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We all know Sean 'made 'the role, and Lazenby was cast as a 'similar'Bond. But the n Roger Moore came by giving a completely different take. Dalton was the 'intelligent' one, Brosnan the 'looker'. And, finally, Craig is perhaps more the fighting Bond.
So what I propose is not find an actor who could step in, but see if The Originals, with their knowledge and experience (having seen all the Bonds in the cinema) can agree on what traits we want to see portrayed by the next ( or current) actor.
I.e. he needs to have an animal magnitism,
should (not) be ( too) handsome
Move easily amongst the highest classes
prefer smaller family run hotels over the big 5 star ones (yes, we could delve into such details).
etc. etc.
Just an idea.
What Makes An Actor Bond-Worthy? :>
Have at it folks, and I will chime in much later today (biking to work soon...)
Bullet point lists are fine - essays are welcome!
? motorcycle…or pushbike?
He has all I want in a Bond actor:
Charme
Suaveness
Dangerously good looking
An underlying darkness
Wit
Sex on legs
Charismatic
Close enough to Fleming's vision
Well the idea was to leave examples out of th equation, there's enough discussion on those topics as it is.
i.e. what do you mean by 'dangerlously good looking'. Fleming himself describes Bond as 'good looking, in a cruel kind of way'. Which to my mind is something completely different. Bond actually shouldn't be THAT good looking. He should look like he's in control. I think that's where his attractiveness should come from, not definately good looks. And again, what are good looks? Except for a cimetric face (that's science). For me Connery isn't as good looking as Brosnan, but he's certainly more animalistic, and (again, to my mind) has far more presense. He doesn't seem too worried in rather tight situations. This oozes coolness, which makes him more attractive in that Flemingesque way, I think.
I wonder if people here agree on these points.
But onwards (no real politics on this thread, folks, please & thank you!)
What makes an actor Bond-worthy?
1) Depth, some gravitas, something solid about his personality. Even, Moore, who was as smooth as any gentleman who ever lived and who could carry a film with light humor and witty interplay with the best of them, had something far more than good looks or the way with a quip. He was able in some scenes to really show the seriousness, the commitment, the guts that are such important components that comprise Bond.
Basics 101: 2) He can act.
Really I want a good actor, with some variety in his range. Does not have to be Oscar worthy level, but I want a fine actor. I think we've had that with all but Laz (who admittedly was never an actor before, just a model).
He can be 3) menacing without a lot of "showiness". Exude the threat, menace, or just the strength of his own power when he needs to, with minimum of demonstration. In a look, a pause, the way he approaches someone, his body language; all of that.
For me, part of Bond's allure is that he has the inner conviction, commitment, and power - and I do want the actor to have that. I want Bond to be a strong, believable threat when that is called for (even in just a discussion, for example; I am not talking about fight scenes). I think there are good actors who cannot project that.
4) Attractive to women and be able to show Bond as keenly aware of that, confident in that regard, but not cocky. You could say an animal magnetism, but I prefer natural sexual charisma. But again, the actor needs to show that Bond handles this with quiet confidence and panache. Which leads to:
Believably portray Bond as 5) self assured. Very. In damn near everything. Without going overboard. The strength of appeal I get from Connery is that he had this in spades.
6) Humor - He enjoys a sardonic wit, some light humor, and can repartee confidently. This can be subtle or strong in an actor, but it something I like to see in Bond. And a little goes a long way, but I'd like the actor to feel comfortable with this, even if kept to a minimum in the film.
7) Fit. Just in shape, enough for some real physicality in the role. I don't expect future Bonds to match Craig in this quality, but I do want a believably fit Bond .... and that does not mean tons of obvious muscle, either.
and finally (is this a short enough list or what?) ~
8) Genuine love for the character and for Bond films. Not just for the glory. I want someone who cares and respects these films and who would LOVE the role for all the right reasons (even if daunted at first). B-)
Okay then, who's next?
Not naming actors we'd like. But rather, what qualities do you feel an actor needs to be the Bond you really want to see ... waiting in a darkened theater, sitting low in your seat, and you just can't wait for the opening shot and hear the first notes of the musical score, to see where this ride will take us - this glorious story that has been setting our hearts racing for so many years - ahhhh, where will you take us now, Mr. James Bond ... ?
SirHenryLeeChaChing's For Original Fans - What Makes An Actor Bond-Worthy?
OK, I'd love to hear from others, especially Originals but also everybody, on what qualities an actor needs to be the Bond you want to see.
You do NOT have to elaborate as much as I did. Just don't name candidates, please list attributes. Thanks! :)>-
He should be tall and darkish, and of rather strong stature. No 'The Rock', but more really fit without beeing bulky.
If he can act and has penache, I do think his looks aren't that important as in beeing (really) handsome. I'd prefer it if he isn't a posterboy. His confidence should be enough to make him attractive to women.
He should also move like a panther. I think his motorics are important. It would be cool if Bond would do some more spying or snooping, and his way of moving would be very important there.
And he certainly shouldn't be posh. Yes, he should be able to adjust to higher classes, but he should be somewhere inbetween. I think, in this regard, Craig may be a bit too much of the beer drinker, but he's fairly close to what I mean.
Yes, some of the actors have had some of the attributes more than others, but nobody has seemed like he stepped out of the pages of his books yet.
But of course. Dalton!
I always picture him when reading the books.
I picture a Richard E Grant type.
Craig during one scene in CR. When he stumbles out into the parking lot after being poisoned.
I prefer him tallish, but fine with Craig's height. No shorter, though.
I think CommanderRoss pointed out the "middle ground" well - not posh, not your best mate witting with you at a pub either.
Smooth is a word that comes to mind.
Hair color - that I've been able to be open about.
I don't want a pretty boy unless that pretty boy has the inner strength and can exude several important aspects (see my long post above). I don't mind someone really good looking (Brosnan was, for me) as long as they have that "extra something" that is really at least 2 things: charisma (born with it or not; and it must come across on film) AND gravitas.
I think Bond should never be an impervious "superhero" by the way. You are right, the villain needs to think he can win regarding Bond. Bond should be able to walk between many worlds and fit in. A bit of a chameleon while still retaining (for the audience) his own essence.
@CommanderRoss, in general I would prefer a touch of Fleming in whoever portrays Bond (but that can be shown in many ways).