207 replies to this topic

[Loomis]

Well Loomis while not all of us can quote the Flemming books verbatim, or can name the colour of the shirts that Bond wore in every film.

I can't do those things either, and I doubt anyone else here can. And I'd say anyone who could wanted institutionalising. I was just pointing out that just because I'm looking forward to CR and Craig's 007 it doesn't mean that I only want a Bournified Bond. Obviously. But I think we're in danger of just chucking stupid accusations at each other ("You're just a Bourne fan who pretends to like Bond"/"You're just a Brosnan fan who won't accept anyone else"/"You don't think anyone's a proper fan unless he can reel off all the Fleming chapter titles backwards").

[ShySmile]

You can speak for yourselves but I'm lovin that shirt.. a casual, yet gritty Fleming-esque Bond.

[Leon]

I think he is undercover, shadowing this man in the slums of Madagascar according to the guys who have read the script.

He needs to dress shabbily to blend in.

[Andrew]

He needs to dress shabbily to blend in.

NO LEON YOU DUNT UNDERSTAND BOND NEEDS TO WEAR A TUX ALL TEH TIME!!11!111!!

[License To Kill]

I think he is undercover, shadowing this man in the slums of Madagascar according to the guys who have read the script.

He needs to dress shabbily to blend in.

Good point. It's hard to speculate how Bondian Craig will be. It will on depend on the way he handles himself. But, from straight pictures, it's not a good sign.

[Harmsway]

[quote name='Emma' post='523909' date='25 February 2006 - 17:08']
[quote name='Harmsway' post='523819' date='25 February 2006 - 18:30']
[quote name='deth' post='523803' date='25 February 2006 - 12:44']
Brosnan managed to look swave even with a huge beard and long hair in DAD...[/quote]
To be fair, I thought Brosnan looked laughable while carrying the swagger with his "Tom Hanks in CAST AWAY" look.

As some have pointed out, Brosnan's Bond had a sort of fake coolness that I never wanted. I never really wanted to be Brosnan's Bond. But Craig, in all of these photographs, is exuding an incredible sense of cool.
[/quote]
Care to explain how you define

[Loomis]

I doubt Bond ever dressed as shabbily as he did when impersonating a poor and ignorant Japanese coal miner in "You Only Live Twice". Which is Fleming, and Fleming is the ultimate authority, so Bond is clearly allowed to go about looking a scruff (on occasion).

[Andrew]

But, from straight pictures, it's not a good sign.

I have yet to see anything un-Bondian in these pictures. Please speak for yourself.

[Harmsway]

He needs to dress shabbily to blend in.

Yup. That's a key part of the sequence.

But even then, I'm liking the outfit. I still think it exudes a coolness and certain level of style, but it's just a little more shabby to fit in with everybody else.

I doubt Bond ever dressed as shabbily as he did when impersonating a poor and ignorant Japanese coal miner in "You Only Live Twice". Which is Fleming, and Fleming is the ultimate authority, so Bond is clearly allowed to go about looking a scruff (on occasion).

Let's also not forget the film version of the Japanified "fisherman" Bond.

And Craig as Bond is still looking a lot better than that.

[Emma]

How can you tell? Why do you judge so early? The fact that the same team have given you 40 years worth of entertainment does not cut any mustard with you? In the absence of any information either way, why so pessimistic? Why do you feel so negative if you are allegedly a fan?

Or are you just a fan of one actor?

No actually I have been following Bond for 26 years. And while Brosnan is my favourite Bond. I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of the five men who have played the character. Some of the films are better than others. But everyone did a good job or at least embodied the (cinematic) spirit of the character. Confidence, virility, class and a command.

Daniel Craig has none of these qualities. He looks more like an uncouth thug and should be playing a Bond villain's henchman than Bond himself. He has no charisma and no prescence. And he's short. That's not James Bond to me. And the choice is already proving to be un-pallatable with the general audience. And when it comes down to it, it will be the credibility of the actor who plays James Bond.


And I would argue with you that it's the same team who has been cranking out the franchise, Cubby Brocolli died in 996. And the head of the franchise was only taken over lately by his daughter and step son.

[Harmsway]

Confidence, virility, class and a command.

I see all of those in the recent pictures, including the Bahamas and plane disembarking photos as well.

[Leon]

In those scenes James Bond is shadowing a bomber through the slums of Madagascar. He has to dress shabbily in order to blend in. I think it's a little joke, having him dress like that.

People who have seen his screen tests say he's "marvellous" and one of them was dead set against Daniel Craig but was totally won over after seeing them.

Emma, have you seen him playing Bond or know the reason behind him wearing those clothes in the film? No?

Yea really shabby looking...

http://i18.photobuck...009009/JBAP.jpg

Edited by Leon, 25 February 2006 - 10:58 PM.

[Harmsway]

The mods took down the pictures, so I'll just link you guys to my photobucket account so you guys can look at 'em.

http://photobucket.c...a...s and That/

[ACE]

How can you tell? Why do you judge so early? The fact that the same team have given you 40 years worth of entertainment does not cut any mustard with you? In the absence of any information either way, why so pessimistic? Why do you feel so negative if you are allegedly a fan?

Or are you just a fan of one actor?

No actually I have been following Bond for 26 years. And while Brosnan is my favourite Bond. I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of the five men who have played the character. Some of the films are better than others. But everyone did a good job or at least embodied the (cinematic) spirit of the character. Confidence, virility, class and a command.

Daniel Craig has none of these qualities. He looks more like an uncouth thug and should be playing a Bond villain's henchman than Bond himself. He has no charisma and no prescence. And he's short. That's not James Bond to me. And the choice is already proving to be un-pallatable with the general audience. And when it comes down to it, it will be the credibility of the actor who plays James Bond.

Well, merely your opinion. There are a bunch of people who disagree with you.
The general audience doesn't care about the actor until they see him in action. I guarantee you that even if they do not like the look of Craig and he is not their idea of Bond (and he is a somewhat radical shift in film Bond, granted), once they see a decent teaser trailer, some will change their minds in favour.

I take your point Emma - so is it safe to say that you are no longer a Bond fan after 26 years? Or are you holding judgment until you see the film? In which case you will accept the possibility that Daniel Craig could be good a Bond although not your initial idea of the character.

And I would argue with you that it's the same team who has been cranking out the franchise, Cubby Brocolli died in 996. And the head of the franchise was only taken over lately by his daughter and step son.

Factually incorrect. Michael G Wilson not only co-wrote all the Bonds of the 1980's but also was variously an executive producer and co-producer of them too. Barbara Broccoli was an associate producer of the films during part of this period. Peter Lamont designed the films in the 1980's and various crew members are second generation Bonders who have progressed through the ranks over the series.


"While not all of us can quote the Flemming books verbatim, or can name the colour of the shirts that Bond wore in every film."

Evidently. And more besides...

[Emma]

In those scenes James Bond is shadowing a bomber through the slums of Madagascar. He has to dress shabbily in order to blend in. I think it's a little joke, having him dress like that.

People who have seen his screen tests say he's "marvellous" and one of them was dead set against Daniel Craig but was totally won over after seeing them.

Emma, have you seen him playing Bond or know the reason behind him wearing those clothes in the film? No?

Of course I haven't seen him as Bond. And what did he


No I understand that Craig has to look shabby or will look shabby in some sequences. It will probably go with the film and will tie in to the producers aims of a more grittier Bond. I can live with that, and my complaints are not merely attributed to Craig looking grubby (I think he would be a great 'Wolverine').


I may be surprised but I strongly doubt it. Craig is way too lacking in the qualities I see James Bond having. He's like Michael Keaton as Batman or Tom Cruise as (the Vampire)Lestat---completely innapropriate. It just doesn't work. Oh sure he looks like a tough guy and probably could beat up a hundred men. But James Bond has always been more than simply a bruiser and a tough guy to me. He has no class, no poise and


And I have yet to see him any film role close to James Bond that has convinced me that he will do a good job.

[Frankie]

I'm one of the Bond fans advocating Bond films' going back to basics for years. But this disappoints me. All of you supposed Bond fans who have posted in this thread sloberring over these pix are nothing but Bourne fans in disguise. If I want to see a Bourne flick I go to a Bourne movie. NOT A RIP OFF. These so called "Bond" scenes confirm my fear that the Bond franchise has become a second rate, un-original pretender. Rather than the inventive trail blazers it used to be. And blind followers swallow it all up. Sad day indeed! What a freaking shame!

I... I can see!

Your profound wisdom has opened my eyes to the blazing light of truth. I realize for the first time that I was a blind follower, an abject fool. How can I go on in the shadow of this terrible truth? I can no longer wander among the sheep. I have lost my innocence...

O enlightened one, help me achieve a deeper awareness of light entertainment. Let me join you on your sacred mission to spread the sacred truth among these sad, deluded souls.

Glad to be of help.

[Harmsway]

He has no class, no poise and...

You never finished it, but I bet you were going to say "command" or "charisma" or "virility" or something else. Well, I just can't disagree with you more on that point, and it's foundational for why we disagree.

Firstly, on "class". Define "class," please. Because, while Bond has a taste for the high life and an elegance of style (which I think Craig's Bond seems to embody quite well), Bond is not a classy individual in the behavioral sense. Frankly, he's arrogant, sometimes vulgar, and isn't afraid to have people hate him. He doesn't really give a damn about what other people think about him. I think Craig fits the bill quite nicely on the elegance of style side of things, though (see this picture). Even when he's in the "shabby" clothing, he's still looking pretty stylish. And on the arrogant side of James Bond, I think he'll do *wonderfully* (see MUNICH).

Secondly, on poise. Poise is defined as composure. I think Craig holds himself quite well. I don't know why you'd even attack him on this point. At least he's not doing the fake "Brosnan Bond walk" (you know the one I'm talking about). Craig's holding himself with confidence and strength. He's ready to take on the world.

Now, on command. I think he's exuding buckets of command. He's just determined and ready to do what he needs to do in those sequences. Craig's Bond is in charge, and he's not going to be messed with. With the SAS background Craig's Bond has as well, I can also see him leading the team. Barking off orders and getting the mission done.

Virility, which is defined in the dictionary as "Masculine vigor; potency," seems to come from Craig in bucketloads. Craig just seems as masculine as can be, especially with that toned physique and determination. He looks alive and in the moment. Furthermore, I can just see Craig's Bond living it up and enjoying life - being the kind of guy who takes pleasure in ordering Dom Perignon '53, or buying Saville Row suits.

Charisma. This is a factor that's hard to pin down, because it is somewhat subjective. But I think Craig is *very* charismatic. When he's on the screen in LAYER CAKE and MUNICH, he's commanding the screen. He just dominates it. Hilary Saltzman (filmmaker and daughter of Harry Saltzman) felt the same way: "When I saw Munich...every time Craig was onscreen that's who you're watching. And I thought, 'My god, they've got something interesting there.'"

[Emma]

[quote]


Well, merely your opinion. There are a bunch of people who disagree with you.
The general audience doesn't care about the actor until they see him in action. I guarantee you that even if they do not like the look of Craig and he is not their idea of Bond (and he is a somewhat radical shift in film Bond, granted), once they see a decent teaser trailer, some will change their minds in favour.

I take your point Emma - so is it safe to say that you are no longer a Bond fan after 26 years? Or are you holding judgment until you see the film? In which case you will accept the possibility that Daniel Craig could be good a Bond although not your initial idea of the character.[/quote]

In all likelyhood I will see the film. However my enthusiasm for the character will be 'placed on the shelf', until the part goes to a more appropriate actor.

[quote name='Emma' post='523932' date='25 February 2006 - 22:33']
And I would argue with you that it's the same team who has been cranking out the franchise, Cubby Brocolli died in 996. And the head of the franchise was only taken over lately by his daughter and step son.
[/quote]
Factually incorrect. Michael G Wilson not only co-wrote all the Bonds of the 1980's but also was variously an executive producer and co-producer of them too. Barbara Broccoli was an associate producer of the films during part of this period. Peter Lamont designed the films in the 1980's and various crew members are second generation Bonders who have progressed through the ranks over the series.


"While not all of us can quote the Flemming books verbatim, or can name the colour of the shirts that Bond wore in every film."

Evidently. And more besides...
[/quote]

I thought we were discussing the overall people/person who was in charge of the franchise. Thanks for clarification, I now understand why I never received an invitation to take a blood oath as a true James Bond fan. Well there's always Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.

[Frankie]

[quote name='Emma' post='523909' date='25 February 2006 - 22:08']
Care to explain how you define

[dinovelvet]

I may be surprised but I strongly doubt it. Craig is way too lacking in the qualities I see James Bond having. He's like Michael Keaton as Batman or Tom Cruise as (the Vampire)Lestat---completely innapropriate. It just doesn't work.

Hmm...two casting choices that were widely criticized right from the start and written off by fanboys before anyone had seen them in action; both films went on to be commercial and critical successes.

[Frankie]

I may be surprised but I strongly doubt it. Craig is way too lacking in the qualities I see James Bond having. He's like Michael Keaton as Batman or Tom Cruise as (the Vampire)Lestat---completely innapropriate. It just doesn't work.

Hmm...two casting choices that were widely criticized right from the start and written off by fanboys before anyone had seen them in action; both films went on to be commercial and critical successes.

Still I can't help but wonder how much better those two films would have been with more imposing actors cast.

[Leon]

I may be surprised but I strongly doubt it. Craig is way too lacking in the qualities I see James Bond having. He's like Michael Keaton as Batman or Tom Cruise as (the Vampire)Lestat---completely innapropriate. It just doesn't work. Oh sure he looks like a tough guy and probably could beat up a hundred men. But James Bond has always been more than simply a bruiser and a tough guy to me. He has no class, no poise and


And I have yet to see him any film role close to James Bond that has convinced me that he will do a good job.

Well I was amazed at the story of the guy converted from being very against his casting after he saw his screen tests...

Interesting that you mention Batman and Keaton. When that film was in the making fans went nuts and newspapers were bashing Keaton and saying the film would be a joke. Fans gathered in the streets at one point and burnt an effigy of Keaton!

By the way when the film hit theatres is was f'king HUGE, a box office smash. I think it's by far the best Batman film ever and perfect, and I like Keaton very much, he has great eyes for the part and is a very good actor.

[Andrew]

I remember right before Batman Begins started production there were even some people doubting whether Bale would be better than Keaton...

That's quite a following for someone that didn't resemble the source material.

[ACE]

I thought we were discussing the overall people/person who was in charge of the franchise. Thanks for clarification, I now understand why I never received an invitation to take a blood oath as a true James Bond fan. Well there's always Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.

Ah, but that would presume you were ever sent any invitations at all...

I'm glad you agree you're a casual fan who does not really know much about the character of Bond (other than the few films you may have occasionally seen part of - well, let's face it, watching them all would be so...fan-ish).

It's just that when repeatedly posting factually inaccurate statements in support of a fundamentally flawed argument (i.e. you don't like the actor as Bond therefore the producers have got it wrong) on a fan site, a little bit of knowledge would be useful.

And to keep coming back at people trying to make out that their knowledge of subject is somehow strange, merely peacocks your (self-admitted) ignorance.

It's a shame you are no longer a Bond enthusiast.

[trumanlodge89]

i look at these pictures and i see sean connery and steve mcqueen. this isnt going to be a roger moore bond flick folks, danny's hair is going to get messy, and there might even be some blood. i am still failing to see how this is bad. also, people talk about james bond being high society, but hes not. bottom line, james bond is a thug. he's muscle, except he's working to the good guys. sometimes that means wearing a tux and enjoying beluga cavier in monaco, and sometimes it means slumming it in madagascar. will someone explain to me where any of that shouldn't apply to james bond? connery was BAREFOOT for a third of dr no, where are the connery boycott websites?


lets at least be encouraged that the film is getting made. lets get excited for the lack of bad CGI and the lack of stunt casting. and finally, lets wait and see before we write this movie off as a bourne/ batman knockoff.

[Leon]

Well he's not a thug...but he did get kicked out of Eaton lol

He's a fighter, athletic and tough. He was in a special covert operations branch of the Royal Navy during WWII and became a government spy and killer in the Double O section. He isn't an upper class laadee daa pansy, but he does know what he likes, and he spends money when he gets it like there's no tomorrow.

He's a "tough customer" [Moonraker novel] but he has class and sophistication as well.

[Andrew]

"James Bond is a blunt instrument wielded by a Government Department. He is quiet, hard, ruthless, sardonic, fatalistic."-Ian Fleming

That's definatly something I see in these photos and something that Craig has shown in appearances in other films.

[Frankie]

Well he's not a thug...but he did get kicked out of Eaton lol

He's a fighter, athletic and tough. He was in a special covert operations branch of the Royal Navy during WWII and became a government spy and killer in the Double O section.

But the beauty in the mystique of Bond is that he is ruthlessness wrapped in a cloak of class and charm. Craig is sadly lacking in the class and charm department.

[kneelbeforezod]

[/quote]
Craig is sadly lacking in the class and charm department.
[/quote]

BUT YOU HAVENT SEEN A SINGLE FRAME OF FILM? That shot of him getting off the plane looks classy to me. And he exudes charisma and charm in layer cake and even Munich. Brosnan on the other hand was extremely handsome, verging on pretty, but incapable of being physically imposing. no matter how hard he tried he was never convincingly tough. problem solved with Craig.

I guess the key here is to not read so much into pictures taken on the set, and at least wait until we've seen a frame of film before we make broad judgements on whether or not Craig has pulled it off.

[Tarl_Cabot]

I just walked in....where's the pics??? Can you PM them to me Harmsway? Pretty Please!