The Evolution of James Bond Movies

James Bond is a secret service agent in MI6 and Royal Navy Commander known for his suave and charisma. He is shown to be very aware and fine-tuned to the surrounding environment, prolific in hand-to-hand combat and gun control. He is also portrayed as an alcoholic with his most famous dialogue “shaken, not stirred” when asking for martinis. The evolution of James Bond has been a remarkable journey throughout the movie series.

Sean Connery

James Bond was first portrayed by Sir Sean Connery in 1962 featured film Dr. No. Sean Connery set the bar for portraying James Bond for future actors. He laid the foundation for the traits of James Bond: ruthless, witty, sexy, classy, rugged and up to the task. The acting also helped Sean Connery for being voted as the Sexiest Man Alive by Peoples magazine.

Roger Moore

After Sean Connery, Sir Roger Moore was elected to play the British Spy. Roger Moore is the longest serving Bond actor spanning a total of 12 years. Moore’s Bond was more polished and sophisticated with a mocking wit and innuendos. Thus, far more light hearted than Connery’s Bond. To make Bond tougher, Moore opted for .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson instead of Walther PPK. The former was a hand cannon made famous by the cowboy outlaw Clint Eastwood.

Timothy Dalton

After Moore’s retirement from Bond franchise, Timothy Dalton took up the 007 mantle. He brought a more serious and gritty approach to the character. The less fun “The living daylights” and “License to kill” were critically acclaimed but were panned by the fans who were accustomed to Moore’s funny acting.

Peirce Brosnan

Peirce Brosnan was next Bond and played the character in “Golden eye”, “Tomorrow never dies”, “The world is not enough” and “Die another Day”. Brosnan’s acting wasn’t overtly sexual and dominant over women. He also brought back more action and elegance to the Bond franchise. The character of James Bond changed with passage of time, for example, Brosnans’ Bond did not smoke throughout his films.

Daniel Craig

Last but not the least, the latest Bond actor is Daniel Craig. His portrayal is more dangerous, flawed, emotionally damaged and egotistical. Craig acted in “Casino Royale”, “Quantam of Solace”, “Skyfall” and more recently in “Spectre’’. His first appearance in “Casino Royale” met with criticism as he had blond hair and blue eyes, but by “Quantum of Solace” he was favored highly. He is considered to be closest to the original character’s image after Sean Connery. He was said to be a professional killing machine; charming, cold blooded but loyal to MI6 with a taste of luxury.

The quest for next James Bond continues with few speculations heard and met with criticism. Craig’s damaged and dangerous; and Connery’s elegant and efficient portrayal has set the bar up pretty high for the next Bond actor. The evolution of James Bond has been a bumpy ride. Let’s cross our fingers and welcome the next person who plays the Bond Character. However, the big question is that whether he will continue Connery and Craig’s legacy or create one of his own.