The SEAN CONNERY Appreciation thread - Discuss His Life, His Career, His Bond Films

AgentJamesBond007AgentJamesBond007 Vesper’s grave
edited February 2017 in Actors Posts: 2,630
Show your appreciation for Sir Sean here :)
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  • edited June 2012 Posts: 1,492
    The casting of the century?

    What would have happened to Seans career if he, Bond and Broccoli and Saltzman had crossed paths in 1961. Maybe his career would have taken off in movies? Or maybe he would have been stuck in TV..we don't know. All we know that it catapulted him into international superstardom.

    There was something about him that fitted the character. Personally I think it is down to his machismo. Connery was brought up in a very tough area of Edinburgh. There are endless anecdotes of him using his fists in real life. He was a veteran of the Royal Navy and it is rumoured that his support for the SNP may have been sparked by snobby English officers when he was at a tender age.

    They had to force this actor who had been portraying boxers and harddrinkers (although he had done Shakespeare and Tolstoy) was down to Terence Young. He made Connery sleep in the savile row suit and was responsible for ironing out his rough edges. Occasionally the Scottish burr came through but for the first four films he was a portrayal of Bond which reaches deity status. His Bond bestrode the world like a colossus.

    His last two are debatable but the world was so in love with Sean Connery they would have gone to see him in Aladdin at the Maidstone hippodrome. His films always made money which has always been the achilles heel of Connery. He discovered the filthy lucre. He discovered the joy of wonga and he never looked back.

    He did do some good roles in the seventies and eighties and won an oscar. But towards the end of his career he charged so much that only the big studios could afford him. Therefore he was in trashy blockbuster hell such as The Rock and Entrapment. Gone were the days when he did a film (ie Time Bandits) because he liked the script.

    He became Creosus like rich. When he finished Diamonds he stated he had his own bank. He lives in a maximum security twilight home in the Bahamas. Not just a house in the Bahamas but the peninsula he lives on is cut off from the world with its own private security.

    Who can blame him? He has made his money he can enjoy it.

    He used to be a hero of mine in the eighties but has time has gone on and more stories emerge about him, he isn't the hero he was. Oh Sean, I love you but you could be so much better.
  • Posts: 5,634
    You mean to tell me there is isn't a Sean Connery appreciation thread already in operation?, Brady or someone else would of got such a thing underway back in Dinosaurs etc, this surely has to be a duplicate of something already in existence

    In any event, and being quick, Connery is obviously one of the best James Bond's ever, not my personal favorite, but between 1962-65 was hard to beat, the very epitome of the Ian Fleming creation sometimes, only Dalton has come close on occasion, also Craig has done very sporadic similarities but still has something to prove. Connery should of quit after 1965, or at least after YOLT and even then had simply lost interest with the part and it showed whenever you watch it, but still a very good Bond for the most part
  • edited June 2012 Posts: 12,837
    I think I've started a trend ;) time for a Dalton one now.

    Anyway, he's not my favourite but he is a great Bond, and without Connery, we probably wouldn't even have the series today.
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    edited June 2012 Posts: 13,350
    Connery made Bond what it was, without him being the 'best' and the one everyone aims for the public to beat who knows where we would be today.
    You mean to tell me there is isn't a Sean Connery appreciation thread already in operation?, Brady or someone else would of got such a thing underway back in Dinosaurs etc, this surely has to be a duplicate of something already in existence

    I did look (even though I thought there was not one) and nothing like this has ever been done before - not on these forums anyway.

    Might as well get the Lazenby, Dalton and Craig threads started now.
  • Although Moore was the Bond of record when I was a kid there was only one true James Bond for me - Sean Connery.

    I saw a double feature of GF and DAF on TV when I was 11 or 12 and I was hooked. I had never seen anything like those films and they struck me - and all the other guys at my school - they way that Star Wars did for so many kids.

    After just a year or two all the guys my age jumped on the Moore bandwagon. Connery and his films were considered old-fashioned and goofy; everyone save me and one friend thought that Connery was embarrassingly stupid with his ridiculous greased hair and ugly clothes. But they didn't bother me because of how cool Connery was.

    Other than maybe Harrison Ford as Han Solo and Indy no other combination of character and actor influenced me as much as Connery as Bond did. He was quite simply exactly the man that I wanted to be when I grew up. He had the confidence, the charm, the physicality, the class, and the way with women that I coveted. And best of all he made it all so effortless and natural, unlike Moore who seemed to be tough and attractive to women only because the script said that he was.

    As I grew older and started to become the man I wanted to be I needed role models less. That in addition to learning some...well, less than flattering things about Connery as a person really took the bloom off the rose. But the interesting thing is that the less I hero-worshiped Connery/Bond the more I could objectively see just how great Connery's performance was. The combination of actor, character, and performance is one of the greatest ones in the history of film and one of the main reasons that the film series continues today. Imagine if David Niven had been cast as per Fleming's wish!
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    See, I'm one of those people who's not interested in the personal lives of celebrities. I really couldn't care less. As long as they're able to deliver the magic on screen and put a smile on my face that's all I care about.
    That being said, Connery IMO is the best and my favourite Bond and although other actors may come close, Connery can never be surpassed. His Bond films are the most iconic and he brought the most organic Bond performances out of the 6 actors. His slick and suave style, the snobbery and pinache, the aggression and sexual magnetism he was able to command was awe-inspiring. The series owes alot to Sean's talent and that's why he's the benchmark and not because he was the first as some peole would have others believe.
  • Posts: 12,506
    A stroke of genius in casting and the man who set the standard for the charactor! And for actors who followed to measure up too! Thank you Sir Sean! ^:)^
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I assumed there was already one of these out there, or I would have made one.

    What can I say that hasn't already been said? It is no secret that the man is pure Bond. He set the tone with his suave, ruthless, and dangerous Bond, and left behind a blueprint that each actor can and should base their portrayal on. Outside of Bond, we have a moviestar, maybe, but a moviestar with incredible talents. These shine in The Untouchables, my favorite role of his, where we see not only how amazing the man's acting is, but also his intimidating presence on screen that carries into his life off screen. If I ever met him in public I've no idea what would happen. I imagine getting sweaty head to foot, and shaking uncontrollably with nervous tension. Not many men have such an intimidation that carries with them through their age, but Sean is just as amazing a presence to behold now in his 80s as he was in his early 30s, getting his Bond legs. The man is more than just a man, he is a legend. I could never truly pay enough tribute to him with just a post, because he defies the English language. He is the whole reason I am here, and a Bond fan, and the world is brighter for having him. I bet even the Queen was shaking when she knighted him. :)

    Thank you for coming into my life, you amazing man. ^:)^
  • Posts: 1,146
    I enjoy Craig and Lazenby, but to me there will only be one OO7, and his part is played by Sean Connery.

    "As long as the carpet matches the drapes."

    lol
  • I can get away with this classic link in this thread, cant I ? This is pretty cool.

  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Happy 82nd birthday, Sean. You are the best Bond there ever was and ever will be.
  • Even though he's not my favourite Bond (although he is brilliant), he's my favourite of the Bond actors outside of Bond film wise. The Rock, The Last Crusade, The Great Train Robbery, the guy has made so many great films as well as his amazing Bond films.

    Happy birthday Sean Connery <:-P
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    edited August 2012 Posts: 28,694
    It is my belief that when we all die, it is Sean Connery we will face for judgement. In that case...we're all not worthy! ^:)^
  • Posts: 11,425
    Legend. He defined the role and made it look effortless and believable. He has an incredible screen pressence that none of his successors has ever really matched. Watching him in those early Bonds is pure enjoyment. He fills the slightest movement with latent energy, menace and meaning. Really he is in a league of his own. But that is why I admire Sir Rog so much. To follow Connery, do your own thing, and still be a huge success is a sign of how brilliant RM was. We were extremely lucky with those two. Don't make them like that any moore.
  • Posts: 3,333
    Director Simon West has one final casting dream to fulfil if he is given the go-ahead to make a third Expendables movie - he wants Sir Sean Connery to come out of retirement for one last action role. Talk is turning to a possible third film, and West admits he will try to persuade the former James Bond star to get back in the acting game.

    "I don't know who's left (to include in a third film). Sean Connery would be great to bring back from retirement. I don't know if he wants to do it, but I'd love to have Sean Connery," he told the Press Association.
  • Nobody does it better than Sir Sean. As Bond or in any other movie for that matter. He's the total package and the Bond all who followed will forever be compared to. This is why Dalton and Craig are as great as they are in the role- no one is ever too good, too young, or too old to learn from the master.
  • Posts: 11,425
    Favourite Sean in non Bond roles include The Name of the Rose for me. A great movie and Connery conveys the charm and wisdom of a life well lived.
  • Sean is the original and best Bond. His style, attitude, charm, ruthlessness. He had it all. An inspired casting by the producers. Sean Connery set the high benchmark that is yet to be beaten.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Sean Connery in the next Expendables?! WHAT?! In addition to the already stellar badass cast, they are also looking for Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford for #3! The world would literally implode from all the mere power of awesomeness. @-)
  • Posts: 12,506
    Sean Connery in the next Expendables?! WHAT?! In addition to the already stellar badass cast, they are also looking for Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford for #3! The world would literally implode from all the mere power of awesomeness. @-)

    Wow! I heard about hopes to get Connery? But Eastwood and Ford too?!!! That would be mind blowing! :O
  • edited January 2014 Posts: 12,837
    It'd be hard to top the 2nd one but getting Connery, Eastwood and Ford onboard would be a good way to go. They should also include

    Jackie Chan (anyone who's done the amount of stunts he's done deserves a spot)
    Steven Seagal (old school action hero, not sure why he hasn't been hired for the 1st o 2nd)
    Mel Gibson (yes he's anti semetic and bat sh*t insane but he's f*cking Mad Max!!!, that trilogy is one of the greatest action trilogies of all time, then there's lethal weapon, he deserves a spot)
    Chow Yun Fat (watch anything involving him and John Woo to see why)
    Liam Neeson (Taken, nuff said)
    Vin Diesel (bit like Statham, young, pretty new, but badass)
    Samuel L Jackson (he's been in tons of action films, I'm thinking maybe he could play the bad guy)
    Mr T (lets face it, the only reason Dolph Lundgren was in the first two was because he fought Rocky, well so did Mr T)

    And a few more but I'm lazy. And maybe they could try and get Jet Li in it for more than 5 minutes!!! (that's one of the only major problems I have with Expendables 2: it promises more Jet Li than it gies)
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Well, they should save a few people for #4.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    They'll never convince Connery to do it.

    And yes, Chow Yun Fat should be in the next one. The, A better tomorrow series, hard boiled, the killer, God of gamblers movies are amazing.
  • Well, they should save a few people for #4.

    I think there will definetly be a 3rd but 4 might be pushing it.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,567
    Watching FRWL on TV the other day I watched the entire film without taking my eyes away from Connery.
    I appreciate that younger fans now look at Connery without any bias and can compare him with other Bonds more objectively. However watching him was a real lesson in understated film acting. In non of his films was he anything other than mesmeric. He never over emphasised the tough guy act like some have since him, and yet he always looked like a guy who could handle himself in a scrap. And the expressions on his face during a) the gypsy girl fight and b) following the explosion at the Russian embassy ( his look of confused amusement) were early signs of the great film actor he became.

    I always enjoy watching Connery in any film he has been in, but as Bond, regardless of the benefits of 'being the first one', he was sublime.
  • edited January 2014 Posts: 11,189
    One of my favourite Connery moments is the scene in FRWL when Bond and Kerim are looking at the plans of the Russian consulate and discussing how Tatiana is going to retrieve the Lecktor:

    Bond: "Don't worry...all I want is that Lecktor.
    Kerim: "all? Are you sure that's all you want?"
    Bond: Well? (Smiles at Kerim and the two laugh).

    Always makes me chuckle. You can smell the confidence and testosterone.
  • royale65royale65 Caustic misanthrope reporting for duty.
    Posts: 4,417
    NicNac wrote:
    Watching FRWL on TV the other day I watched the entire film without taking my eyes away from Connery.
    I appreciate that younger fans now look at Connery without any bias and can compare him with other Bonds more objectively. However watching him was a real lesson in understated film acting. In non of his films was he anything other than mesmeric. He never over emphasised the tough guy act like some have since him, and yet he always looked like a guy who could handle himself in a scrap. And the expressions on his face during a) the gypsy girl fight and b) following the explosion at the Russian embassy ( his look of confused amusement) were early signs of the great film actor he became.

    I always enjoy watching Connery in any film he has been in, but as Bond, regardless of the benefits of 'being the first one', he was sublime.

    Personally I can't take my eye of Connery is his first three Bond films, as you said he's mesmeric; he is quite magnetic, chuffing cool and so virlie. Connery has the sense of purpose that Fleming's Bond had as well. Bloody brilliant.
  • edited January 2014 Posts: 6,396
    royale65 wrote:
    NicNac wrote:
    Watching FRWL on TV the other day I watched the entire film without taking my eyes away from Connery.
    I appreciate that younger fans now look at Connery without any bias and can compare him with other Bonds more objectively. However watching him was a real lesson in understated film acting. In non of his films was he anything other than mesmeric. He never over emphasised the tough guy act like some have since him, and yet he always looked like a guy who could handle himself in a scrap. And the expressions on his face during a) the gypsy girl fight and b) following the explosion at the Russian embassy ( his look of confused amusement) were early signs of the great film actor he became.

    I always enjoy watching Connery in any film he has been in, but as Bond, regardless of the benefits of 'being the first one', he was sublime.

    Personally I can't take my eye of Connery is his first three Bond films, as you said he's mesmeric; he is quite magnetic, chuffing cool and so virlie. Connery has the sense of purpose that Fleming's Bond had as well. Bloody brilliant.

    Agree with that. The screen presence, charisma and sex appeal of Connery in the first three films is pretty much unrivalled by anyone else in cinema. Only the likes of Cary Grant and Paul Newman come close.

    By TB though he's starting to look a little bit bored with the whole thing and due to a relationship breakdown with Cubby and Harry, he was just downright fed up by YOLT and it clearly shows.
  • edited January 2014 Posts: 11,425
    He still rocks in YOLT IMO.

    Funny how there is so little discussion about Connery on these threads. I guess he's so uncontroversial. What's there to say? He was the best, right? Yeah. The controversy is always about second place and bottom rankers in the Bond ratings.
  • edited January 2014 Posts: 11,189
    While Connery is great I wouldn't say he's beyond criticism. In DAF he isn't Bond - he's an ageing Sean Connery. Brosnan in parts of DAD feels more like Bond (that's pretty controversial).

    I don't mind Connery in YOLT (I remember cheering to myself at "the things I do for England" line).
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