Daniel Craig has always seemed a bit reserved when doing press and interviews, giving the impression that, well, he just doesn’t like doing it. Even though the Hollywood machine demands that stars and filmmakers promote their films, that doesn’t mean you have to love it, I suppose. However, for a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Craig opened up about a number of things, most notably his seemingly conflicted view of playing Bond.
“I’ve been trying to get out of this from the very moment I got into it,” Craig said, “but they won’t let me go, and I’ve agreed to do a couple more, but let’s see how this one does, because business is business and if the sh– goes down, I’ve got a contract that somebody will happily wipe their ass with.”
Ouch. Part of me wonders of Craig is just dealing with the post-promotion onslaught of SKYFALL, but the other part wonders if Craig views Bond as more of a unique opportunity, but not necessarily his ideal one. As for SKYFALL, Craig said, “It’s quite good. It’s got a lightness of touch and a wink to it, because, after all, this is a James Bond movie, for fuck’s sake.”
Craig also told the magazine how a group of street urchins described his Bond films as “white-man porn,” which the actor seemed to appreciate. “I completely understand that,” he said. “That’s where I fit into the pecking order. That’s my place. I’m that guy. I’m the guy who does the white-man porn.”
First off, why is Craig getting insight from street urchins? Regardless, it seems that, like Sean Connery, Craig is suffering from the Bond blues, even though he’s signed on to return to the role for two more outings. Based on his age (44) and the length of time it’ll take to knock out two more Bond films, I’m thinking Craig may well be looking for the exit doors once those are complete. For some actors, the weight of the role and the privacy loss are just too much.
“My insight is that he sacrificed a normal life. And I think there have to be times when he wonders if it was the right thing to do,” said Craig’s SKYFALL director Sam Mendes. However, there’s another former Bond who regards the entire experience with great esteem.
“I wear it [the role of Bond] with pride,” said Pierce Brosnan in an interview with Peter Travers. “I had the greatest time of my life being a part of that franchise. It’s a small company of men now, who’ve played the role.” He went on to say, “if you demean it in any way or shame it in any way, then more fool you.”
Perhaps that could serve some advice to Craig?SKYFALL is in theaters today.