Casino Royale thread

The latest and oldest photos and videos of Daniel Craig. Don't be shy about contributing!

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videnovasan
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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by videnovasan »

Yep, It was publiched in Serbian internet site. The other guy a Serbian actor was saying some nice word about DC. Thx for sharing. I was about to do the same!
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Re: Casino Royale thread

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In preparation for NTTD, I'm doing a Craig-era film every 2 weeks on Thursday nights. It should time perfectly with the release of NTTD in the UK on 30 September (if all goes to plan). So, let's begin........

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I haven't watched CR since 2013 and since then - at least in the UK - the film has reached hallowed and iconic status. I thought I was about to watch a masterpiece and - as it turned out - I did not. I'll whisper it, but 'CR may have got a tad overhyped in the last 15 years.' Don't get me wrong, It's a very good film.....but there are problems. For example, as @Zarozzor points out the third act is not that strong.

My main point of contention is the lumpy structure. It struggles to really hold together propulsive plot and there are some sluggish sequences. It's not helped that the Bahamas and Casino interludes are in need of trimming.

Considering the film is now revered for being the 'gritty reboot' of Bond, I was surprised how light and entertaining CR actually is. It's definitely more character-driven, but it's also a very mischievous, sexy and charming film. There are even a few moments that are verge on the corny or absurd.

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The real MVP here is Daniel Craig. This was the first time I've watched a Bond film in a while and really wanted to be Bond. Craig is simply that cool and his Bond is more of a lone wolf. It's helped that he plays an actual character. This is basically the 'bad boy' version of Bond (you know, 'the one your mother warned you about') who has a problem with authority and playing by the rules. He's naughty, sly and has a glint in his eye. He's that guy all the girls roll their eyes at and pretend to want nothing to do with, but secretly all want attention from. Though he can be a cocksure and arrogant git. 007’s got a frequently remarked upon ego, which can cause him to recklessly overreach and botch things. In fact, his aforementioned 'ego' forms a large part of his learning curve in the film.

Though - if watching Bond learn lessons about hubris sounds grating - Craig is equally as impressive as the stoic, romantic hero figure. Especially in his latter scenes with Vesper and the action. He feels so very authentic and convincing as the 'rough diamond' assassin finding his footing in MI6. The real magic from Craig comes in the emotional scenes. You see how Bond struggles with the violence and how he develops into a colder character before the credits roll.

Eva Green is simply stunning. Vesper Lynd is hardly the typical Bond girl and Green makes her an ideal match for Craig’s Bond. Their banter is so well performed and a surprise in this supposedly 'serious, modern reboot', as it feels more akin to something from a Hitchcock film. The real asset that Green brings to Vesper is a degree of complexity; she's enigmatic, elegant, vampish and - fundamentally - feels real. Her response to the violence is authentic and harrowing. If I had a gripe with the character, it would be the dumb 'little finger' scene in Lake Como. If only the film had scrubbed that wonky dialogue and added something more tender it would have sold the romantic relationship more (it's a shame as otherwise the script is actually excellent).

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Martin Campbell is the ultimate master of ceremony. His combination of grand action set-pieces, claustrophobic bloody fight scenes with glitz and glamour among Europe's high flyers and criminal kingpins delivers by far the coolest Bond movie since the early 1960s. If Campbell didn't reinvent the Bond film with CR, he definitely shook it up a little, chipping away at the pastiche. The film isn't overly self-referential and it actually feels like an attempt to modernise the series for 2006 (it surprisingly hasn't aged much since either). The photography by Phil Mehuex is beautifully rich and glossy. Though, if I am to nitpick, I think the styling and camera shots of Craig at the poker table are not flattering (just too many ugly close-ups). Also, the action editing by Stuart Baird is A+.

It should be said that this isn't a 'Jason Bourne' film. Whilst the action is brutal, the tone is glamorous and the plot is far-fetched and bit daft. It's probably overly long and melodramatic. Though regardless of any fragilities on show, what makes CR an outstanding piece of work is Daniel Craig - who did nothing less than reinvent a character that everyone already knew and had thoughts on how he should be played. He totally took ownership of 007 here.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

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videnovasan
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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by videnovasan »

I can't agree more.My thoughts exactly...
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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by Dunda »

Thanks to A


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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by Germangirl »

You eadily forget how much learning curve is in every Detail. Probably how you shove billets around convincingly, too.
The top notch acting in the Weisz/Craig/Spall 'Betrayal' is emotionally true, often v funny and its beautifully staged with filmic qualities..

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Re: Casino Royale thread

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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by Germangirl »

Good ole Michael. I like him
The top notch acting in the Weisz/Craig/Spall 'Betrayal' is emotionally true, often v funny and its beautifully staged with filmic qualities..

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Re: Casino Royale thread

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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by Jana66 »

:D :D :D I love all that CR-pics.
Even about 16 years later I can watch it over an over again.
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Germangirl
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Re: Casino Royale thread

Post by Germangirl »

Havent seen it in a long while I have to admit. 😉
The top notch acting in the Weisz/Craig/Spall 'Betrayal' is emotionally true, often v funny and its beautifully staged with filmic qualities..

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