Best Bond Movie per Actor...?

O07 · February 2016

A simple question and probably been done before undoubtedly but just a quick shout out to discover which film you consider to be the best for each 007 actor?

Here's mine:

Connery: FRWL
Lazenby: OHMSS (obviously)
Moore: FYEO
Dalton: LTK
Brosnan: TWINE
Craig: SF

The most difficult choices were Dalton because I rate both pictures highly and Brosnan because I rate all pictures fairly low. I also find it rather difficult to rate the Craig ones had SP hasn't quite surpassed SF yet.

Gassy Man · February 2016

Connery: GF
Lazenby: OHMSS
Moore: TSWLM
Dalton: TLD
Brosnan: TND
Craig: CR

It's interesting because so many factors come in to play. For instance, while Connery's performance in FRWL is superb, he basically has to play the part straight. But GF required equal parts straight and comedic, which seems to be less work but is probably more. If Connery hadn't found the right balance, it wouldn't have worked. The same goes for Moore. By the time of FYEO, he had the part under his belt, and mostly played it straight. But he had to carry more in TSWLM (and it could even be argued for LALD, where he to convince us to forget the other two people).

In reflecting on the question, though, I find it interesting that of all the actors who have played the part, with the exception of one-off Lazenby, Craig is the one who has the least variation in his performances from film to film. He lightens up a bit in SP, but even then, he is essentially playing the part identically to his previous efforts. But Connery and Moore, in particular, had to change up the approach depending on the tone of the film.

heartbroken_mr_drax · February 2016

Gassy Man wrote:

It's interesting because so many factors come in to play. For instance, while Connery's performance in FRWL is superb, he basically has to play the part straight. But GF required equal parts straight and comedic, which seems to be less work but is probably more.

Really good point, this is what influences my responses between Moore and Connery because they both have more than one clear great performance.

Connery: GF
Gassy Man, you're right. It's down to the balance of his performance - although I don't like how for most of the film he doesn't really do anything, he still does nothing extremely well

Moore: OP
Moore's range throughout all his Bond films are on show in what feels like a perfect blend of his ability. He's funny, he's serious, he's charming and plays the action well. While FYEO feels more in the direction of being serious - OP is able to perfectly achieve everything.

Dalton: TLD
While his humour is uncomfortable at times - his acting ability is on show in many scenes. It's an excellent performance. "It was exquisite"

Brosnan: TWINE
Best acting I've seen from Brosnan in any film. TND gives a good range of action hero and standard acting but in TWINE he's fully immersed in the role and you can tell that he's being well directed as opposed to his other 3. He's helped along in TWINE because everyone else (maybe not Christmas) is giving excellent performances too.

Craig: SF
Not a big fan of the film, but he's got some good material to "act" with here.

Barbel · February 2016

And off to the Trivia forum this goes!

http://www.ajb007.co.uk/topic/47301/please-read-re-ranking-threads/

Oddjob's Hat · February 2016

Connery :- Goldfinger
Lazenby :- OHMSS
Moore :- The Spy Who Loved Me
Dalton :- The Living Daylights
Brosnan :- GoldenEye
Craig :- Casino Royale

I found Craig to be the most difficult.. Between Casino Royale, Skyfall & Spectre.. Was a tough one but Casino Royale reigns supreme for now.

welshboy78 · February 2016

Hmmm

TB
OHMSS
LALD
LTK
GE
CR

Barbel · February 2016

Now, normally I don't participate in these threads but:

CONNERY: GF or TB- he simply IS James Bond (DN & FRWL were embryonic; YOLT onwards were been there, done that jobs- performed professionally but lacking the spark)
LAZENBY: No choice really
MOORE: Always competent, always charming. Either FYEO or TSWLM for different reasons.
DALTON: TLD hands down. Fleming's James Bond.
BROSNAN: TWINE, his most layered and thought-out performance. If this (from the PTS) doesn't sway you, nothing will:

CRAIG: CR

Jag · February 2016

Gassy Man wrote:

Connery: GF
Lazenby: OHMSS
Moore: TSWLM
Dalton: TLD
Brosnan: TND
Craig: CR

It's interesting because so many factors come in to play. For instance, while Connery's performance in FRWL is superb, he basically has to play the part straight. But GF required equal parts straight and comedic, which seems to be less work but is probably more. If Connery hadn't found the right balance, it wouldn't have worked. The same goes for Moore. By the time of FYEO, he had the part under his belt, and mostly played it straight. But he had to carry more in TSWLM (and it could even be argued for LALD, where he to convince us to forget the other two people).

In reflecting on the question, though, I find it interesting that of all the actors who have played the part, with the exception of one-off Lazenby, Craig is the one who has the least variation in his performances from film to film. He lightens up a bit in SP, but even then, he is essentially playing the part identically to his previous efforts. But Connery and Moore, in particular, had to change up the approach depending on the tone of the film.

Craig is by no means a bad actor, but he is not as flexible as his predecessors. Unlike them, a film has to fit him - he can't do it the other way. And that's the reason why he's my least favourite Bond - in my opinion Bond movies don't particularly fit him.

MarcAngeDraco · March 2016

Connery: DN (Favourite James Bond performance in the series)
Lazenby: OHMSS (while it's by default, it's actually quite good!)
Moore: AVTAK (Moore's most focused and grounded performance. Toss up b/w this and FYEO)
Dalton: TLD (One of the best performances in the series)
Brosnan: TWINE (Though I like all his Bond performances, even DAD)
Craig: SF.

Osiris · April 2016

Connery : Dr no ( for the casino introduction alone )
Lazenby : OHMSS ( great stand alone movie )
Moore : AVTAK ( solid performance/ nothing silly and more like a spy film)
Dalton : TLD ( best actor to play bond/ entertaining throughout )
Brosnan : GE ( re-ignited my love for bond/ no cons for me )
Craig : CR ( the best bond film ever)

Miles Messervy · April 2016

Connery: TB (The swagger and charisma is at an all time high here. Best example: the scene where he humiliates Largo's henchman in the bathroom, then gives him his gun and throws the "little fish back. A great moment.);

Lazenby: OHMSS (While there's no choice here, he displays some pretty good acting at times for a guy who had never acted before.);

Moore: TSWLM (In his first two films, Moore was trapped between his natural instincts of how to play Bond and Connery's blueprint. For instance, cruelty always made Connery look menacing, but it just seemed mean when Moore played it that way. TSWLM is the film where Moore truly figured out how to play Bond his way. Although his later performances varied based on the tone of the film, TSWLM served as the template.);

Dalton: TLD (The lighter tone of this script prevented things from getting too serious, but there was still plenty for Dalton to sink his teeth into. Heavily influenced by Fleming, he gives one of the great performances of the series.);

Brosnan: TWINE (I agree with the consensus here. Brosnan was very convincing in this one. While I found his Bond to generally be rather dull, TWINE is the exception.);

Craig: QoS {:) (I realize this is controversial, but hear me out. Daniel Craig is given very little to work with here, yet he manages to squeeze water from a rock. His performance is very nuanced, but the film is paced so rapidly that it's only after repeated viewings that this comes through. He is a subtly able to convey anger, sadness, compassion, and grief. He's also very dynamic in the action scenes. He singlehandedly keeps the film afloat).

herbie123 · April 2016

SC - From Russia with Love
GL - On Her Majestys Secret Service
RM - The Spy Who Loved Me
TD - The Living Daylights
DC- Casino Royale

MarcAngeDraco · April 2016

MarcAngeDraco wrote:

Connery: DN (Favourite James Bond performance in the series)
Lazenby: OHMSS (while it's by default, it's actually quite good!)
Moore: AVTAK (Moore's most focused and grounded performance. Toss up b/w this and FYEO)
Dalton: TLD (One of the best performances in the series)
Brosnan: TWINE (Though I like all his Bond performances, even DAD)
Craig: SF.

The above is actually my favourite performance per Bond actor, however, my favourite film from each actor would be:

Connery: FRWL (#2 on my ranking)
Lazenby: OHMSS (#5)
Moore: FYEO (#8 or so)
Dalton: TLD (#10 or 11)
Brosnan: TND (#1)
Craig: SF (#8 or so - interchangeable with FYEO)

Wadsy · October 2016

Connery: FRWL - Although his confidence would hit an all time high with GF, I liked his portrayal here the most. It would come to down to his seriousness in the role, especially after losing Kerim Bay. Though, his performances are top notch up until and including TB.
Lazenby:OHMSS - His only film, but I loved the performance besides the rather cringeworthy moments as Sir Hillary Bray up at Piz Gloria. Otherwise, pretty epic.
Moore: FYEO - Not only is this his best performance, but also my favourite Bond film of the entire series. His approach was close to that of Timothy Dalton, and it just felt the most believable.
Daltion: TLD - This is a very tough decision, but in terms of performances, my favourite Bond actor pulls off the best act on TLD. His seriousness and dedication to the character shows, and it's magnificent.
Brosnan: GE - I don't like him on any of his films to be honest, and it pains me to say that he is my least favourite Bond actor. His first film however, is really good.
Craig: SF - While SP is my favourite DC film, SF gives his best portrayal. His last two films were so much better than CR and QOS, mainly down to Sam Mandes' direction, and Craig being very much like 007.

Mr_Osato · January 2017

Connery: Goldfinger. So suave and full of confidence. Totally at ease with the role and fully enjoying himself
Lazenby: OHMSS
Moore: For your eyes only. I prefer his acting here, although I like TSWLM more as a movie. But in FYEO, Moore played it really well.
Dalton: The living daylights.
Brosnan: The world is not enough. He really looked the business here. The ice cold kill of Electra and the Bilbao banker made him very believable as Bond.
Craig: Spectre. Agree though that his performance has been quite consistent, but he seemed most at ease with the humor in Spectre.

Diabolik · January 2017

Connery - You Only Live Twice

Bond in Japan, just such a great concept. Roald Dahl's fever-dream script and Lewis Gilbert's kinetic direction are a match made in heaven, and the final act is so iconic.

Moore - The Spy Who Loved Me

An almost flawless film that exemplifies the Bond formula better than any other in the series, and Sir Roger still looks quite youthful.

Dalton - Licence to Kill

Incredible revenge tale that is still the definitive example of "Bond goes rogue." The writing, pacing and casting show a noticeable improvement from TLD.

Brosnan - The World is Not Enough

Gets a lot of flack for the emphasis on operatic drama, but without a doubt the most unique and interesting film of Brosnan's run. Elektra King is both a great villain and a great Bond girl, and Pierce gives the performance of his career.

Craig - Skyfall

My opinion of the Craig era has fallen considerably over the past few years, with Skyfall remaining the only one of his outings that I still have any real affection for. It's certainly flawed and has some glaring plot issues, but nevertheless both more intriguing and more rewatchable than anything else Craig starred in.

Mr_Osato · January 2017

Connery's best performance in YOLT? That's new. I love YOLT and I love Connery, but his performance in that one was phoned in it seemed.

Diabolik · January 2017

Mr_Osato wrote:

Connery's best performance in YOLT? That's new. I love YOLT and I love Connery, but his performance in that one was phoned in it seemed.

Well the question was "which film you consider to be the best for each 007 actor?" I interpreted that as which of their movies do I think is the best, not what movie I believe they gave their best performance in.

Also I don't think he phoned in it. The fact that he was stressed/frustrated definitely comes across on-screen, and maybe he isn't quite as charismatic as in previous movies, but I still think he does a bang-up job.

heartbroken_mr_drax · January 2017

Mr_Osato wrote:

He really looked the business here. The ice cold kill of Electra and the Bilbao banker made him very believable as Bond.

While I fully and wholeheartedly agree with how damn good that scene is - what exactly happened in the office? Bond didn't kill the banker, but he killed one of the heavies straight after the stun-gas Q trick happens? The cigar girl escapes and Renard kills one of the other heavies by sniper.

The banker is killed by the knife of the cigar girl isn't he?

VesperMelograno · January 2017

Connery: FRWL
Lazenby: OHMSS
Moore: No.
Dalton: TLD
Brosnan: GE
Craig: CR

BondJasonBond006 · June 2017

CONNERY GOLDFINGER
LAZENBY OHMSS
MOORE THE SPY WHO LOVED ME
DALTON THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS
BROSNAN GOLDENEYE
CRAIG SPECTRE

Remington · June 2017

Connery: Thunderball
Lazenby: Too many to choose from
Moore: The Spy Who Loved Me
Dalton: Tie
Brosnan: GoldenEye
Craig: Casino Royale
-{

CoolHandBond · June 2017

As Diabolik says - the question is ambiguous - is it best performance or best film so I will give both:

Performance:

TB (Cool, confident, mesmerizing)
OHMSS (A mixture of vulnerability and fearlessness - a fine performance)
TSWLM (Moore's most assured outing and the one before he looked too old for the role)
TLD/LTK (Dalton's performance's are the closest to Fleming's writings and bordering on greatness - impossible to separate which is best)
DAD (Whilst Brosnan is the weakest Bond of all this performance has a lot of merit)
SP (Craig's most assured performance so far)

Film:

FRWL (Classic spy thriller)
OHMSS (Best Bond of all)
FYEO (Topol's performance elevates this to the top of the Moore Bond's)
LTK (A quite simply superb entry in the series - some of the tension matches FRWL)
TND (Closest to the classic Bond formula - it falls a long way short of greatness but is the best Brosnan entry by far.)
SP (A classic. But like OHMSS it will take decades before the majesty of this production is realised and thus loved)

ml94 · September 2017

Connery GF
Lazenby OHMSS
Moore FYEO
Dalton TLD
Brosnan GE
Craig CR
{[]

Italus_NT · October 2017

Connery: From Russia, With Love
Moore: Live and Let Die
Dalton: The Living Daylights
Brosnan: The World Is Not Enough
Craig: Casino Royale

Wadsy · October 2017

Connery: From Russia With Love
Moore: For Your Eyes Only
Dalton: The Living Daylights
Brosnan: Goldeneye
Craig: Spectre

Wadsy · December 2019

Update...
Same as my previous post above, except Craig's would be Casino Royale

Shatterfang · January 2020

SC: GF>TB>FRWL>DN>YOLT>NSNA>DAF
RM: LALD>MR>TSWLM>AVTAK>FYEO>OP>TMWTGG
TD: TLD>LTK
PB: GE>TWINE>TND>DAD
DC: CR>SF>QOS>SP o

Wadsy · January 2020

Sean Connery: FRWL>GF>DN>TB>YOLT>DAF>NSNA
Roger Moore: FYEO>TSWLM>OP>MR>LALD>TMWTGG>AVTAK
Timothy Dalton: TLD>LTK
Pierce Brosnan: GE>TND>TWINE>DAD
Daniel Craig: CR>SP>QOS>SF

carnwennan · January 2020

Sean Connery: From Russia With Love
Roger Moore: Live and Let Die
Timothy Dalton: Licence to Kill
Pierce Brosnan: GoldenEye
Daniel Craig: Skyfall

IcePak · June 2021

Connery: From Russia with Love> Goldfinger> Dr No> You Only Live Twice> Thunderball> Diamonds Are Forever

Moore: The Spy Who Loved Me> For Your Eyes Only> Octopussy> The Man with the Golden Gun> A View to a Kill> Moonraker> Live and Let Die

Dalton: The Living Daylights> License to Kill

Brosnan: Goldeneye> Tomorrow Never Dies> The World is Not Enough> Die Another Day

Craig: Casino Royale> Skyfall> S.P.E.C.T.R.E> Quantum of Solace

Best Bond Movie per Actor...?

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