Daniel Craig - 'Ian Fleming's James Bond?'

LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
in The James Bond Films
Here's an article of mine that initially appeared on this website in 2008, and until yesterday was tucked deeply away in AJB's article archives...thanks to SiCo, I have managed to get it published as a blog on hubpages.com. Please check it out, and follow me on that website if you are so inclined...and naturally, please feel free to comment here or there, or on both sites

http://markloeffelholz.hubpages.com/hub/Daniel-Craig-Ian-Flemings-James-Bond

Thanks in advance for taking a look. Cheers! {[]
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
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Comments

  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Enjoyable article. -{
    Over the years my views on Craig and the reboot have changed. So happily I'm now in the position of agreeing with it. :))
    I think going back and reading the Fleming books helped me to see my error, and I would encourage all Bond fans to read the books go get a feel for what Fleming had in mind. :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Thunderbird 2Thunderbird 2 East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,817MI6 Agent
    I did an abrupt U turn on Mr Craig the second I saw the opeining scenes of CR-06. In his performance I have seen an actor play a slighty unhinged mind as Bond and by God its effective! Little pieces of Fleming's literary character piecing through a modern interpretation, with a physically that inspires.
    He was a bit cold in QoS, but I pit that to the writing. I def see him as my generations version of Bond.

    Great article Loeffelholz!
    This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Thank you, gents -{ I'm glad to give it a new audience.
    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
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    Thunderpussy wrote:
    Enjoyable article. -{
    Over the years my views on Craig and the reboot have changed. So happily I'm now in the position of agreeing with it. :))
    I think going back and reading the Fleming books helped me to see my error, and I would encourage all Bond fans to read the books go get a feel for what Fleming had in mind. :D

    +1
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Bumping this thread for anyone who hasn't read it before; this is a topic that will be debated long after Craig has gone, and a (likely)more traditional replacement will be on board.

    To Craig Haters: You're welcome -{
    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
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    http://hubpages.com/entertainment/Daniel-Craig-Ian-Flemings-James-Bond a great read.
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 37,865Chief of Staff
    That was a good read, Loeff, thanks for that.
  • JagJag Posts: 1,167MI6 Agent
    edited December 2015
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    Bumping this thread for anyone who hasn't read it before; this is a topic that will be debated long after Craig has gone, and a (likely)more traditional replacement will be on board.

    To Craig Haters: You're welcome -{


    Thank you! :))

    I actually agree with you that of all the Bond actors Craig is the only one with a real, constant "cruel mouth". Connery displayed it only occasionally, the others did not.

    On the other hand, how can "Ian Fleming's James Bond" have a waxed chest? Is there a description of Bond's chest anywhere in Fleming's writings?
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Jag wrote:
    ...how can "Ian Fleming's James Bond" have a waxed chest? Is there a description of Bond's chest anywhere in Fleming's writings?

    Certainly an interesting (and curious) thing to fix upon...some men (particularly those with lighter colour hair) are not as hairy as others, particularly compared to those with darker hair...and for some reason, I've never really dwelt upon the question myself, being interested in more possibly pertinent factors relating to performance and role interpretation.

    If I'd had any idea it would turn out to be such a riveting issue, I would have researched it.
    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
  • broadshoulderbroadshoulder Acton, London, UKPosts: 1,363MI6 Agent
    Interesting read

    Because when reading the Fleming novels.....its Craig who appears..
    1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
  • JagJag Posts: 1,167MI6 Agent
    broadshoulder wrote:
    Interesting read

    Because when reading the Fleming novels.....its Craig who appears..


    It must be all in the eye of the beholder! :))
  • JagJag Posts: 1,167MI6 Agent
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    Jag wrote:
    ...how can "Ian Fleming's James Bond" have a waxed chest? Is there a description of Bond's chest anywhere in Fleming's writings?

    Certainly an interesting (and curious) thing to fix upon...some men (particularly those with lighter colour hair) are not as hairy as others, particularly compared to those with darker hair...and for some reason, I've never really dwelt upon the question myself, being interested in more possibly pertinent factors relating to performance and role interpretation.

    If I'd had any idea it would turn out to be such a riveting issue, I would have researched it.


    Actually, in the case of Craig it's hard NOT to be fixed upon this! Of course the degree of hairiness in men varies, but there is a difference between a scarcely hairy chest and a waxed chest (or does he use a laser?). Once you do this, the illusion of manliness goes away. All I see is those slimy guys from my gym who spend their time shooting steroids in the toilet and then flexing their muscles in front of the mirrors while taking selfies. Slimy! :))
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    Jag wrote:
    Loeffelholz wrote:

    Certainly an interesting (and curious) thing to fix upon...some men (particularly those with lighter colour hair) are not as hairy as others, particularly compared to those with darker hair...and for some reason, I've never really dwelt upon the question myself, being interested in more possibly pertinent factors relating to performance and role interpretation.

    If I'd had any idea it would turn out to be such a riveting issue, I would have researched it.


    Actually, in the case of Craig it's hard NOT to be fixed upon this! Of course the degree of hairiness in men varies, but there is a difference between a scarcely hairy chest and a waxed chest (or does he use a laser?). Once you do this, the illusion of manliness goes away. All I see is those slimy guys from my gym who spend their time shooting steroids in the toilet and then flexing their muscles in front of the mirrors while taking selfies. Slimy! :))

    ....oookay ?:) Very instructive, as ever; thanks.
    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
  • Golrush007Golrush007 South AfricaPosts: 3,421Quartermasters
    I enjoyed reading that Loeffelholz. I'm sure I must have read it when it was initially published on this site.

    I've been a Craig fan since the very beginning of Casino Royale, and I've enjoyed all of his performances as Bond so far. A few days ago I had a look back into the archives to see what comment I made on this site in 2005 on the day he was announced as Bond. I was certainly surprised by the announcement since I had never seen his work and knew almost nothing about him but I was shocked by the negative reaction on this site from Bond fans, so was very satisfied when the film came out and the response turned out to be so positive. Back when Craig was announced I was really get into the Ian Fleming novels and was extremely excited by the prospect of a return to Bond's roots and the character as Fleming wrote him. Of course Craig's portrayal and appearance departs from Fleming in various ways, as you describe in your article, but I think overall his has been one of the most satisfying portrayals for someone who enjoys the books just as much as the films. It will be interesting in 20 years time to look back and see how Craig is regarded compared to now.
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,320MI6 Agent
    edited December 2015
    Jag wrote:
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    Jag wrote:
    ...how can "Ian Fleming's James Bond" have a waxed chest? Is there a description of Bond's chest anywhere in Fleming's writings?

    Certainly an interesting (and curious) thing to fix upon...some men (particularly those with lighter colour hair) are not as hairy as others, particularly compared to those with darker hair...and for some reason, I've never really dwelt upon the question myself, being interested in more possibly pertinent factors relating to performance and role interpretation.

    If I'd had any idea it would turn out to be such a riveting issue, I would have researched it.


    Actually, in the case of Craig it's hard NOT to be fixed upon this! Of course the degree of hairiness in men varies, but there is a difference between a scarcely hairy chest and a waxed chest (or does he use a laser?). Once you do this, the illusion of manliness goes away. All I see is those slimy guys from my gym who spend their time shooting steroids in the toilet and then flexing their muscles in front of the mirrors while taking selfies. Slimy! :))

    Im fair haired (though its getting darker due to lack of sun where I live) - 37 years old and have hardly a hair on my chest!! I dont shave or wax it either - honest :)

    Im male also (honest) :))
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I can Honestly say, whether Bond has or has not got a hairy chest
    has never bothered me. ;)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,320MI6 Agent
    Connery has an impressive rug though :)
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Indeed -{ I'm suprised Donald Trump didn't buy one of his old ones. :))
    It would look better than that engineering hairdressers masterpiece he
    Has on his head !
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    I really enjoyed reading it again, its a very well balanced and sane piece.
    Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,458MI6 Agent
    Sorry to say that's the first time I've read the article. But excellent. As a long time DC fan I was at first sceptical about him as Bond but as soon as saw CR I found myself drawing comparison to the literary Bond. Up until SP I think Craig does have the strongest overall resemblance with regards character. Demeanour etc, but literary bond in my minds view looks most like Tim Dalton, even down to the clothing in DC's and TD's films is reminiscent to what I'd expect modern bond to wear. After all the dinner suit attired bond image is a movie visualisation. Only Dalton and Craig have for me captured bonds flaws, occasional resentment for his job, and only Craig has displayed the fondness for his boss so often mentioned in the books. Great work loeffelholz -{
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • JagJag Posts: 1,167MI6 Agent
    welshboy78 wrote:
    Jag wrote:
    Loeffelholz wrote:

    Certainly an interesting (and curious) thing to fix upon...some men (particularly those with lighter colour hair) are not as hairy as others, particularly compared to those with darker hair...and for some reason, I've never really dwelt upon the question myself, being interested in more possibly pertinent factors relating to performance and role interpretation.

    If I'd had any idea it would turn out to be such a riveting issue, I would have researched it.


    Actually, in the case of Craig it's hard NOT to be fixed upon this! Of course the degree of hairiness in men varies, but there is a difference between a scarcely hairy chest and a waxed chest (or does he use a laser?). Once you do this, the illusion of manliness goes away. All I see is those slimy guys from my gym who spend their time shooting steroids in the toilet and then flexing their muscles in front of the mirrors while taking selfies. Slimy! :))

    Im fair haired (though its getting darker due to lack of sun where I live) - 37 years old and have hardly a hair on my chest!! I dont shave or wax it either - honest :)

    Im male also (honest) :))


    Please include a photo! :))

    But seriously - are you trying to say your chest naturally looks like Craig's? They should get him Austin Powers-like chest wig!
  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    For some reason I imagine the literary Bond to look like the storyboard version of T-Dalt.

    I don't imagine Craig. While he is less "model-like" looking that all the other actors, he's still quite soft looking.
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    heartbroken_mr_drax wrote:
    I don't imagine Craig. While he is less "model-like" looking that all the other actors, he's still quite soft looking.

    That's interesting; I've heard many adjectives assigned to Craig, but 'soft looking' is a first.
    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
  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    heartbroken_mr_drax wrote:
    I don't imagine Craig. While he is less "model-like" looking that all the other actors, he's still quite soft looking.

    That's interesting; I've heard many adjectives assigned to Craig, but 'soft looking' is a first.

    Soft looking in the sense he's got a rounder face, less pointy nose, larger forehead, close together eyes and typically pouts in his photographs. He's a very good looking man, but not in the sense of the classic looks of SC/PB etc.
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • Gala BrandGala Brand Posts: 1,172MI6 Agent
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    Here's an article of mine that initially appeared on this website in 2008, and until yesterday was tucked deeply away in AJB's article archives...thanks to SiCo, I have managed to get it published as a blog on hubpages.com. Please check it out, and follow me on that website if you are so inclined...and naturally, please feel free to comment here or there, or on both sites

    http://markloeffelholz.hubpages.com/hub/Daniel-Craig-Ian-Flemings-James-Bond

    Thanks in advance for taking a look. Cheers! {[]

    I liked your article. It was very informative. You obviously know the books as well as the movies.

    People say that after Craig is finished that he'll get highly criticized the way Brosnan supposedly is now.

    I don't think that'll be true.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,610MI6 Agent
    Gala Brand wrote:
    Loeffelholz wrote:
    Here's an article of mine that initially appeared on this website in 2008, and until yesterday was tucked deeply away in AJB's article archives...thanks to SiCo, I have managed to get it published as a blog on hubpages.com. Please check it out, and follow me on that website if you are so inclined...and naturally, please feel free to comment here or there, or on both sites

    http://markloeffelholz.hubpages.com/hub/Daniel-Craig-Ian-Flemings-James-Bond

    Thanks in advance for taking a look. Cheers! {[]

    I liked your article. It was very informative. You obviously know the books as well as the movies.

    People say that after Craig is finished that he'll get highly criticized the way Brosnan supposedly is now.

    I don't think that'll be true.

    I doubt Craig will ever get the criticism Brosnan gets now. But I think he will get more criticism when the next Bond starts. People will complain about all the things Craig lacks that the new Bond has. But there will also be people who will still think Craig is the best Bond, just as there are many people who think Connery is the best Bond. In terms of popularity, Craig is the only one who I think ever rivaled Connery. Before Craig, Connery easily won every best Bond poll. Now we see Craig often winning. When Brosnan was Bond, he never beat Connery. My friends would all say he's the best Bond after Connery.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,062MI6 Agent
    Connery will always be the best cinematic Bond, just as Dalton will always be the best Literary Bond. Craig is a best hits combo that served the series well.

    This is what they'll say when he's replaced. ;)
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Have you been out in the Delorean again ? :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • MajorBoothroydMajorBoothroyd A World Without WantPosts: 81MI6 Agent
    Please don't call it best hits
    "Never let them see you bleed."
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    MajorBoothroyd wrote:
    Please don't call it best hits

    That's actually what many were calling Brozzer before Danny came on board, ironically.
    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
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