Thu, Feb 23 2006

Daniel Craig and the James Bond police

There are quite a few headlines floating around that mention film fans' unhappiness with actor Daniel Craig playing the part of James Bond, including one at Rotten Tomatoes. It always amazes me that so many people have such a limited concept of an actor playing a part. If a viewer is unable to separate a performer from the roles he or she takes on, we shouldn't necessarily leap to find fault with the actor. It is true that sometimes casting directors do make unwise calls in terms of looks, voice or other individual characteristics. But for viewers to fuse, or more to the point, confuse, an actor with one of his or her roles, shows a certain lack of appreciation for the art on the part of the audience.

It shouldn't matter that Mr. Craig, as Mr. Craig, has a certain hair color or drives a car with an automatic transmission on his way to pick up vegetables at the market. The finished film product is supposed to give an illusion of something. And it's the actor's job to contribute to that illusion. Once the film is completed it's left to the viewer to contribute his or her imagination to the experience. It will be interesting to see if all these elements come together once Casino Royale is finished and released. In the meantime, certain fans of James Bond seem determined to fight for their particular concept of what an actor portraying James Bond should be like. And one thing is certain. Ian Fleming produced a fictional character strong enough to incite people to near riots. How rare is that?

posted at: 09:23 | category: /Arts and Entertainment | link to this entry