Sunday, November 19, 2006

Masculinity Rebooted

A star is born this weekend - Western masculinity is back. Reports are already filtering in from Hollywood of the apparent suicides of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, Adrian Brody, Heath Ledger, and Tobey Maguire, all distraught at the destruction of their fanbases by the arrival of Daniel Craig as James Bond.

If Sean Connery died this morning, the papers tomorrow would say, "originated role of James Bond prior to Daniel Craig". I know this is a longshot, but heck - I'll take it: Don't be surprised if he takes home the Oscar in a few months.

And don't be surprised if a lot of big actors in Hollywood aren't working past next year.

Believe it. Bond hasn't returned; he's only just arrived.

13 Comments:

Blogger Eric said...

Did you know that Casino Royale was actually the first book that Fleming wrote? Funny that it only now is being brought to the silver screen.

I take it you've seen the movie?

Sunday, November 19, 2006 10:16:00 AM  
Blogger Jacques Beau Vert said...

Oh, I know it - I own it! I've read them all, and loved them all.

Have you seen the old Casino Royale? I was amused that they had the rattan chair and the carpet beater laying in the corner of one shot - I was laughing AT it, not with it...

There was an even older Casino Royale, on television, in black and white, with an American James "Jimmy" Bond. That's the reason why the rights were not available when Broccoli bought Bond.

It's odd - I thought the script needed serious, drastic work, but that the movie was unbeatable. Rare occasion of a director, and a real, redoubtable star, overcoming a so-so story.

I think it's by far and away the most Ian Fleming movie ever. I was a bit regretful during it that Fleming hadn't been able to see it - I think he would have wept with pride. Really.

See it, SO! (If you haven't)

Sunday, November 19, 2006 11:06:00 AM  
Blogger Zac said...

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've heard very good things about it.

I still think Connory was the best, thus far. That may change once I see Casino Royale.

Sunday, November 19, 2006 3:22:00 PM  
Blogger Havril said...

At last, I can put an end to this sensitive-guy charade. I'm buying a gun.

Sunday, November 19, 2006 7:38:00 PM  
Blogger Jacques Beau Vert said...

I bought three guns, Havril. Honestly, it's like you're not even trying.

Monday, November 20, 2006 7:34:00 AM  
Blogger Jacques Beau Vert said...

Zac,

I beat up six guys this weekend, listening to Christina Aguilera's "Fighter" on my iPod. You're gonna love it.

P.,

Yah, I loved it. I really felt like I was witnessing the birth of a whole new Cool - as big and influential as the Connery-Young-Hamilton films were in the 60s, redefining pop culture and maleness, I think this new Bond series will do the same. Big and bold prediction, I know - it's just a hunch.

Monday, November 20, 2006 7:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Would it be a bad time to tell you that I have never seen a single Bond movie? The bond moives just don't appeal to me.
The day Casino Royale came out, I went and watched Happy Feet and when I came out I was singing and dancing just like mumble.

Monday, November 20, 2006 8:06:00 AM  
Blogger Havril said...

"I bought three guns, Havril. Honestly, it's like you're not even trying."

You haven't seen the size of my gun.

Monday, November 20, 2006 2:20:00 PM  
Blogger Tarkwell Robotico said...

Mozart -

not even the 1812 Overture?

Monday, November 20, 2006 4:36:00 PM  
Blogger Tarkwell Robotico said...

bo green -

boy, this is a set up. if its anything like V for Vendetta, I'll go joe green on you.

Monday, November 20, 2006 4:36:00 PM  
Blogger Jacques Beau Vert said...

Havril, I'm willing to take your word for it.

Taking Mozart's suggestion, I'm putting the 1812 Overture on my iPod for all future manly beatings-up for thugs.

Chucker, would I set you up with ANYthing like V For Vendetta?

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 8:35:00 AM  
Blogger Joe Calgary said...

HAVE A VERY MERRY, EXTRA RELAXING, TROUBLE FREE, JOYOUS CHRISTMAS, AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU ALL THE BEST OF FORTUNE AND JOY!!!!

Have fun JBG!!! I'm off to save and recharge my soul for another year.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 8:47:00 AM  
Blogger RGM said...

Happy Feet was awesome, didn't care much for the stock enviro message, but the dancing and the penguins were great.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 3:14:00 PM  

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