56 replies to this topic

[Bondpurist]

Dalton is often considered closest to the 007 of Fleming's classic novels. Is that important? Should the Bond actors strive to emulate the literary portrayal or create a unique cinematic 007? Was Dalton even the closet to Fleming's 007?

[Bondpurist]

Seeing as I created the thread I am going to answer first. I think Dalton hit Fleming's character right on the head. From the moment he parachuted onto Gibraltar to the moment he set fire to Sanchez he oozed the literary 007 - cruel, mean, clever, cunning, tall, dark, handsome. He had the right level of ruthlessness and cruelty, and some of his lines especially make me reel with pleasure at their closeness to the marvellous character of fiction who was considerably darker and nastier than any of the other Bonds - when he says 'If he fires me I'll thank him for it' he smacks so heavily of Fleming's genius it makes me want to worship the great man. Dalton's Bond is a ruthless and determined man who does his job well but is weary and likes to relieve his world weariness with the passion of a beautiful girl. No one could possibly get closer to Fleming's 007: the real 007. As well as that, his perfect, firm voice, rugged, handsome looks add to his character superbly. He sinks into the role of 007 perfectly - he sure could act his socks of when he wanted to, and he always wanted to. Just because Dalton did not consider the Bond series as a light-hearted romp through dangers and death with somebody who cracks a one-liner at every opportunity he is criticised for being 'boring' and being 'unbondian'. Rubbish!

[IrishCrown]

When I read Fleming or Benson or Gardener, I think of Connery or Brosnan.

[Bondpurist]

Well, if you actually paid attention then you might realise that Dalton was one hell of a lot closer on screen. All you said was:

When I read Fleming or Benson or Gardener, I think of Connery or Brosnan.

- You haven't given examples or explained why. The literary 007 had feelings and emotions and was sometimes vulnerable - Connery and Brosnan acted/act like invincible super heroes, not like Fleming's literary spy - that was what Dalton did!

[IrishCrown]

Saucer of milk, table for two!

[Bondpurist]

pardon?

[IrishCrown]

Pardons? We don't do those on Mondays.

[Bondpurist]

What are you on about? You're confusing me!

[IrishCrown]

Good.

[Bondpurist]

Nice to know everything's still nice and hostile between us IrishCROWN

[IrishCrown]

You know something? I'm going to be the adult here. See if you can follow along. One thing I LIKED about Dalton's Bond. The music for The Living Daylights was very good. One of John Barry's best scores.

[Bondpurist]

That has nothing to do with Dalton.

[Bondpurist]

To outline my main opiions on Dalton, read this article by Peredur Glyn at http://www.hmss.com/films/dalton/

[IrishCrown]

It has something to do with the Bond movie he was in, which is what we are talking about here. Come on, I'm trying to make this easy for you to follow along, and you're not helping.

[Bondpurist]

Fair enough. You still can't deny that the sound track has nothing to do with Dalton's performance.

[IrishCrown]

I was trying to type something nice regarding the Tim Dalton Bond movies. That is what I came up with. Give me some points for trying to inject something positive here.

[Bondpurist]

Yeah, OK. I can see we're never going to be best buddies.

[IrishCrown]

Hey, 9 more posts for you, you can stop being a recruit and be an agent. Ironically enough, I may have done something really nice for you today, and you didn't even realize it. Did you know that agents get a good dental plan AND paid vacation?

[Bondpurist]

That IS ironic. You're SOOO kind.

[IrishCrown]

I don't hear a THANK YOU!

[Bondpurist]

THANK YOU (grrrrr..that hurts)

[IrishCrown]

You are quite welcome!

[Bondpurist]

If you liked Timothy Dalton you'd be OK. Untill then I will just have to be hostile to you :-)

[Bondpurist]

I was only jolking. Didn't you notice the :-)?

[IrishCrown]

1 more to go, and THEN you can be an agent!!! C'mon, Bondpurist, I know you can do it. We're all rooting for you!

[Bondpurist]

Yes. You know what they say about sarcasm.......

[IrishCrown]

Oh, come on, I was being serious. Being an agent now will make you feel like a whole new man.

[Bondpurist]

Man? Look at my profile and look at my birthdate!

[Mister Asterix]

Just STOP IT. Both of you. And no trying to get the last word in because if it's anything besides 'Sorry for wasting your time Mr. Asterix' I'll delete it.

[Bondpurist]

OK, OK. Don't you think that Dalton was close to Fleming's Bond then Irishcrown?