72 replies to this topic

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

I don't know about you, but I certainly think that Dalton was one of THE best Bonds. It's sad though that he was only able to do two of them. I would have loved to see what he could have done for a third outing.
Anyways, getting back on topic, I think that he brought a lot of realism to his performances as Bond in both of his roles. But a lot of people don't like him (I'm talking about you, Entertainment Weekly). I think that he was the right Bond, and he took the series in a whole new direction after the silliness of the Moore years.
That's just my opinion. Feel free to criticize and leave your own opinions here!

[PrinceKamalKhan]

I agree. Dalton is the most underrated Bond actor. Whether folks admit it or not, Dalton partly paved the way for the Craig era. Hopefully, younger fans who are discovering the series will come to appreciate him thru the DVD releases and TV airings of his films. Much in the same way that George Lazenby's Bond and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service have increased in stature over the years.

[OmarB]

Dalton's great and we all know that. Ask the random person on the street and they'll talk about Sean because he was the first or Roger because he did the most (most visible), or Pierce because he's the pretty one or Daniel because he's the current one. Timothy, like George seem to get lost in the mix outside of Bond fandom.

[Mr. Somerset]

Timothy Dalton is and has always been at least since 1987, my hero.

[Della Leiter]

OmarB, you are so right on this. Timothy is kind of lost in the shuffle, as is George. I mean, they both had big shoes to fill. George came in right after Sean Connery. Can you even imagine? Every poster for the previous Bond movies had said something along the lines of "Sean Connery IS James Bond 007." And then here comes this newcomer, who doesn't have Sean's signature looks or Scottish accent. People compared him to Sean, and I think that really hurt his chances. The same goes for Timothy. Roger Moore had made seven movies, and then here comes this tougher Bond, who doesn't have the catchy one-liners or the charm. Moore had (and still has) a lot of fans, and it was probably a hard adjustment to get used to another Bond. I love Timothy; he's a great classical actor. They just don't make men like that anymore. I would have loved to see him with another movie, maybe with some wittier writing. All in all, Timothy is genius in LTK.

[The Ghost Who Walks]

Moore had made seven movies, and then here comes this tougher Bond, who doesn't have the catchy one-liners or the charm. Moore had (and still has) a lot of fans, and it was probably a hard adjustment to get used to another Bond.

I think Timothy had plenty of charm in the role, certainly more so than Moore had in his last two outings. He might have been more subtle in his seduction of women than Rog, though.

[O.H.M.S.S.]

George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton are certainly the most underrated Bond actors. They each brought there own style to the series. More so, they both remain two of the best, in my opinion. If someone would ask me what I want to change the history of this franchise I'd asnwer: "More Lazenby and Dalton 007 films."

[Della Leiter]

Moore had made seven movies, and then here comes this tougher Bond, who doesn't have the catchy one-liners or the charm. Moore had (and still has) a lot of fans, and it was probably a hard adjustment to get used to another Bond.

I think Timothy had plenty of charm in the role, certainly more so than Moore had in his last two outings. He might have been more subtle in his seduction of women than Rog, though.

This is very true. Timothy certainly did have more charm than Roger. But think about the situation for a moment. Here is this new guy who has a completely different approach on the role. All of Roger Moore's slap-stick I'm-a-spy-but-I'd-make-a-better-comedian stuff? Gone. Timothy was the era equivalent of a Daniel Craig, in a way, so it was a complete transition. And I think a lot of Timothy's charm, along with his talents, were overlooked. But Tim is definitely very charming. He should have made more movies. As for Lazenby, I don't know if I can say the same. But, I still will come to his defense.

[The Ghost Who Walks]

Well said. You're probably right in that the change of tone in the actor's performance turned a lot of people off, but I think the transition from Brosnan to Craig was just as big a change, with Bond going from being this really slick, suave guy to a tougher, more hard-edged agent. Maybe audiences are more open for this kind of performance today than they were in the eighties, I don't know.

[Della Leiter]

Well said. You're probably right in that the change of tone in the actor's performance turned a lot of people off, but I think the transition from Brosnan to Craig was just as big a change, with Bond going from being this really slick, suave guy to a tougher, more hard-edged agent. Maybe audiences are more open for this kind of performance today than they were in the eighties, I don't know.

Definitely! People are more open to change today then they were back then. I just wish people were open to Dalton back then like they are today... he could have done so much more with the role. But under the circumstances, he did a fine job.

I'll just say this: I'd take him over I-can't-break-a-nail Brosnan or I'm-a-clown (Octopussy referance!) Moore anyday.

[OmarB]

You gotta also remember that the transition from Moore (most loved Bond to many) to Dalton was pretty quick. With Pierce to Daniel we had a couple of years without any Bond at all. Good Bond or bad Bond, people just wanted to see it.

Dalton and Craig to me are very similar (heck TD's my fave) in their harder edged approach to the character and they both followed lighter interpretations.

Oh, and the odd thing is even though he's not my favorite Bond OHMSS is my fave movie of the series. It constantly reveals itself more and more with every viewing. Laz was amazing, nuanced and subtle. Do you think Connery could have pulled off that very last scene of the movie? I think not.

[O.H.M.S.S.]

You gotta also remember that the transition from Moore (most loved Bond to many) to Dalton was pretty quick. With Pierce to Daniel we had a couple of years without any Bond at all. Good Bond or bad Bond, people just wanted to see it.

Dalton and Craig to me are very similar (heck TD's my fave) in their harder edged approach to the character and they both followed lighter interpretations.

Oh, and the odd thing is even though he's not my favorite Bond OHMSS is my fave movie of the series. It constantly reveals itself more and more with every viewing. Laz was amazing, nuanced and subtle. Do you think Connery could have pulled off that very last scene of the movie? I think not.

I agree, I think Lazenby was absolutly brilliant in that last scene.

[jaguar007]

Do you think Connery could have pulled off that very last scene of the movie? I think not.

Honestly, yes Connery could have nailed that last scene! Just look at some of the non Bond work he has done, he has played characters with much more emotional depth than Bond.

But to get back on track, I am also a huge Dalton fan. Every time I watch GE, all I can think about is how much better a movie it would be if Dalton were Bond. Brosnan is just not alpha male enough. Sean Bean totally overshadowed him.

[Dash]

I was not a big Dalton fan for awhile. I found him much too serious in the role. Then Daniel Craig came along. I know this puts me in a BIG minority, but I just don't like Craig in the role. Too much tough bruiser, not enough gentleman spy. They may as well have cast Jason Statham. Anyway, back to Dalton. He has grown on me, and I think "Licence to Kill" is top flight 007 .

[Turn]

I've liked Dalton since '86 and always like seeing others confirming they like him or coming around to giving his portrayal a chance. It was something very fresh in 1987 and I still enjoy both Dalton's films.

I don't agree with some of the comments about Moore, though. The guy's charm is legendary. Dalton was different, but that's what makes this series fun is there are so many interpretations.

AVTAK wasn't a great note to go out on, but so many other iconic moments in the Moore era. I am coming around to the opinion that he was the perfect actor at the right time and the success of his films with audiences is without question. This is where Brosnan loses ground in trying to channel all the other actors. Right Bond at the right time, but nothing unique about the portrayal.

[Della Leiter]

AVTAK wasn't a great note to go out on, but so many other iconic moments in the Moore era. I am coming around to the opinion that he was the perfect actor at the right time and the success of his films with audiences is without question.

Again, I see what your saying, but I don't think that he channels the Ian Fleming Bond. Personally, Roger is my least favorite. But, I have to admit, he was right for the time. And yes, he did have some good moments, and many still do love him and have loved him for a long time. But I prefer the tougher Bond. I think Dalton and Craig are fantastic, and are in many ways, alike.

But (and I know this is a tad off-subject), I'd say that Sean Connery has the perfect mix of charm, looks, emotion, and yet still captures that dark quality.

In my interpretation, James Bond is supposed to be feared and yet envied. Girls want him, men either want to be him, or are afraid of him. Can you see yourself being afraid of Roger Moore? I sure can't. I also can't see myself lusting over Roger Moore... Sean Connery, well, that's a whole different thing. And Daniel and Tim are in a league of their own... perhaps a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (:

[Mr. Blofeld]

The only places where I can really be afraid of Roger Moore is when he drops Sandor off a roof in TSWLM and when he kicks Locque off the cliff in FYEO; Roger may not have wanted to do it, but he looked brutal in those scenes.

[jaguar007]

I don't agree with some of the comments about Moore, though. The guy's charm is legendary. Dalton was different, but that's what makes this series fun is there are so many interpretations.

I agree with you. Moore is incredibly charming, I think he ismore charming than Timothy Dalton. The problem is that when I read a Fleming book, I don't think of James Bond as being very charming. That is one reason I think Dalton is a better James Bond than Roger Moore. Was was basically still playing The Saint in his Bond movies where Dalton was playing James Bond.

[PrinceKamalKhan]

George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton are certainly the most underrated Bond actors. They each brought there own style to the series. More so, they both remain two of the best, in my opinion. If someone would ask me what I want to change the history of this franchise I'd asnwer: "More Lazenby and Dalton 007 films."

A part of me agrees with that statement. At the same time, a blessing that Lazenby and Dalton benefit from is that 100% of their Bond films are either good or great ones. I wouldn't have wanted them to have appeared in a poor one.

In my interpretation, James Bond is supposed to be feared and yet envied. Girls want him, men either want to be him, or are afraid of him.

Good point. I know I never wanted to be Brosnan's Bond.

[Della Leiter]

Good point. I know I never wanted to be Brosnan's Bond.

And I know for sure I never wanted him.
(Okay, maybe in GoldenEye. But from then on, I felt as if he were too worried about his manicure.)

[007FANATIC]

I also agree. I think he was great as Bond. It's so annoying that so many people hate him for superficial reasons.

[ChrissBond007]

I wonder how many threads we have here about how underrated Dalton is. I don't think Dalton is very underrated, especially here on this forum many consider him as one of the best Bonds, if not the best.

Nothing wrong with Dalton, in my opinion. He did his job in the role well, just like the 5 others. Mayby sometimes a bit too serious, and he hasn't the same charisma like Connery or Moore. But still two good peformances.

Though I'm not quite a fan of LTK, but that's because I dislike the whole ''Miami Vice'' feeling of it. But TLD is brilliant movie, with an excellent peformance by Dalton. Would've like to see him in another Bondmovie or two. But I've no problems that Brosnan took over the role then, since I prefer Goldeneye over both Dalton's Bondmovies.

Edited by ChrissBond007, 09 April 2009 - 10:32 PM.

[Mr. Blofeld]

I wonder how many threads we have here about how underrated Dalton is. I don't think Dalton is very underrated, especially here on this forum many consider him as one of the best Bonds, if not the best.

I don't think he's underrated around here, but if you wheeled his name around to the average cinema-goer, they'd give you a blank look; nobody seems to remember he even was James Bond.

[ChrissBond007]

I wonder how many threads we have here about how underrated Dalton is. I don't think Dalton is very underrated, especially here on this forum many consider him as one of the best Bonds, if not the best.

I don't think he's underrated around here, but if you wheeled his name around to the average cinema-goer, they'd give you a blank look; nobody seems to remember he even was James Bond.

That's true, but it's like since Casino Royale came out more people are beginning to like the way Dalton portayed Bond, because Craig's peformance was quite similair to Dalton's. I would say Dalton's Bond is more respected these days.

[H.M.S Ark Royal]

I don't know about you, but I certainly think that Dalton was one of THE best Bonds. It's sad though that he was only able to do two of them. I would have loved to see what he could have done for a third outing.
Anyways, getting back on topic, I think that he brought a lot of realism to his performances as Bond in both of his roles. But a lot of people don't like him (I'm talking about you, Entertainment Weekly). I think that he was the right Bond, and he took the series in a whole new direction after the silliness of the Moore years.
That's just my opinion. Feel free to criticize and leave your own opinions here!

Tim Dalton IS James Bond. Physically, psychologically, his manners...He had studied the character perfectly. Ian Fleming would have loved him. He's sophisticated and smooth. But look at his face when Saunders dies ! Terrific !!

[danslittlefinger]

As I stated in another thread, I have a new found respect for Tim. I had heard of the man primarily as a Shakespearian thespian before he was hired as Bond and even though I was younger then (obviously), I remember having the same feeling of when Craig was hired. One of shock to be honest.
And I saw the films and was not duly impressed at the time. In fact, I remember the slew of complaints in the cinema as to what this guy thought he was doing and that he should have stuck with "putting on the tights". (Hostile cinema it was).
Too much of a change for the grey matter.
Now, I am revisiting his films as Craig has made me realize how courageous he was in his approach and what EoN was trying to do.
Dalton/EoN had balls to step in and take it to that level after Moore and I salute the man and studio.
I am pensive though as to what will happen after Craig but that's another thread.

[Frimmel]

I don't think he is underrated but I do think he is unfairly maligned. To me he was always in the wrong script and gets the blame for problems with his films that were not of his making.

I like TLD and most of LTK (up until the final act, the chase on the semis just never seems to end) mind you but interpretation of the character and scripts never quite fired on all cylinders.

[danslittlefinger]

I don't think he is underrated but I do think he is unfairly maligned. To me he was always in the wrong script and gets the blame for problems with his films that were not of his making.

I like TLD and most of LTK (up until the final act, the chase on the semis just never seems to end) mind you but interpretation of the character and scripts never quite fired on all cylinders.

Well said, I by no means think these two films were revelations but definately a turn for the better back to the true Bond.
Step in the right direction. Yes, maligned is a great description for the reaction he received and in some parts still receiving.
I often wonder what Dalton really felt after Craig was hired and after he saw CR?

[Frimmel]

A very easy way to derail an assault on Dalton especially ones that start with, "Dalton was an awful Bond," is to reply with, "No, Dalton was a terrible Roger Moore."

Usually that makes people tilt their head like Data when he was trying to process some human colloquialism.

[danslittlefinger]

A very easy way to derail an assault on Dalton especially ones that start with, "Dalton was an awful Bond," is to reply with, "No, Dalton was a terrible Roger Moore."

Usually that makes people tilt their head like Data when he was trying to process some human colloquialism.

I'll remember that one.
In fact I work with a bloke who thinks Dalton was the Devil Incarnate to the Bond franchise, (well he also thinks that about our boss and the guy at the chip shop) but you get the point.