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The DANIEL CRAIG Appreciation thread - Discuss His Life, His Career, His Bond Films

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  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    Craig was decent enough in TGWTDT but it was Mara who owned it. I found him a bit uncredible in the final hostage sequence because I know him as superman Bond.
  • noSolaceleftnoSolaceleft
    Posts: 1,162
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    @peter
    All a matter of opinion. I love the original trilogy and found Craig to be miscast, that's all.
    I'm not a fan of Hollywood remakes of European films anyway, in general I mean.

    As you have any right to be. To the best of my knowledge I'm not aware of any American remake of an European movie that was only half as good as the original ( Even though there's something nagging back in my head ,that I have forgotten one that actually is.)
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I liked the Swedish TGWTDT, but the Fincher version was pure class. Darn shame we won't see the sequels. Sony are such twits.
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    Bondjames, isn't that a compliment really to his acting skills, that he could remove his character so far from Bond?
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited June 2017 Posts: 23,883
    Yes, @Germanlady, I didn't really think of his Bond persona when watching him in TGWTDT, and so I think it was an excellent performance, although I think he should have done the accent (he was the only one who didn't have one).

    What I meant was that the final basement hostage sequence is the only bit which I didn't buy. It just didn't seem real to me that Craig would be helpless in that contraption. His Bond was pretty much a wrecking ball at that time (CR/QoS) and so I just felt subconsciously like he would bust through it at any time and beat the living crap out of Skarsgard's character.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    Apart from Noomi everything in Fincher's TGWTDT was superior.

    As someone who has read the 3 books I felt Craig captured Blomvist much more convincing. At start of the story he's a beaten man, his ego has been truly deflated after losing his legal case.

    I find Craig can conveys this really well, I like the Swedish version but the Blomvist in that just came across as too confident and cocky which to me he wasn't.

    For the record I usually prefer all original language versions but maybe being such a Fincher fan I'm biased but the Swedish film at times feels like Se7en/Zodiac lite.

    Also Craig is fine in Flashback but if you want to see the man on fire watch Our Friends In The North, no Bond actor has given such a layered incredible turn in their career as here on the big screen or smalI

    I very much look forward to Purity, seeing Craig in a TV show again giving him a chance to develop a character over a longer space of time as opposed to a film duration is something I can't wait to see.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I prefer the new Dragon Tattoo as well. It captures the books far, far better, especially with Lisbeth and Mikael. I just wish we got more, but when you release a movie that dark around Christmas you can't really expect to make bank. Goddamn you, Sony.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,571
    I'm the Earth's only being who apparently liked C&As. I watched it expecting nothing more than I got, and ended up writing on Facebook - 'Cowboys, Aliens, Indiana Jones and James Bond! What's not to love?

  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    edited August 2017 Posts: 9,020
    .
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    They were all wasted in a weird plotline that made no sense unfortunately
  • Pierce2DanielPierce2Daniel
    Posts: 4,400
    Craig’s pre-Bond career was pretty eclectic and interesting. He made a habit of being cast as tightly-wound, slightly psychotic characters and it suited him perfectly. Also, like many of his contemporaries, he didn’t just star in Hollywood films but appeared mostly in smaller budgeted British films and TV movies.

    There’s a great early Craig performance in an old show called “The Visitor”. Thinking back to it, it’s all quite hokey and pointless but Craig has a great level of intensity throughout. His early work with Roger Michell is the stuff that really shines out and shows him as an actor with great range and bravery.

    shockers-channel-4.jpg

    His film choices during his run as Bond have been rather spotty to non-existent. “The Golden Compass” was clearly him getting a chance to flex his A-list status. “Defiance” was his fruitless (and obvious) attempt at an Oscar. “Cowboys & Aliens” was a misfire. “Tintin” was a harmless bit of fun. “Dragon Tattoo” was a great film, that was expertly made and probably the only time that Craig really got within the big leagues. However, it’s not “his” film – it belongs to Rooney Mara.

    I’m hoping a Craigaissance happens soon. I think he will steal “Logan Lucky”. I think “Kings” will give him a chance to return to his indie roots. I also think “Purity” has the chance of becoming a massive cross-over hit and an awards player…..

    Though it shouldn’t be downplayed that he worked with some prestige directors during his run as Bond. If he returns, I hope they keep this momentum.
  • barryt007barryt007
    Posts: 19,339
    He was awesome in Layer Cake as well,a role that influenced him being chosen as Bond,and a film that seems over-looked here by everyone atm.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    edited August 2017 Posts: 9,020
    .
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited June 2017 Posts: 23,883
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    Let's be honest here. Craig's film career outside Bond is practically non existent.
    That's true. I believe this is why the Logan Lucky trailer says 'introducing' Daniel Craig. I can't imagine he's pleased about his non-Bond output during his years as Bond. It's almost like it's been 'the money years' (e.g. a time when he's, for the most part, tried to fit in for big money) and it's time for him to get back to 'acting' again.
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    I see Craig on TV in the future.
    I agree and mentioned this before too. He will probably find better roles in this medium.
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    The only actors that had a decent to very successful big screen career outside Bond are Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.
    That's probably true. Moore had a decent run of films while he was Bond but by the time he hung it up he was too old.
  • mattjoesmattjoes Kicking: Impossible
    edited June 2017 Posts: 6,738
    Mendes4Lyfe wrote: »
    When I first went to the cinema to see Casino Royale, I was very skeptical. There was this effervescent buzz around at the time, with phrases like the "the best Bond film ever" being thrown around, but deep down I wasn't sure what I was going to get...
    Very interesting to read these thoughts. I can see what you mean.

    Part of why I enjoy Spectre so much, despite its significant flaws --some of which are in the same vein as Skyfall's-- is that Craig's performance is, comparatively, so much more fun than in the two previous films. He may not reach the levels of Bondiness than in the commercial you posted, but he's still cool, confident and FUNNY. Bond truly seems to be enjoying himself in this one, which wasn't the case with Quantum or Skyfall. Seeing him like this felt like a breath of fresh air.

    It seems to me the video you shared reflects a disconnect between how Bond has been portrayed in the films of the Craig era and in the advertising for said films. The commercials show a lighter, more charming Bond, but paradoxically, at least half of Craig's tenure has consisted of dour, dull Bond (Skyfall, in particular, is guilty of this). I'd love to see a film with the Bond of the commercial.

    I'm fine with drama and "realism", but I'm not convinced they have to come at the cost of a sense of joy and fun. Casino Royale has drama and "realism", and it's a pleasant film. The woman may die at the end, but with its lush settings, high-stakes poker games, and romance, the movie presents a world I'd like to visit. Quantum of Solace and Skyfall? Please, no.

    Now, if you excuse me, I'm just gonna go watch Die Another Day.






    Yes, Die Another Day.

  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    Let's be honest here. Craig's film career outside Bond is practically non existent. 2008 and prior he made some good choices but since then it is rather disappointing if not questionable.
    Logan Lucky will go unnoticed largely. It has its moment of fame now because of the trailer and because it's the Bond actor. But that's about it.

    I see Craig on TV in the future. If he is clever he'll get a good role in a BBC show. He can't carry a film on the big screen outside of Bond, I think that has become painfully clear by now, wouldn't you say?

    And I don't say this to put him down. I say the same about Dalton's film career, always have. I love that Dalton had his renaissance in Penny Dreadful.

    The only actors that had a decent to very successful big screen career outside Bond are Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    Let's be honest here. Craig's film career outside Bond is practically non existent. 2008 and prior he made some good choices but since then it is rather disappointing if not questionable.
    Logan Lucky will go unnoticed largely. It has its moment of fame now because of the trailer and because it's the Bond actor. But that's about it.

    I see Craig on TV in the future. If he is clever he'll get a good role in a BBC show. He can't carry a film on the big screen outside of Bond, I think that has become painfully clear by now, wouldn't you say?

    And I don't say this to put him down. I say the same about Dalton's film career, always have. I love that Dalton had his renaissance in Penny Dreadful.

    The only actors that had a decent to very successful big screen career outside Bond are Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.

    Jason and his crystal ball. Must be nice to have one. So yeah, he can't carry a film like Clooney, Pitt, Depp with all their recent costly flops and even Tom Cruise failed to do that in the Mummy. So he is in good company. Did it ever occur to you, before making these statements, that there is no such thing anymore. If the film is interesting and well made, people go see it. If not, not.


  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    Germanlady wrote: »
    Did it ever occur to you, before making these statements, that there is no such thing anymore. If the film is interesting and well made, people go see it. If not, not.

    Very true. And it has been like that for some time now.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    edited August 2017 Posts: 9,020
    .
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    edited June 2017 Posts: 6,601
    Jason, your comments make less sense every time these days. They seem to be based on...I dunno.
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    edited August 2017 Posts: 9,020
    .
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited June 2017 Posts: 23,883
    A popular 'A' list actor can still deliver an above average box office gross, as long as the film is half decent. If it's not up to standards, then it doesn't matter how successful they are generally. 'A' listers also don't have as predictable a record as the past, at least in North America.

    I imagine the point that @BondJasonBond006 is making is that outside of Bond, Craig hasn't had a lot of box office drawing power, particularly during the time that he has been the incumbent (and very successful) Bond. That certainly does seem to be the case. Having said that, he hasn't really done anything 'non-Bond' since TGWTDT, which predates his most financially successful Bond film by a year.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,571
    Craig has been offered the A list parts. Whether the films succeed or not is not necessarily his doing. Connery had more misses than hits outside Bond by a long, long way. He is still considered a major star of the last 50 years. Craig has most definitely been an A lister, and will still be considered a star regardless of his output. He likes to challenge himself, and does theatre (to great acclaim) which star-obsessed actors like Cruise won't do. Daniel Day Lewis makes few films, and the box office success of those he makes are negligible. He is still however a star.

    Comparing anyone to Cruise is unfortunate as he's a law to himself, soaking up every franchise going, his face always on the billboards.

    You can't compare Craig's film career to Dalton, as Dalton never had one. Craig has been choosey in recent years and has chosen not to make any films between SF and SP. He still grabs media attention whatever he does. Dalton didn't, even when he was Bond.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    To date, Craig has been an 'A' lister on account of his success with Bond. That's what has given him the coverage. It's been very good for his fame.

    I wish him every success (critical and otherwise) with the films he has in the pipeline, because they will be critical to his career choices & options post-Bond. He has an eye to the next stage of his career, and it's a smart move, given his age and given his Bond days are closer to the end than otherwise.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    edited June 2017 Posts: 7,571
    Well, yes he became an A lister because of Bond, granted. But so did Connery and Brosnan. They were nobodies until Bond kicked in. In truth Craig was a bigger star pre-Bond than either of them.

    If you ignore Brosnan's TV work of course
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 on fb and ajb
    edited August 2017 Posts: 9,020
    .
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,571
    I don't know Jason, I haven't been on the forum much recently, so I only just joined in. Was this about something you wrote?

  • noSolaceleftnoSolaceleft
    Posts: 1,162
    Germanlady wrote: »
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    Let's be honest here. Craig's film career outside Bond is practically non existent. 2008 and prior he made some good choices but since then it is rather disappointing if not questionable.
    Logan Lucky will go unnoticed largely. It has its moment of fame now because of the trailer and because it's the Bond actor. But that's about it.

    I see Craig on TV in the future. If he is clever he'll get a good role in a BBC show. He can't carry a film on the big screen outside of Bond, I think that has become painfully clear by now, wouldn't you say?

    And I don't say this to put him down. I say the same about Dalton's film career, always have. I love that Dalton had his renaissance in Penny Dreadful.

    The only actors that had a decent to very successful big screen career outside Bond are Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.
    BondJasonBond006 wrote: »
    Let's be honest here. Craig's film career outside Bond is practically non existent. 2008 and prior he made some good choices but since then it is rather disappointing if not questionable.
    Logan Lucky will go unnoticed largely. It has its moment of fame now because of the trailer and because it's the Bond actor. But that's about it.

    I see Craig on TV in the future. If he is clever he'll get a good role in a BBC show. He can't carry a film on the big screen outside of Bond, I think that has become painfully clear by now, wouldn't you say?

    And I don't say this to put him down. I say the same about Dalton's film career, always have. I love that Dalton had his renaissance in Penny Dreadful.

    The only actors that had a decent to very successful big screen career outside Bond are Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.

    Jason and his crystal ball. Must be nice to have one. So yeah, he can't carry a film like Clooney, Pitt, Depp with all their recent costly flops and even Tom Cruise failed to do that in the Mummy. So he is in good company. Did it ever occur to you, before making these statements, that there is no such thing anymore. If the film is interesting and well made, people go see it. If not, not.


    Problem is, they all had their flops sure. But only Craig seems to have nothing but outside the Bond franchise. To be fair of course not all office films where flops, but none of them made serious money. Most of the time the studios seem to have been glad if they didn't lose money with his films.
    You shouldn't mention Depp though, he is the pure anti-thesis to Craig because he single-handedly created a protagonist that proved a real moneymaking machine for Disney.
    Think about it, Pirates of the Caribbean (for which I don't have any time at all!) was nothing but a roller coaster in Disney World before he worked his magic on it.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,571
    Craig does divide opinion. I've been a fan since Our Friends In The North, years before Bond, so I have followed his career closely. I see him as a charismatic actor who would have made it one way or the other. But I get it when others say differently.

    Just like I'm no Dalton fan, I understand why others are.
  • barryt007barryt007
    edited June 2017 Posts: 19,339
    Just out of interest peeps,why is this thread called the 'Daniel Craig discussion thread' ,while the Moore,Brosnan and Dalton ones which are trending at the moment are called 'appreciation ' threads ?

    Seems a bit unfair on Craig,shouldnt they all be the same ?
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,571
    GL renamed it to reflect more diverse criticism. I was going to rename the others and pull them back in line, just haven't got round to it
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