James Bond In Skyfall - Part 10

[BobJM]

because it focused on all the wrong aspects and didn't remember what the GA came to expect and love in a Bond film

 

[regwec]

I'm not sure about that. It has some pretty overblown sequences, like the boat chase.

In any case, neither of us is saying that Bond movies shouldn't have action and glamour and be fun. What I am saying and what you seem to disagree with is that they can also contain some genuine drama and that they can merit a good actor.

 

[jonathancrane]

I actually enjoyed Quantum of Solace.

Anyway, I finally listened to Adele's theme and like it. It's on the same tier as "You Know My Name," which is my favorite of the rebooted Bond series (I have yet to rank the themes from the older films).

 

[Ajendo]

 

[Dr Lee]

Kinda surprised how short his hair looks there....

 

[Kahran Ramsus]

That's why I rate Moore's take. In terms of the character's development in the film series Moore shows Bond becoming a genuinely good and heroic man by the end of each of his movies. Look at FYEO where he tries to stop Melina from killing the man who murdered her parents because he, a professional, knows the cost deep down. Connery always seemed, sometimes, like a bad guy who happened to be on the right side whilst Roger's Bond, after his first 2 entries, was a pure hero.

With Moore you get the sense that he didn't really like what he did, but he did it for the good of the country (and the world). That was the job that he was given. Strangely, the other actor with that sort of interpretation for Bond was his polar opposite otherwise in Timothy Dalton who could hardly contain his open contempt for his business.

TMWTGG is the best example of this, where it is the source of the conflict between Bond and Scaramanga. Scaramanga is in my opinion the best of the evil Bonds. He is pretty much just like Bond and even idolizes the spy, but he has no moral compass. Bond kills only because he has to and only kills professionals. Scaramanga kills for money and because he enjoys it. Scaramanga likes who he is while Bond doesn't. Other than that, they are basically the same character.

 

[DKDetective]

Kinda surprised how short his hair looks there....

I like it a lot. The shortness of Craig's hair has really grown on me. It reminds me of the sketch of Bond that Fleming commissioned. In the sketch, Bond has longer hair, but the receding hairline at the temples and the way Bond's hair is slicked really flat gives the same sort of mean, tough look.

Also, I wonder if that shot is being used for the opening credits, considering the white background and that the fact that Bond is wearing the wrong suit for it to be from the actual DB5 drive during the film.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

I think QoS was fine, and a good end to finish the setup of CR. The editing was pretty bad, and that alternate ending should have at least been included on the DVD.

 

[AnneFan]

To me, Moore is the only Bond actor who could actually rival Sean's in term's of an iconic performance. I've said this before, but I don't think being just like book Bond makes you the best Bond...and I've read and enjoyed the books. Moore wasn't the living representation of Fleming, but he took the role, made it his own, and carried the series through the 70's and 80's. Even in his bad films he's entertaining.

Agreed. Sean and Roger are my two favourites, with Craig being the third. Moore played to his strengths and did his thing the only way he can. It doesn't help looking at him or his movies and wanting dark grittiness, because you won't get that. I embrace his movies for what they are and enjoy them a lot.

 

[Dark Raven]

Agreed. Sean and Roger are my two favourites, with Craig being the third. Moore played to his strengths and did his thing the only way he can. It doesn't help looking at him or his movies and wanting dark grittiness, because you won't get that. I embrace his movies for what they are and enjoy them a lot.

I agree about Roger giving an iconic performance too, and also feel that he contributed in part to the James Bond movie legend being written. I remember when TSWLM and MR were just released in theatres.

Although there is a difference in style between Connery and Moore, there still feels like there is some kind of unity between the two. In a way, although other films post Moore have been a mixture of good and bad, and I was young enough that Dalton was the Bond I had grown up with as a teenager, there is often a sense that they all films after Moore seem post-legend or post-classic era - Dalton's included (even though I do like Dalton).

 

[Octoberist]

I think QoS was fine, and a good end to finish the setup of CR. The editing was pretty bad, and that alternate ending should have at least been included on the DVD.

My problem with QoS was how inconsequential it was.

 

[AnneFan]

My thought regarding QoS. It's an alright Bond movie. It does offer some interesting aspects that I like. But as a sequel, it doesn't stack up.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Oh, yeah it never will reach the heights that Goldeneye, Casino Royale, or Goldfinger does, but it's really not bad, in my opinion. Skyfall looks like a much welcomed return to form, however.

 

[Golgo-13]

I hope they don't edit the Adele song terribly like they did QoS song. The songs run time is already longer than the credit sequence, i suspect, so it will be trimmed.

 

[SpideyVille]

I kind of liked QoS a bit more than Casino Royale, mostly because I couldn't really tell what was happening in the final third of the film. Basically from the point where Bond is tortured. It just seemed to go on a bit longer than I would have expected, and seemed to be all over the place pretty quickly. But I guess that has more to do with editing more than it doesn't with the actual story.

Although I did like how they set up for a direct sequel.

 

[Kahran Ramsus]

None of the Bond actors were terrible. Just some were better than others. Even Lazenby, who was the weakest, was pretty good. There are no George Clooneys in this franchise.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

Yeah, I definitely agree. Let me defend Pierce Brosnan here because he got blasted last page haha. I mentioned countless times in these Bond threads that was a fine actor and a good Bond actor. I think his serious scenes worked. That's all I'm going to say now.

 

[SpideyVille]

I obviously haven't seen all or most of the Bond films, but based on what I remember thinking about who Bond was supposed to be, I thought Brosnan was good because he seemed to have a boyish charm to him that made it seem like women would fall for him easily. I didn't get that when I first saw Craig, but there are instances where he shows it and I buy it.

 

[antonydelfini]

I obviously haven't seen all or most of the Bond films, but based on what I remember thinking about who Bond was supposed to be, I thought Brosnan was good because he seemed to have a boyish charm to him that made it seem like women would fall for him easily. I didn't get that when I first saw Craig, but there are instances where he shows it and I buy it.

I like Pierce, but I have some problems with him.

SEAN- perfect combination of suave, charm, and manliness. You believe he can charm any lady but turn into a cold blooded killer the next second.

GEORGE- great physicality and appearance. Looks great during fight scenes. But he looks awkward and uncomfortable while acting and delivering his dialogue.

ROGER- funny, lighthearted, suave and charming as well. He can play serious scenes well (FYEO and TSWLM), but he doesn't carry the subtle cruel look I'm looking for in a Bond. He almost looks to kind and gentle.

TIMOTHY- he has the manly, cruel, cold, intelligent, brooding, calculating part down, but he doesn't seem to be having a good time on screen, he doesn't seem to be enjoying his bond girls, and his one-liners are terrible.

PIERCE- handsome, suave, charming, and sophisticated. But too effeminate and doesn't look like a dangerous man. He always looks like he is posing for a photo shoot, like he is always playing it safe. If he delivered a performance similar to his Tailor of Panama performance, I would have liked his Bond better.

DANIEL- dangerous, enigmatic, and deadly. He somewhat lacked the elegance and sophistication I'm looking for in Bond but seems to be bringing it for Skyfall.

 

[The Trainman]

I don't think any movie or actor is bad. Seriously, each Bond film has its moments in the sun. Some are better than others perhaps but I can watch any one of them without wanting to turn off the TV.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I'm actually the same way with any Bond movie that's not The Man With The Golden Gun.

 

[antonydelfini]

BTW, if you had to rank the Bond actors' popularity as household names during their Bond tenure, what would it be?

I'm sure Sean was the biggest household name, but I have no idea how to rank the other actors' popularity during their time. I grew up during Brosnan's time. If I had to take a guess though:
1. Connery
2. Moore
3. Craig
4. Brosnan
5. Dalton
6. Lazenby

I'm not sure if I'm right.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I like Pierce, but I have some problems with him.

SEAN- perfect combination of suave, charm, and manliness. You believe he can charm any lady but turn into a cold blooded killer the next second.

GEORGE- great physicality and appearance. Looks great during fight scenes. But he looks awkward and uncomfortable while acting and delivering his dialogue.

ROGER- funny, lighthearted, suave and charming as well. He can play serious scenes well (FYEO and TSWLM), but he doesn't carry the subtle cruel look I'm looking for in a Bond. He almost looks to kind and gentle.

TIMOTHY- he has the manly, cruel, cold, intelligent, brooding, calculating part down, but he doesn't seem to be having a good time on screen, he doesn't seem to be enjoying his bond girls, and his one-liners are terrible.

PIERCE- handsome, suave, charming, and sophisticated. But too effeminate and doesn't look like a dangerous man. He always looks like he is posing for a photo shoot, like he is always playing it safe. If he delivered a performance similar to his Tailor of Panama performance, I would have liked his Bond better.

DANIEL- dangerous, enigmatic, and deadly. He somewhat lacked the elegance and sophistication I'm looking for in Bond but seems to be bringing it for Skyfall.

Great description of all of them. Pretty spot on.

 

[marvelrobbins]

Yeah, I definitely agree. Let me defend Pierce Brosnan here because he got blasted last page haha. I mentioned countless times in these Bond threads that was a fine actor and a good Bond actor. I think his serious scenes worked. That's all I'm going to say now.

He and Connery are my favorate bonds.If you listen to some you would think
his films bombed at box office.

For the record The first Bond film I saw was A view to a Kill In theatres back
In 1985 at age 11.I knew all the bonds film very well by the time Goldeneye
came out In 1995.

Whenever a new Bond actor comes In during his regin his predassor gets bashed.I saw It to Roger Moore when Timothy Dalton played bond.I saw to dalton to when Brosnan played Bond and It is now happening to Brosnan.
When Craig leaves the same will happen to him.

Skyfall will determine how I view Craig since It seems they are finally letting him play Bond for real and they are over trying to be like Bourne.

 

[marvelrobbins]

BTW, if you had to rank the Bond actors' popularity as household names during their Bond tenure, what would it be?

I'm sure Sean was the biggest household name, but I have no idea how to rank the other actors' popularity during their time. I grew up during Brosnan's time. If I had to take a guess though:
1. Connery
2. Moore
3. Craig
4. Brosnan
5. Dalton
6. Lazenby

I'm not sure if I'm right.

I would go

1:Connery
2:Moore
3:Brosnan
4:Craig
5alton
6:Lazenby