The weekend take for the newest James Bond film, Casino Royale was generally good at $40 million, even if it was beaten out by the $42 million scored by the suprise dancing penguins CGI cartoon Happy Feet. (Just what is it about penguins?) So it appears the new blond Bond, played by Daniel Craig, is off to a good start. The producers knew they needed to reposition their franchise in the age of terrorism and lowered the threat level from world domination to taking on the moneymen behind the terrorists. Bond films have succeeded best when they mixed danger with escapist sensibilities but this new film features the toughest and most bloodied Bond yet and you might think twice before taking a teenager of a certain age to this one. What are we to make of the more brutal and brutalized Bond? I address this in a new essay at Breakpoint that came out today. I hope you enjoy it.
Great article, Alex. Bond truly is the individualistic hero who rides off into the sunset. It’s good to read that the writers gave him a reason for that, and that they realize that in some senses, that individualistic drive is dysfunctional.
So, did Daniel Craig convince you? You mentioned 006. You, of course, know who played the actual 006 — that other blond, incredibly handsome, but somewhat thuggish, Brit: Sean Bean.
Comment by Cher Smith — November 22, 2006 @ 1:28 pm |
Hey Cher,
Yes, he rides into the sunset ALONE, not with this pic’s bimbo in his arms, but it does show why he’s a serial monogamist.
I think Craig captured a large part of Bond’s inner life. It’s nigh impossible for me to delete the idelible iconicity of the character which really is rooted in Sean Connery’s unique visage–hyper-masculine animal attractiveness that appeals for different reasons to both sexes. I don’t know how Craig appeals to women (except for my Judith who appreciates his achievement as an actions hero but still can’t swallow him as Bond. I am philosophical about it–he’s the Bond we have now and if they keep giving him interesting character insights, this guy can pull of the acting and the action.
Either here or elsewhere (back channels) I’d like your detailed take on the film.
And oh yes, Sean Bean can be any double-0 he wants. At least he has the right height!
Comment by Alex — November 22, 2006 @ 1:54 pm |