Idris Elba as Shere Khan
Menacing, deep baritone with shades of dark and light; strong, invincible, arrogant do these qualities sound familiar? In the best Bond portrayals--I argue Sean Connery and Daniel Craig--the actors maintain a threatening undercurrent, including lighter moments, leaving the viewer puzzled about Bond's intentions.
When Ian Fleming launched his James Bond novels in 1952 (Casino Royale), Fleming characterized Bond as having "dark, rather cruel good looks." Interpret that quote as you may, but Idris Elba's portrayal of warlord, Abraham Attah, in The Beasts of No Nation, garnered rave reviews and was considered by many as an Oscar-worthy performance, though overlooked by Academy voters.
For those who argue that Mr. Elba doesn't have the risk-taking mentality, or athleticism, read about his grueling work in the same film, particularly David Fear's article about The Beasts of No Nation in Rolling Stone (October 10, 2015). Fear, an apt name for a critic of this movie, explains:
...Elba [sic] strides up to the young boy at the center of this crowd and asks "Who brought this thing here?" in a booming voice. It's a proper movie entrance, bold and brash, immediately establishing the man known only as "Commandant" as a charismatic...He oozes danger and power. You fear this person immediately.
( http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/idris-elba-on-beasts-of-no-nation-and-making-grown-men-cry-20151010#ixzz4C1Ji9yzd )
Mr. Elba in an earlier, smaller but career-launching role as Heimdall (the guardian of Asgard's Biofrost in Thor) commands and demands your attention, though you can barely discern his countenance. Mr. Elba's voice dictates his nuanced performance. He demonstrates intimidation, compassion and reluctant cooperation without having to see his facial expressions.
Then, there's the age-factor. Have Bond fans forgotten that Roger Moore played James Bond as late as fifty-seven-years old? Daniel Craig surpasses Idris Elba by five years, 48 and 43 respectively. The producers and Mr. Craig have discussed making another film together, though not confirmed as of today. Regardless if Mr. Elba decides and/or the producers decide not to cast him as Bond, in three years Idris Elba would still be eligible.
Another essential ingredient in a visual interpretation of James Bond includes the "sex" quotient. Could audiences accept Idris Elba playing a suave playboy? I've seen Mr. Elba wiping blood from his nose in the movie Pacific Rim as a cat would wipe its paw with its tongue. Smooth, elegant, smoky eyes that pull you into his character and never relent. I could go on, but I'm swooning at the moment.
And then, we have machismo. If Beasts of No Nation doesn't suffice for male readers, how about Krall in the new Star Trek movie, to open soon, or Stephen King's gunslinger in The Dark Tower (in production). Idris Elba can do it all, epitomizing the maverick, James Bond.
No comments:
Post a Comment