Being James Bond
One of the most iconic figures in pop culture is James Bond, the world-travelling British superspy. When the first Bond novel came out in 1952, the world was ecstatic. The first Bond film, Casino Royale, was an instant hit when it premiered in 1962.
In 60 years, 25 films and 7 actors playing Bond, it has never looked back and is still going strong. It’s currently the longest-running movie franchise, with each entry being a box office success. The Bond franchise set the standard for all subsequent spy films and spawned many of the genre’s classic tropes. These include nefarious masterminds, eccentric henchmen, a shadowy international criminal empire, exotic locations, luxurious vehicles, a fantastic collection of weapons and, of course, a select group of women.
Becoming James Bond: The Daniel Craig Story is a candid and light-hearted look back at Craig as 007. At 16 years (he’s also the actor with the longest tenure as Bond) and five films, Craig’s version revived the franchise and made him… the most successful Bond (in terms of box office). He is also widely credited for portraying characters envisioned and created by writer Ian Fleming.
He candidly recounts his journey as Bond, from his highly controversial casting to his emotional and emotional after-filming of his final Bond film, No Time To Die, due out in early 2022. Bittersweet to leave. While speaking with Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, Craig shares behind-the-scenes tidbits, behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from each of the five films.
When he was cast as James Bond in 2005, Daniel Craig wasn’t considered a protagonist at all. He also doesn’t look like the old Bonds. The media hype was relentless, and everyone was judging the movie before they even saw any footage. But when Casino Royale premiered in 2006, it was a critical and box office success. It silences his critics faster than you can say “shaken, not agitated.” Craig is a new Bond, yes, but a modern Bond, with an emotional depth never before portrayed on screen. Instead of the sleek, suave, good-looking boy with bombastic gags and witty one-liners, he’s a dark, intense, complex killer with a sense of style and dark humor who’s not afraid to show the holes in his sense of humor.
They also talked about the many difficulties in creating Quantum of Solace, Skyfall’s triumph, and Spectre’s homage to and return to old-school Bond.
Shocked to hear of the physical damage that playing Bond did to Craig’s body, who sustained a lot of injuries from his insane stunts. Then there’s the emotional toll of being pushed into the spotlight, and the post-ghost disillusionment that comes with burnout — and his growing age.
No Time to Die was the last film starring Daniel Craig, considered the best 007 of all time, as James Bond. He will certainly be missed, leaving a huge footprint to be filled by whoever they play Bond #8.
Directed by: Baillie Walsh
