopilot. It's just sort of there. Even though there's litle offensively stupid or bad about it, it remains one of my least favorite Bond films because of its bland dullness. Great title theme, though.

Thunderpussy · April 2011

Connery seemed Bored in YOLT & DAF, still gave a good performance but the old spark just wasn't there. But I still enjoy both Movies.

Tracy · April 2011

I've been rewatching the Connery films lately (on to Moore now), and what I noticed about YOLT is how inconsequential Bond seems compared to the larger than life story unfolding around him. He's overshadowed by ninjas, helicopters using giant magnets to pick up cars, and pirhanna pools; quite simply, Bond doesn't have that much to do beyond uttering a few witticisms, running around Japan, and hunching over like Quasimodo with blackened eyebrows and hair. I second Hardyboy - Connery was being hounded by the press for a role that really just required him to show up and go through the motions, so it's not too surprising that he no longer seemed to care.

Mister Greene · April 2011

it seems in the 2 movies theytried to involve space ships (YOLT, MR) they just didnt work as Bond films.

blueman · April 2011

At least he looked like he was having fun in DAF, in YOLT he looked more annoyed. Then again if I was in YOLT, I'd be annoyed by it all too.

The fight in Osato's office with the sumo dude is a favorite, kudos for using a sofa straight-faced. That's about it.

ZorinIndustries · April 2011

This film was the first, to me at least, where he seemed to appear older and much heavier. For some reason I just feel that this is when he became that much older Connery that we see in DAF. I don't blame the guy, that's what time does haha. But I think this might play a role as to why one might feel Connery is acting fatigued compared to his previous films.

matt brown 005 · July 2011

You can see he is annoyed at times in this film after Henderson is killed and that fight in Osato's office he then joins Aki and when he what's the hell the score you can hear it in his voice he seems bored I think Roger moore had his moments too.

Accusation that Connery is "uninterested" in YOLT

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