The first of the over a dozen Bond books written by Fleming, Casino Royale now has a new and fitting avatar as a film. The first Casino Royale was more of a comic adventure. The disappointing 1967 film starring Peter Sellers, David Niven, Orson Wells, Ursula Andress and Woody Allen was a small success compared to the other gigantic Bond hits.
The last Bond film Die Another Day grossed about $1 billion worldwide four years ago, half of it accruing from video and DVD sales, and cable TV showings and product placements. It would be a big surprise if the new thriller cannot match those figures.
The new movie is the 21st film in the series but since it also happens to be based on the first Bond novel, it offers an introduction to the career of Bond. This is achieved in a few minutes of intense black and white episode right at the start that telegraphs the amorality and arrogance that are the hallmarks of the super agent.
But we also get to see some emotions in the character, and that is no small achievement. It is like some fine novelists like Eric Ambler played an invisible part in rewriting the new movie. ("In this film, James Bond is a darker character, which is how Ian Fleming originally wrote him," says Craig in the production notes of the film. "We start right at the beginning of Bond's career, when he has a lot of rough edges. He's a loner, and he doesn't like to get involved with people. As the movie goes on, though, he becomes more refined.")
Don't Miss! Explore Casino Royale
Advertisement
