207 replies to this topic

[Harmsway]

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.

What is with this "class" element that everybody speaks of but never defines? I'm going to quote myself from above:

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 (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).

And charm? Charm is something that we don't even know that he has or hasn't. The roles he's had previously don't exactly call for it in the same way. He has had previously a level of boyish charm to his performances. Bond's charm comes from essentially being confident and arrogant and looking great while doing it. It's the bad-boy mystique. Craig has more than the right amount of magnetism and masculinity to pull it off.

[Loomis]

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...

Indeed. To be a true James Bond fan, and invited to take the blood oath, is, of course, an all-male affair (I mean, would someone like Fleming's M have it any other way?). We get naked, and high on Benzedrine and "marihuana", gaze lovingly at photos of Craig, and recite long stretches of Fleming from memory, deliberately getting it wrong, of course, in order to endure and enjoy thrashings from carpet beaters. We burn effigies of Brosnan, have ice cold showers, talk about how to return society to the 1950s, that sort of thing.

Sheesh.

I guess what it boils down to is this: you're either willing to give Craig a chance, or you're not. Dress up your prejudices any way you like, but it really is as simple as that. End of.

[kneelbeforezod]

I guess what it boils down to is this: you're either willing to give Craig a chance, or you're not. Dress up your prejudices any way you like, but it really is as simple as that. End of.

SPOT ON. well done.

[Leon]

http://i16.photobuck...gunbarrelCR.jpg

http://i16.photobuck...unbarrelCR2.jpg

[Tarl_Cabot]

"Craig is sadly lacking in the class and charm department."

That is an absurd judgement.He is not lacking in class or charm.See Layer Cake and watch the special features.I think he comes across as very sophisticated and gentlemanly...he will own the role of James Bond.

[JimmyBond]

I think Tom Mankiewicz said it best when describing Connery's Bond. He basically said he was a thug in a dinner jacket. Well, Craig definately fits that bill, so what's the big deal?

For everyone saying he lacks charm...HOW CAN YOU TELL FROM PICTURES!? Wait until we see him in action.

[Stax]

I think he looks cool in those pics. He's suave Bond in one and action Bond in the others. SPOILER WARNING: I believe the first pic is of Bond arriving in the Bahamas, the swimming stuff is probably also early on in the Bahamas (and not post-recovery with Vesper) and the action stuff is the controversial bomber chase sequence set in Mozambique (that or a sequence set in Miami, but I think the former).

[killkenny kid]

I felt great about these pics, until I read the New York Rag (Post) friday.
"James Bond fans infuriated that suave Pierce Brosnan, 52 was dumped for beady-eyed blond Daniel Craig won't be won over by the photo of the new 007 showing off his hairless chest...etc..etc" then they talk about that damn website. I'm beginning to think this isn't about Brosnan. But, something very personal between Craig and the media. But, what. That's what I want to know.

[Stax]

They say fans have rejected Craig as Bond ... SOME fans! When did we all sign up on that site? The establishment media is so freakin' lazy.

[killkenny kid]

They say fans have rejected Craig as Bond ... SOME fans! When did we all sign up on that site? The establishment media is so freakin' lazy.

indeed. I know of only two fans, who reject Craig. So, where are these so-called facts are coming from?

[Pussfeller]

I think they're probably just looking for a controversy.

[Niwram]

why did you get rid of the pictures?
Is EON bothering you again?

[sevenil]

1st off I wasnt jumping about with glee at the casting cause like all of us we had our personal faves and perhaps Craig wasnt yours or mine.

I am however a Bond fan and I love the movies in general I was only disappointed in 2 AVTAK One too many for Moore I think and Octopussy Just not a liked movie IMO.

The recent tabloid snaps of a well beefed up Craig in the sea and the shots of him leaving the plane etc show to me that he can pull off the look v well indeed and his acting talents are not doubted so I for one am won over.

This could be the greatest movie in the series and what a way to regenerate the franchise.

On another note when Tomb Raider was on the telly my wife said to me oh hes quite sexy of Mr Craig and she said thats not the same guy who was in The Jacket is it ? as she thought he looked weird in that and i pointed out at the time he was the new Bond.

I have also saw Munich and he certainly seems to have a poise and a confidence as well as a good physique and looks as if he could easily be ex military (which Bond indeed was)

Daniel I cant wait you look the Dogs Bollox my son and youll own the role.

[JameswpBond]

I agree!

[Loomis]

Daniel I cant wait you look the Dogs Bollox my son and youll own the role.

Darn right he will. Sean who?

[Qwerty]

Topics merged.

[Red Renard]

I guess what it boils down to is this: you're either willing to give Craig a chance, or you're not. Dress up your prejudices any way you like, but it really is as simple as that. End of.

Such an important point, I feel it needs restating again.

[License To Kill]

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.

Well, for half of those movies, you never see the actual actor as himself. He's in a costume as Batman. We don't have that luxury in Bond. He's got to display a sense of style and class at all times, EVEN if he is undercover in some third-world country. To me, Craig doesn't have it. So, don't accuse me or berate me because of my opinion, which has been going on on these forums since Craig became Bond.

[sevenil]

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.

Well, for half of those movies, you never see the actual actor as himself. He's in a costume as Batman. We don't have that luxury in Bond. He's got to display a sense of style and class at all times, EVEN if he is undercover in some third-world country. To me, Craig doesn't have it. So, don't accuse me or berate me because of my opinion, which has been going on on these forums since Craig became Bond.

Weirder still cause before the Tim Burton Batman the fanboys were burning Keaton effigees and were in an uproar as they felt he would be a poor batman.

Also Batman Forever with Val Kilmer was the most successful of the franchise.

[Andrew]

So, don't accuse me or berate me because of my opinion, which has been going on on these forums since Craig became Bond.

I don't see any berating...

[License To Kill]

Not personally, but since Craig has been named as Bond, the general feeling on this forum has been a tense one. pro-Craig and anti-Craig. It really is disheartening and that's why I seldom post anymore.

[Emma]

Indeed. To be a true James Bond fan, and invited to take the blood oath, is, of course, an all-male affair (I mean, would someone like Fleming's M have it any other way?). We get naked, and high on Benzedrine and "marihuana", gaze lovingly at photos of Craig, and recite long stretches of Fleming from memory, deliberately getting it wrong, of course, in order to endure and enjoy thrashings from carpet beaters. We burn effigies of Brosnan, have ice cold showers, talk about how to return society to the 1950s, that sort of thing.

Ahh clearly I am not a true James Bond fan!!!

[Frankie]

That shot of him getting off the plane looks classy to me.

If forward comb-over floats your boat. To each his own, I guess.

http://i16.photobuck...gunbarrelCR.jpg

http://i16.photobuck...unbarrelCR2.jpg

Goot try Leon. But even through the gun barrel this guy doesn't come off as Bond. Sorry.

SPOILER WARNING: I believe the first pic is of Bond arriving in the Bahamas,....

I believe the first pic is of Craig arriving for filming,....

[Leon]

That shot of him getting off the plane looks classy to me.

If forward comb-over floats your boat. To each his own, I guess.

http://i16.photobuck...gunbarrelCR.jpg

http://i16.photobuck...unbarrelCR2.jpg

Goot try Leon. But even through the gun barrel this guy doesn't come off as Bond. Sorry.

Foreward comb-over...that's the best you Craig haters can come up with now? A comb over is hair combed over a bald head, that is a modern, cool haircut. Try coming up with arguments people can respect, there was some idiot on mi6.co.uk taking pictures of Craig and photoshoping boobs over his pecks and putting a fat belly on him...what's that trying to prove other than the fact the guy doing it is an idiot?

[Frankie]

I think Tom Mankiewicz said it best when describing Connery's Bond. He basically said he was a thug in a dinner jacket. Well, Craig definately fits that bill, so what's the big deal?

For everyone saying he lacks charm...HOW CAN YOU TELL FROM PICTURES!? Wait until we see him in action.

"Thug," hmmm. In high school we've all dealt with the so called "thug" who could put fear into our hearts. Then there was also that dimunitive big-mouth thug-wannabe nuisance whom you couldn't wait to finally get an excuse to beat up. Connery's "thug in a dinner jacket" exuded the former. Craig, reeks of the latter.

[Leon]

Mr Bean?



Double O Seven
http://i18.photobuck...9/DCasJB007.jpg

And Daniel Craig does have a very classy, deep English voice and can play the elegance and sophistication superbly.

Edited by Leon, 26 February 2006 - 07:20 PM.

[Harmsway]

I think Tom Mankiewicz said it best when describing Connery's Bond. He basically said he was a thug in a dinner jacket. Well, Craig definately fits that bill, so what's the big deal?

For everyone saying he lacks charm...HOW CAN YOU TELL FROM PICTURES!? Wait until we see him in action.

"Thug," hmmm. In high school we've all dealt with the so called "thug" who could put fear into our hearts. Then there was also that dimunitive big-mouth thug-wannabe nuisance whom you couldn't wait to finally get an excuse to beat up. Connery's "thug in a dinner jacket" exuded the former. Craig, reeks of the latter.

[Red Renard]

I think Tom Mankiewicz said it best when describing Connery's Bond. He basically said he was a thug in a dinner jacket. Well, Craig definately fits that bill, so what's the big deal?

For everyone saying he lacks charm...HOW CAN YOU TELL FROM PICTURES!? Wait until we see him in action.

"Thug," hmmm. In high school we've all dealt with the so called "thug" who could put fear into our hearts. Then there was also that dimunitive big-mouth thug-wannabe nuisance whom you couldn't wait to finally get an excuse to beat up. Connery's "thug in a dinner jacket" exuded the former. Craig, reeks of the latter.

I couldn't disagree more. I dunno why you're projecting high school stereotypes onto Craig, but that one just doesn't fit. Which stereotype was Roger? Bit of a smoothie? Probably get his kicked? Does that fit his Bond?

And whatever height Craig is, he's hardly dimunitive.

When people are accusing a guy with a better hairline than Connery had (with the wig) in the early movies as having a 'comb-over' you know it's time to back slowly away from the argument as all perspective is being lost.

Edited by Red Renard, 26 February 2006 - 07:22 PM.

[Emma]

[quote name='kneelbeforezod' date='26 February 2006 - 00:45' post='523988']
[/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.
[/quote]


Craig charming and charismatic? I thought he was boring and bland in LK. As for Munich, I will admit that he did a good job, at playing a tough guy and killer (especially with that gutteral Afrikaaner accent). However there was nothing charming about him. He spent most of the time scowling and looking mean. James Bond air of danger is supposed to be far more subtle than that. There's a great line in the Sin City movie describing the character 'Marv'.

Most people think Marv is crazy. He just had the rotten luck of being born in the wrong century. He'd be right at home on some ancient battlefield, swinging an axe into somebody's face. Or in a Roman arena taking a sword to other Gladiators like him


This is the type of character that Daniel Craig should be playing. Not James Bond. Apparently there's a sequel comming up for Gladiator. Craig should put himself forward for the lead.

[Leon]

Emma, try waiting until you see the guy playing 007 before you say he CAN'T do it. I think that so many people are being really immature and arrogant here.