Casino Royale Is Daniel Craig’s Best Bond Movie
Casino Royale is considered to be one of the best James Bond movies. In a public poll set up by IMDB, Casino Royale (2006) was voted the best James Bond movie ever. It received 70.8 percent of the votes, whereas GoldenEye (1995), the second close, only got 29.2 percent of the show of hands. Popular James Bond movies like Dr. No and Goldfinger did make it to the second last round but were eliminated in the subsequent rounds.
After much debate, Debbie McWilliams, the casting director of Casino Royale, had chosen Daniel Craig as the number one choice for the new generation Bond character. Since Casino Royale, Daniel Craig has had two other successful bond films: Skyfall, and Spectre. Casino Royale has also reignited the general interest in gambling. It is not uncommon for a Daniel Craig fan to sign-up with an online casino or partake in a live casino contest.
What Makes Daniel Craig Stand Out From the Likes of Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery?
No questioning the fact that Daniel Craig is better looking than his predecessors. But he was introduced in an era when the movies had taken a turn from showcasing old-fashioned and brute male role models to calm and sophisticated men. Daniel Craig may not appear as masculine or macho as Pierce Brosnan or Sean Connery, but he is the new generation of James Bonds, who are more humane and modest.
When Daniel Craig was chosen as the successor of Pierce Brosnan, he was criticized by media, fans, and movie critics for being too short and not brawny enough to play the character of James Bond. However, the movies he acted in didn’t require him to perform outrageously difficult stunts or use modern gadgets. I guess the tried and true formula was played out, and the audience was looking for a fresh new twist.
In the three Bond movies that Daniel has acted in, you will still see stunts, car chases, gun shooting, and some fistfights, but they are not as graphic as they used to be. I guess Daniel Craig was ideally suited for the brand spanking new James Bond series. Surprisingly, Sam Mendes, an Oscar-winning British director, was the first choice for Skyfall and Spectre. Sam has also directed a romance/drama “American Beauty.”
James Bond and Gambling
Being a macho figure, the James Bond character has always revolved around gambling, casinos, women, and cigars. In his movie Casino Royale, Daniel Craig was seen playing Texas Hold Em Poker and not Baccarat. Casino Royale is an adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel with the same name. In the book, the James Bond character is keenly interested in playing Baccarat.
As you already might know, Baccarat is popularly played by the European upper and elite class. Ian wanted James Bond to be put in that category. Daniel Craig playing a common man’s game, made him even more humane. The audience could relate to him better. Texas poker has also been long associated with cowboys and RiverBoat gamblers. It does not involve fancy high-end casinos.
Also, Texas poker is way more popular than Baccarat. Daniel was able to reach a wider audience. Daniel Craig’s role in the James Bond movies Casino Royale, Skyfall, and Spectre made him appear more rake (but humane); hence he was likable.
