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Timothy Dalton or Daniel Craig?

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  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    I've been looking at Daltons filmography between 1987 and 1994. Compared to Brosnan and Craig Daltons movies outside of Bond aren't that impressive for the mist part.

    Combine that with the relatively lacklustre reception of his films I've come to one conclusion.

    Dalton wasn't "movie star" material. Both Brozza and Craig are. That's y they've had more successful film careers.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,978
    I don't think Dalton ever had any interest in becoming a star. He was happy enough to work, be it stage or screen.

    It's true that Dalton may not have had that much luck on the big screen compared to Brosnan and Crag, not that Craig has really made much of a mark on his own, and without Bond. I would happily take Hawks over everything i've seen from Brosnan and Craig combined. Still, the fact Dalton wasn't a star means nothing to me, I still rate him as a superior actor.
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited April 2012 Posts: 12,837
    MajorDSmythe wrote:
    I don't think Dalton ever had any interest in becoming a star. He was happy enough to work, be it stage or screen.

    It's true that Dalton may not have had that much luck on the big screen compared to Brosnan and Crag, not that Craig has really made much of a mark on his own, and without Bond. I would happily take Hawks over everything i've seen from Brosnan and Craig combined. Still, the fact Dalton wasn't a star means nothing to me, I still rate him as a superior actor.

    This. Dalton wasn't bothered about being famous, he just wanted to act, and I really respect him for it. Plus, the only things I saw Craig in before Bond were Our Friends In The North (TV series), that god awful Tomb Raider film (which I didn't even realise he was in until after I saw CR), and Layer Cake. And now after Bond he is alot more famous, so without Bond he wouldn't be that big.
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    I understand what u mean and I too have respect for Dalton but I think to make Bond endure you need to BE a star aswell as a good actor.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    I like TD he's my 3rd but DC is 2nd. All this talk about Dalton being a better actor is rather moot when you consider no other actor who has played the role can match the level of acting Craig displays in OFITN.

    Dalton is a good actor but I'm afraid Craig is better, TGWTDT also is another highlight Dalton has never been this natural on the big screen.
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited April 2012 Posts: 12,837
    Shardlake wrote:
    I like TD he's my 3rd but DC is 2nd. All this talk about Dalton being a better actor is rather moot when you consider no other actor who has played the role can match the level of acting Craig displays in OFITN.
    Dalton is a good actor but I'm afraid Craig is better, TGWTDT also is another highlight Dalton has never been this natural on the big screen.

    I loved OFITN but I think Dalton is a slightly better actor, and a better bond.
  • Schwa9179Schwa9179
    Posts: 1
    T.Dalton was a good replacement for Roger Moore....But after seeing Casino Royale 2006...I would have to say Daniel Craig is THE BOND MAN
  • 002002
    Posts: 581
    There is no contest:

    its Timothy Dalton- who else could play james bond, Rassilon and Mr. Prickel Pants for TS3?

    besides Timothy Dalton can act...Craig cant
  • MasherMasher
    Posts: 1
    Why are we even considering this? I prefer "Lazenby" over Dalton. Ok, I hold them both in distaste. Pierce was better.

    My top three:
    1. Sean Connery
    2. Daniel Craig
    3. Roger Moore
    You can lump the rest together and put them in a dark corner to be forgotten.
  • Baltimore_007Baltimore_007
    Posts: 5,634
    Lazenby is not part of the equation here. The only relevant personnel should be Craig and Dalton in this thread. But you know how things be around here sometimes and topics go off the radar and before you know where you are, we end up with a discussion about red assed baboons or something. Just saying and all.
  • BounineBounine
    edited April 2012 Posts: 2,599
    Getafix wrote:
    That's a great Dalton trailer that some nutter fan put together above. Dalton just has so much screen presence compared to Brozza and even Craig. It's a huge shame he never made another film. I have to admit, I personally rank him above Craig. He pretty much had it all IMO, but with a very nice line in subtlety. Watching that trailer makes your spine tingle - he actually brought a real sense of danger to the role. Craig comes across as a little unhinged sometimes but not with the same intelligent, committed, dangerousnesss.

    Good points there Getafix about Craig and Dalton. I've always felt Dalton has more on screen presence than Craig. I do prefer Dalton to Craig but not by alot.

    I preferred Craig in QOS to CR. He was too comedic and cocky in CR.
  • GetafixGetafix
    Posts: 11,425
    Bounine wrote:
    Getafix wrote:
    That's a great Dalton trailer that some nutter fan put together above. Dalton just has so much screen presence compared to Brozza and even Craig. It's a huge shame he never made another film. I have to admit, I personally rank him above Craig. He pretty much had it all IMO, but with a very nice line in subtlety. Watching that trailer makes your spine tingle - he actually brought a real sense of danger to the role. Craig comes across as a little unhinged sometimes but not with the same intelligent, committed, dangerousnesss.

    Good points there Getafix about Craig and Dalton. I've always felt Dalton has more on screen presence than Craig. I do prefer Dalton to Craig but not by alot.

    I preferred Craig in QOS to CR. He was too comedic and cocky in CR.

    I am one of the few who crazies who actually enjoyed QoS more than CR. Although I thought Craig's performance in CR was decent and his relationship with Vespa both convincing and entertaining.
  • BounineBounine
    edited April 2012 Posts: 2,599
    I much prefer CR to QOS as the latter is just one action scene after another with very little else but what I did like about QOS was the level and style of humour. Much better than CR.

    It would be great to see Dalton in Casino Royale!
  • winlyn7winlyn7
    Posts: 6
    Daniel Craig is doing an outstanding job of bringing the real character to life, as well as, bringing some much needed respect, integrity and realism back into the mix. I did enjoy Dalton in TLD but LTK was horrible. Plus they dressed him like an old man, and he looked older and less attractive than he really was. I know it sounds stupid, but the suit makes the man. Just look at how sharp both Brosnan and Craig look in their versions and the subliminal impression of sleekness it brings the character. Anyway, I didn't want Craig in the beginning, but now I can't get enough of him as Bond.
  • identigraphidentigraph
    Posts: 1,052
    winlyn7 wrote:
    Daniel Craig is doing an outstanding job of bringing the real character to life, as well as, bringing some much needed respect, integrity and realism back into the mix. I did enjoy Dalton in TLD but LTK was horrible. Plus they dressed him like an old man, and he looked older and less attractive than he really was. I know it sounds stupid, but the suit makes the man. Just look at how sharp both Brosnan and Craig look in their versions and the subliminal impression of sleekness it brings the character. Anyway, I didn't want Craig in the beginning, but now I can't get enough of him as Bond.


    In fairness to Timbo, the era in which he made the films were not the best for fashion and the make up techniques and clothes are quite ageing when looked back on, it's a shame they didn't go for a more timless look during the 80's.
  • winlyn7winlyn7
    Posts: 6
    Yes, I do agree with that absolutely. He was a casuality of the "soft" time period as was poor Roger in the 70's! Just horrible fashion for men. I do like Dalton very much and thoughly enjoyed Daylights. The script and stupidity of License wasn't his fault. That goes in the "could have gone without ever making that one" bin.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    thelivingroyale wrote:
    MajorDSmythe wrote:
    I don't think Dalton ever had any interest in becoming a star. He was happy enough to work, be it stage or screen.

    It's true that Dalton may not have had that much luck on the big screen compared to Brosnan and Crag, not that Craig has really made much of a mark on his own, and without Bond. I would happily take Hawks over everything i've seen from Brosnan and Craig combined. Still, the fact Dalton wasn't a star means nothing to me, I still rate him as a superior actor.

    This. Dalton wasn't bothered about being famous, he just wanted to act, and I really respect him for it. Plus, the only things I saw Craig in before Bond were Our Friends In The North (TV series), that god awful Tomb Raider film (which I didn't even realise he was in until after I saw CR), and Layer Cake. And now after Bond he is alot more famous, so without Bond he wouldn't be that big.

    Craig pre-Bond career was as varied and impressive as Dalton's I can assure you. I was very aware of him since Our Friends In The North in which he was magnificent. After that he had the lead in several smaller budget films and support roles in big budget Hollywood films. Similar to Dalton who was impressive as Heatcliffe in Wuthering Heights in 1970 (or 71) and built his career up until he was singing to Mae West and fighting with Charley's Angels. Wow.

    Since Bond many doors open for the Bond actors. Craig like the others has become a star in his own right, top billing in many films. Dalton never really managed that. He actually acheived the level of success Craig had before Bond ie top billing in small films, support in big Hollywood films.

    I will however accept the argument of his fans that he didn't become a big star because he..cough..didn't want to!!
  • identigraphidentigraph
    Posts: 1,052
    I think I read somewhere that they decided to go more with the fashions of the time in the 70's instead of the classic look and obviously that is there for all to see, it seems they loved to put Rog in silly outfits towards the end of his time, when classic suits would have suited and older chap.

    I don't know why but Timbo never looked particulary tidy/smart, everything looked a casual, not sure if that was intentional.
  • winlyn7winlyn7
    Posts: 6
    I think I recall the same thing about Roger in the 70's, he didn't look too bad in LALD, but after that... and you described Dalton exactly the way I feel he looks, spot on! Have you see (or own) this book? I need to pull it out again. Pretty cool. http://www.amazon.com/DRESSED-TO-KILL-James-Suited/dp/2080136186
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,978
    NicNac wrote:
    I will however accept the argument of his fans that he didn't become a big star because he..cough..didn't want to!!

    What's so hard to believe about that? Unless your cough is genuine, In which case I apologise.
  • identigraphidentigraph
    Posts: 1,052
    It's funny really but being Bond didn't seem to do anything for Timbo's career whilst or after he was Bond.
  • UnivexUnivex
    Posts: 6,709
    I love Craig. That being said, the anwser to the thread is Dalton.
  • DRESSED_TO_KILLDRESSED_TO_KILL Suspended
    Posts: 260
    Timothy is a great actor, but I feel as if directors and producers wouldn't give him enough leverage and freedom with the role to where he could have truly been the bond he wanted to be. Also looking back at Timothy, he definitely should have gained alittle more weight, and perhaps lifted weights a bit because he was way too skinny. But all in all Dalton was very good, and only would have gotten better. I often wonder what a more serious dark gritty goldeneye could have been with Dalton. but to answer your question, I prefer Daniel over Tim, but still have great respect for Dalton.
  • identigraphidentigraph
    Posts: 1,052
    DRESSED_TO_KILL wrote:
    Timothy is a great actor, but I feel as if directors and producers wouldn't give him enough leverage and freedom with the role to where he could have truly been the bond he wanted to be. Also looking back at Timothy, he definitely should have gained alittle more weight, and perhaps lifted weights a bit because he was way too skinny. But all in all Dalton was very good, and only would have gotten better. I often wonder what a more serious dark gritty goldeneye could have been with Dalton. but to answer your question, I prefer Daniel over Tim, but still have great respect for Dalton.

    Not get too deep into this subject, but I though Timbo looked fine, physique wise. Bond wasn't supposed to be Mr Buff, just a regularish guy who abused his body but could take a lot of pain
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    MajorDSmythe wrote:
    NicNac wrote:
    I will however accept the argument of his fans that he didn't become a big star because he..cough..didn't want to!!

    What's so hard to believe about that? Unless your cough is genuine, In which case I apologise.

    No, I just don't truly believe that any actor shuns stardom completely. Otherwise I can't understand some of TDs choices along the way. Some of the TV mini series for example (post Bond) and small support roles in things like The Tourist and Hot Fuzz, don't smack of someone who can pick and choose his roles.

    My personal thoughts are that TD simply isn't a cinema star - he doesn't command the screen, which is why he hasn't made it big in the cinema. No one is going to go see a Timothy Dalton film.

    However, having said that when he starred in the West End production of His Dark Materials about 5 years ago I genuinely tried to get the opportunity to go and see him because of all the Bond actors I would prefer to see him on the stage. I believe he has a more commanding presence there than any other Bond star. Strange really, but it is only my opinion.

    (as a footnote when His Dark Materials part 1 was turned into a film Dalton's role went to , you've guessed it, Daniel Craig (The Golden Compass). And if you've read the books it's Dalton who fits the role better)
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited April 2012 Posts: 12,837
    @NicNac I really don't think Dalton cares if he's a star or not. He makes more than enough money and gets to act, so I think he's happy as he is.

    Anyway, this isn't about what he's done outside of Bond, this is about if him or Craig is a better Bond. And I think Dalton is much better.

    One more vote, and Dalton is ahead again :D
  • fire_and_icefire_and_ice
    Posts: 6,432
    Dalton TLD is a movie i did not care for when it was first released at the cinema. over time the movie has grown on me, alot of that is down to Dalton. I think Craig is a decent bond though i rate everyone but Brosnan above him.
  • GetafixGetafix
    Posts: 11,425
    fire_and_ice wrote:
    Dalton TLD is a movie i did not care for when it was first released at the cinema. over time the movie has grown on me, alot of that is down to Dalton. I think Craig is a decent bond though i rate everyone but Brosnan above him.

    I probably agree with that. I like Craig but still rate Sean, Rog and Tim above him. Perhaps even George. Brozza is so far down the pecking order he's out of sight.
  • MollyMolly
    Posts: 17
    You seem to be writing the same things over and over, each Bond has been good, ergo the clothing is the times, not the men, looking back at the 60's & 70's & 80's clothing in 2012 is a bit shocking, but was the times, so, each new era bring the need for change, unfortunately. Remember that CR was a remake and was if I remember correctly was the first book written, I think they probably did a good job for the year it has been made, and so much depends on the producer & director, and the era in which it is made. Craig is good for a new Bond, I have liked all of them in their era. I hope they improve the newer movie, altho the story lines in CR & OoS were pretty good, they seem off in ways. I like the new Bond that knows more electronics to move around most of his colleagues. He has the coolness, maybe not the look of Sean, but non the less, sharp when need be and rugged when needed. I like Daniel Craig.
  • teaboutdteaboutd
    Posts: 1
    every picture fits the actor who plays bond I say just enjoy your bond they

    It's a hard choice for me. I like them both. I guess my appreciation for Dalton, which has existed for over 15 years now, beats Craig but ever so slightly. [/quote]

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