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James Bond Unmasked - All 6 Bond actors interviewed

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  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    You can actually order the book now in the U.S. Availability on the other Amazons will be posted on the book's website.
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    To answer a previous question, since I spoke with Pierce about DAD at the junket, he did not express disappointment about the movie going over the top. We spoke about the progression of his characterization, how he struggled to do more with it despite the demands of the formula, how the situation was a bit darker with his going rogue.
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    Of all the interviews, I would say that Timothy Dalton provided the best analytical overview, which isn't surprising considering his classical training and experience. But being able to interview Daniel Craig from the beginning and having a character arc to discuss was actually the impetus for my wanting to do the book.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    To answer a previous question, since I spoke with Pierce about DAD at the junket, he did not express disappointment about the movie going over the top. We spoke about the progression of his characterization, how he struggled to do more with it despite the demands of the formula, how the situation was a bit darker with his going rogue.

    What was Pierce like to interview?
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    I found him utterly charming and friendly and responsive to my questions about his success and frustration with the role; his roller coaster ride. After all, he had it, he lost it, and finally landed the role.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    edited May 2012 Posts: 11,189
    ...and then lost it again :( Did you speak to him during his time as Bond or afterwards?
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    Yes, we briefly discussed the prospect of doing Casino Royale.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    Yes, we briefly discussed the prospect of doing Casino Royale.

    Did he ever say which film (of his) he liked best?
  • SirHenryLeeChaChingSirHenryLeeChaChing
    Posts: 3,494
    0013 wrote:
    Congratulations for your book, it's an honor to have between us fans a real professional on Bond.

    I thoroughly agree and thank Mr. Desowitz for being gracious enough to visit us here and for his candor. Book ordered.

  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    No, he had no distance yet. But he thought that TWINE offered more for him dramatically because of Apted's involvement and that DAD allowed him to peel away the onion a little more.
  • SirHenryLeeChaChingSirHenryLeeChaChing
    edited May 2012 Posts: 3,494
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    No, he had no distance yet. But he thought that TWINE offered more for him dramatically because of Apted's involvement and that DAD allowed him to peel away the onion a little more.

    The seemingly eternal debate around here with Pierce is that his characterization was a "work in progress", whereas the other actors seemed to find some sort of style. Pierce's comment that he "never quite nailed it" lends creedence to this line of thinking. I think Craig is still in that phase until we see how he interprets the classic characterization, but he seems to have some very solid ideas about that. Any thoughts from either that you feel proves or dispels either notion?

  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    Yes, Pierce was the hardest to pin down about his style. He had no idea what it was and was always looking to push the boundaries as much as they would let him. His was the neo-classical Bond trying to find his place in a changing world.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    Yes, Pierce was the hardest to pin down about his style. He had no idea what it was and was always looking to push the boundaries as much as they would let him. His was the neo-classical Bond trying to find his place in a changing world.

    Has your opinion on his Bond/Bond movies changed since you spoke to him?
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    Craig is definitely a work in progress. He's finished his rite of passage and now we'll get our first glimpse of his fully formed Bond in Skyfall.
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    In looking at them again I most like TWINE.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    edited May 2012 Posts: 11,189
    I always considered GE to be his best one by far (even if its not his best performance). From a personal stand point it was also the first Bond movie I saw as a kid.

    Also, did Dalton ever comment on GE?
  • OHMSS69OHMSS69
    Posts: 2,341
    Best reserve my copy.
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    I don't openly play critic, but you will be able to read between the lines and tell which films I like the most. That's what's so great about experiencing Bond and writing about Bond for me. Each generation has its own Bond and favorite films, mostly shaped by the earliest experience as kids. I've been lucky to get a window and go back and look at the films again and add my own descriptive analysis. Can't wait to have a dialogue, whether you agree or disagree. It's great moment to explore what Bond means to us as the most powerful and enduring cultural hero.
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,355
    Thanks @jamesbondunmasked for getting involved like this. Your comments make for very interesting reading.
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    No, Dalton didn't comment on GE. But I think you will get a thrill reading his take on one particular film he did not make.
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,355
    On Her Majesty's Secret Service?!
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    No, I'll defer on answering that one because I don't want to spoil the fun.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    edited May 2012 Posts: 11,189
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    No, Dalton didn't comment on GE. But I think you will get a thrill reading his take on one particular film he did not make.

    Die Another Day?
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,355
    I'll wait for that one then. Guess I'll have to buy the book. ;)
  • SirHenryLeeChaChingSirHenryLeeChaChing
    Posts: 3,494
    jamesbondunmasked wrote:
    I don't openly play critic, but you will be able to read between the lines and tell which films I like the most. That's what's so great about experiencing Bond and writing about Bond for me. Each generation has its own Bond and favorite films, mostly shaped by the earliest experience as kids. I've been lucky to get a window and go back and look at the films again and add my own descriptive analysis. Can't wait to have a dialogue, whether you agree or disagree. It's great moment to explore what Bond means to us as the most powerful and enduring cultural hero.

    Nicely said Bill, if I may call you that. Although I can be critical because I never plan to write a book on the subject (although I am currently writing a possible future book on an entirely different subject), I've always been of the thought that there are always some positives and good scenes in every Bond film and would never classify any of them as a "turd". I appreciate your objectivity and wish more people would be that way.

    I'm probably one of the older members here, I first saw a TB/YOLT double feature in 1968 when I was close to if not 7, and agree 1000% that the Bond one is first exposed to has a lot to do with their perception of both the actor and the character. Sir Sean was my first cinematic hero and still my all time favorite Bond, and any Bond who has come after is always compared to my perceived "ideal". The 50th anniversary is a great and momentous occasion to release such a review, and I wish you all the success in the world with it and eagerly await my copy arriving in the mail.

  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    Thanks, my first exposure was Goldfinger in '65. I was 7 or 8. Not sure what month it was.
  • SirHenryLeeChaChingSirHenryLeeChaChing
    edited May 2012 Posts: 3,494
    Awesome, you're an original fan! Makes me even more interested in your book now that I see we have a lot in common like that.
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    edited May 2012 Posts: 13,355
    Consider me jealous. I would have loved to experience Bondmania first hand.
  • bondbat007bondbat007
    Posts: 1,407
    @jamesbondunmasked

    Thank you for all your hard work and info, can't wait to pick up this book. Heading over to Amazon to pre order it right now
  • jamesbondunmaskedjamesbondunmasked
    Posts: 41
    It was a glorious time to be a kid at the movies. And I vividly remember telling Bond to grab that electrical wire during his fight with Oddjob.
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