Who should/could be a Bond actor?

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  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited April 2017 Posts: 8,392
    As always, the next actor that comes in should attempt to fill in the gaps of the departing actors portrayal. In this case, Bond #7 should be more of a lothario type. With the exception of CR, the seduction/flirting scenes in the Craig era have been lacking, and while Craig has the body to impress, he doesn't quite have the good looks to match. The films never revel in his powers of seduction, or play him up as a lover man. I think the next actor should revive this aspect of the character, and bring it much more to the forefront. And this relates well to Craig's other main problem/strength. His earnestness. When Craig first made his debut, fans and critics alike commended the attempt to bring Bond out of the shadows and showcase his vulnerable human side. Craig laid bare what for 20 years had (largely) remained hidden, and it felt like the right move. However, as his films progressed he never really seemed to develop or harden through his experiences. He never approached a state of confidence, or dare I say comfort, in the job.

    Now, I understand and agree that Bond can no longer be someone who stares death in the face and reacts with a toothy grin. That kind of hyper-competence was passe in the 90's, and the modern Bond has to have more of a grounding in reality, but it's more question of how much you choose to focus on the characters human side, and how much time you spend showing him being the best at what he does. Connery, Lazenby, Dalton and to some extent early Moore were able to achieve that Balance rather well. With CR it was refreshing to get to see that deeper layer, but over the course of four films a gradual distortion has taken place to the point where Bond is only exceptional in the sense of the degree too which he has retained a purchase on his own humanity. It never really comes off like he is the best in the business, but rather someone suffering through and holding themselves together at every juncture. Despite how much talk is made of the country depending on him, there's never a true sense that he is capable of saving anyone, or stopping anyone. Vesper, Severine and Dench M are killed while he is trying to protect them, and both Le Chiffre, Mr White and Green are killed by someone other than Bond.

    The next Bond has to be not just a smooth operator, but sly. This could also be worked into how he charms women, applying his trade and putting forth a believable persona to get them into Bed. This is a wily character, who takes satisfaction in putting his talents to work, and , like in the books, takes the opportunity to indulge himself when it arises. While we do occasionally glimpse beneath the mask, this Bond uses a humour and glibness to deflect the traumatic nature of his encounters in the field. Most importantly, the line that has been made so clearly defined throughout the course of the Craig era, the politically correct delineation between right and wrong, will become muddied again. Because, more than the smoking and the womanizing and the nationalism, it's the pragmatism of Bond that has truly been missed in these latest Bond flicks. The wily problem-solving of a man in the field running around on his own, with only his wits and his skills to see him through.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited April 2017 Posts: 23,883
    As always, the next actor that comes in should attempt to fill in the gaps of the departing actors portrayal. In this case, Bond #7 should be more of a lothario type. With the exception of CR, the seduction/flirting scenes in the Craig era have been lacking, and while Craig has the body to impress, he doesn't quite have the good looks to match. The films never revel in his powers of seduction, or play him up as a lover man. I think the next actor should revive this aspect of the character, and bring it much more to the forefront. And this relates well to Craig's other main problem/strength. His earnestness. When Craig first made his debut, fans and critics alike commended the attempt to bring Bond out of the shadows and showcase his vulnerable human side. Craig laid bare what for 20 years had (largely) remained hidden, and it felt like the right move. However, as his films progressed he never really seemed to develop or harden through his experiences. He never approached a state of confidence, or dare I say comfort, in the job.

    Now, I understand and agree that Bond can no longer be someone who stares death in the face and reacts with a toothy grin. That kind of hyper-competence was passe in the 90's, and the modern Bond has to have more of a grounding in reality, but it's more question of how much you choose to focus on the characters human side, and how much time you spend showing him being the best at what he does. Connery, Lazenby, Dalton and to some extent early Moore were able to achieve that Balance rather well. With CR it was refreshing to get to see that deeper layer, but over the course of four films a gradual distortion has taken place to the point where Bond is only exceptional in the sense of the degree too which he has retained a purchase on his own humanity. It never really comes off like he is the best in the business, but rather someone suffering through and holding themselves together at every juncture. Despite how much talk is made of the country depending on him, there's never a true sense that he is capable of saving anyone, or stopping anyone. Vesper, Severine and Dench M are killed while he is trying to protect them, and both Le Chiffre, Mr White and Green are killed by someone other than Bond.

    The next Bond has to be not just a smooth operator, but sly. This could also be worked into how he charms women, applying his trade and putting forth a believable persona to get them into Bed. This is a wily character, who takes satisfaction in putting his talents to work, and , like in the books, takes the opportunity to indulge himself when it arises. While we do occasionally glimpse beneath the mask, this Bond uses a humour and glibness to deflect the traumatic nature of his encounters in the field. Most importantly, the line that has been made so clearly defined throughout the course of the Craig era, the politically correct delineation between right and wrong, will become muddied again. Because, more than the smoking and the womanizing and the nationalism, it's the pragmatism of Bond that has truly been missed in these latest Bond flicks. The wily problem-solving of a man in the field running around on his own, with only his wits and his skills to see him through.
    Good post and I agree. I think it's very difficult to find an actor who can so effortlessly embody all these attributes. Connery was easily the best and that's why he's so highly regarded even today. Moore wasn't quite tough enough, but I think he hit all the other attributes beautifully which is why he had a long run with many varied films.

    I think the rest of them have been very strong in some areas but not as well balanced as those two earlier actors. It's that balance that allows a credible portrayal in a variety of Bond film styles (allowing larger than life entries as well as more grounded approaches).

    I wish them luck in finding the right man for the job when Craig packs it in.

    My only wish is that he is a decent actor with range, over 6ft, and that he exhibits more natural refined cool and style than Craig does. I think the next guy needs to have some star power too.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    edited April 2017 Posts: 11,139
    talos7 wrote: »
    Daniel Craig's muscularity is overstated by most; in no way has he ever resembled a bodybuilder, even in Casino Royals. He is lean and fit. The only time he looks bigger is when he emerges from the water and this is a result of framing and lighting. Look at the rest of the Ocean Club sequence; he's lean not bulky.

    Agreed. I'm convinced most people here aren't that comprehensively knowledgeable about health and fitness and physical aesthetics. Craig's body really isn't all that "special"; in that anyone in decent enough shape who seriously works out at least 3 days a week can achieve a similar look. He ain't and has never looked like a bodybuilder; just a guy in great shape. Craig had decent enough sculpture but you could tell he retained a lot of water probably due to the obvious creatine.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    talos7 wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    talos7 wrote: »
    Daniel Craig's muscularity is overstated by most; in no way has he ever resembled a bodybuilder, even in Casino Royals. He is lean and fit. The only time he looks bigger is when he emerges from the water and this is a result of framing and lighting. Look at the rest of the Ocean Club sequence; he's lean not bulky.

    You do have to admit, though, that he's rather big when compared to all the other actors in the series. From Connery to Brosnan, nobody came close to being as muscular as he is in his four films.
    He was too 'cut'. Connery and the rest weren't as defined.

    It's a different time and era. People are far more aware and knowledgeable of health and fitness. Bond comes from a military background, how Craig is built is completely within reason. On the Fire Dept I work with a lot of ex-military and most are in remarkable shape.

    Bingo. Comparisons to past Bond actors will happen but they're of a different time. There are guys of all ages who aren't built like tanks but are aesthetically in better shape than all 6 Bond actors with cinsuderable ease simply due to a better diet and hit the gym 3 to 4 times a week; Wether it be weights, calisthenics or compound exercises. Overall point is, Craig's aesthetic look is more than reasonable. He's not even that shredded.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 8,196
    Spot on doubleego
  • Posts: 1,631
    I could also be sold on Bale. It would take some effort on my part, given his association wi
    Benny wrote: »
    Murdock wrote: »
    Still no.

    I concur. I'd rather sh*t in my hands and clap.

    :D

    Post of the year, so far, I think @Benny . :)
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    Let's wait and see how you all would wish it was Turner when BB chooses Jamie Bell as Craig's successor.
  • Posts: 1,631
    I'd give up on the franchise if she picked either of them. Both of them are terrible choices for Bond. Turner may be slightly less terrible a choice than Bell, but he's still a terrible choice.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    It's not going to be jamie bell... I imagine that if DC is indeed in for the next one (yeah!!!), the next actor is on no one's radar, except, perhaps the top people at EoN.

    And I would be very surprised if it's just one actor, rather than several that they will be keeping their eye on...

    Or another scenario, they're not even looking past Craig as of this moment...
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,392
    dalton wrote: »
    I'd give up on the franchise if she picked either of them. Both of them are terrible choices for Bond. Turner may be slightly less terrible a choice than Bell, but he's still a terrible choice.

    Sounds like how people reacted to Craig's casting.
  • Posts: 1,631
    There was one thing that everybody acknowledged about Craig at the time of his casting, though, and that was that he was an exceptional actor. That wasn't the question surrounding Craig.

    I would imagine that EON could dress Turner up to look like someone who is very close to the ideal image of Bond. I've seen nothing to this point to convince me that he could pull off the part, though.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,392
    dalton wrote: »
    I would imagine that EON could dress Turner up to look like someone who is very close to the ideal image of Bond.

    I agree.
  • Posts: 1,631
    All that says is that EON has talented stylists and makeup artists. Signing up Turner would be a return to the male model image of Bond where it's pretty much all about his looks and much less about the character, as it was during Brosnan's tenure. If EON takes it back to that, which a Turner casting would indicate, then I'm done with the franchise. I'm not waiting around for a decade and a half and 4-5 movies to hold on to the hope that Bond #8 will turn things around.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Turner is also a guy that has a face that just begs "Punch me, I'm a douche"...
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    After Craig it almost can only get better when it comes to Fleming Bond. Unless it really will be Jamie Bell.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited April 2017 Posts: 8,392
    dalton wrote: »
    All that says is that EON has talented stylists and makeup artists. Signing up Turner would be a return to the male model image of Bond where it's pretty much all about his looks and much less about the character, as it was during Brosnan's tenure. If EON takes it back to that, which a Turner casting would indicate, then I'm done with the franchise. I'm not waiting around for a decade and a half and 4-5 movies to hold on to the hope that Bond #8 will turn things around.

    I'm guessing Daniel Day-Lewis is your first choice then. Brilliant actor, better than Craig.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    that was random, @Mendes4Lyfe ...
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    @Mendes4Lyfe Turner simply looks too similar to Brosnan, that makes some people's blood boil. Even if Turner would be very near Fleming's vision of Bond.
  • Posts: 1,631
    peter wrote: »
    that was random, @Mendes4Lyfe ...

    Indeed it was. I guess our only two choices are Daniel Day-Lewis and Turner.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    Don't forget Jamie Bell.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    Turner looks nothing like Pierce. I still don't know why the guy is put on a pedestal and being toted as next in line. He's a boring choice. And Jamie Bell was never considered for Bond anyway. Most likely going to be in that "War Movie" EON are making.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,960
    Murdock wrote: »
    Turner looks nothing like Pierce. I still don't know why the guy is put on a pedestal and being toted as next in line. He's a boring choice. And Jamie Bell was never considered for Bond anyway. Most likely going to be in that "War Movie" EON are making.

    He's not. One or two members are die-hard fans of him and will endlessly bring him up until a new actor is cast. I'd say a majority of us aren't eager for Turner to play Bond, nor do I see that happening. Color me surprised if he ended up being cast.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited April 2017 Posts: 8,392
    dalton wrote: »
    Both of them are terrible choices for Bond. Turner may be slightly less terrible a choice than Bell, but he's still a terrible choice.
    dalton wrote: »
    I would imagine that EON could dress Turner up to look like someone who is very close to the ideal image of Bond.

    The ideal image, but a terrible choice. Got it.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    Well my No 1 always has and always will be DAN STEVENS.

    But Aidan Turner would be the next best thing that's for sure. Especially compared to all the other names that are around.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    You're right @Murdock, Turner looks more like a less charming and more sulky version of Ben Affleck.
    In short, he really does look like a douche!
  • edited April 2017 Posts: 1,631
    dalton wrote: »
    Both of them are terrible choices for Bond. Turner may be slightly less terrible a choice than Bell, but he's still a terrible choice.
    dalton wrote: »
    I would imagine that EON could dress Turner up to look like someone who is very close to the ideal image of Bond.

    The ideal image, but a terrible choice. Got it.

    It's a difference between looking the part and being able to effectively portray him.

    They can make him look like Bond, but I've seen nothing so far to suggest he could effectively portray the character in any way, shape, or form.
  • edited April 2017 Posts: 1,631
    [edit - hit the wrong button]
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    @dalton , agreed, Turner's just a very competent TV actor; nothing screams of a personality that is bigger than the small screen (a la Bruce Willis, or even PB)...

    He doesn't appear as if he can carry this storied franchise on his shoulders.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    Posts: 9,020
    The little blonde chav could in 2006, so can Aidan.

    People forget he is still too young for the role now. Craig looks like a wuss in the early 00s.
  • Posts: 1,631
    peter wrote: »
    @dalton , agreed, Turner's just a very competent TV actor; nothing screams of a personality that is bigger than the small screen (a la Bruce Willis, or even PB)...

    He doesn't appear as if he can carry this storied franchise on his shoulders.

    Agreed.

    I didn't watch Willis on TV or even Brosnan, but you could tell with Brosnan when he was doing smaller movie roles like Mrs. Doubtfire that there was star quality there. Even while on screen with such big names like Robin Williams and Sally Field, Brosnan commanded your attention. I just don't see that with Turner. I hope he goes on to a long and prosperous career doing TV, or maybe even movies if he chooses to do so, but I just don't want to see him play James Bond.
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