“He defined the role” is one of the most frequently cited arguments in favour of Sir Sean Connery being the best James Bond.
And while I don’t mean to sully what Connery did, I would like to offer a counter-argument – Daniel Craig re-defined James Bond for the 21st Century.
I will delve into this in a later paragraph, but I believe Daniel Craig has given us the finest, most authentic and human incarnation of James Bond and I’m incredibly sad to see him depart.
And to think he was almost universally derided when he was introduced as the new Bond in 2005.
Craig won over his skeptics when Casino Royale released to near-unanimous critical acclaim, while also becoming the highest-grossing Bond movie of all time.
In fact, the four highest-grossing Bond movies have all come under Craig's regime.
Then there’s Skyfall. In terms of both technical accomplishments and storytelling depth, it’s by some distance the best Bond movie in my opinion.
And Craig’s performance, as an ageing warship who is reckoning with the new world order while coming to terms with his mortality, has layers and nuances to it that truly separates him from the pack.
The depth that Craig brings to the character, his raw physicality, the steely eyes, all contribute to a truly stunning Bond portrayal.
Craig’s Bond has always been the best of both worlds – suave yet savage, cocky yet composed, lascivious yet loyal – his Bond is the most real and human portrayal of the character; there is a complexity to him.
And because of the dramatically improved writing, he has been allowed to explore the character in more significant and meaningful ways than his predecessors. And being the fine actor that he is, he’s consistently knocked it out of the park.
But much like Bond had to reckon with his age in Skyfall, so must Craig. At age 51, the intense physicality of the role is getting to be a bit too much, but when he retires, he will do so as the longest-serving Bond.
Craig’s tenure has seen a pattern emerge – he makes one exceptional Bond movie, and then a mediocre one. If that pattern holds, No Time to Die should serve as a fitting swansong.
James Bond will not go gently into the night, neither will Daniel Craig.
Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Thank you, Mr Craig. It’s been a pleasure.
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