Review: Quantum of Solace

Special: All about James Bond

The name is Craig, Daniel Craig.

He is the man who broke the mould of a tough and tenacious super-spy incapable of such human emotions as love and pain. Debonair and dashing, yet very human - Craig was the sixth actor to debut as James Bond in Casino Royale last year. As his latest Bond flick Quantum of Solace hits Indian screens, NDTVMovies.com caught up with the blue-eyed actor. Here is what the suave spy had to share:

NDTVMovies.com: How was it to act in yet another high octane Bond film ?

Craig: It was really wonderful to work in Quantum of Solace. I had been linked to it even before we started the shoot. I was really excited about the stunt sequences and emphasised not using any body double. I was convinced about doing the stunts myself. My role is that of a very strong and determined man. I play a betrayed lover, all out for revenge. It's been an awesome character to play. I was amazed and so proud of myself to be able to do all that was expected of me. It was a very challenging role but considering it as the part of a Bond film I accepted it wholeheartedly. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and it's been an incredible experience.

NDTVMovies.com: How is your role in Quantum of Solace different from that of Casino Royale?

Craig: I knew that this one is very special and I need to put in my best as far as acting is concerned, I knew we had to try something different and for me personally it has changed me. It was a privilege to play this character for the second time. Quantum of Solace is a trademark Bond film . So to give it a fresh feel we tried to personify James Bond in a slightly different look with some different mannerisms and habits but I still don't care about my drink being shaken or stirred!

NDTVMovies.com: Gemma Arterton has recently been quoted as saying that you were lucky to see her naked. How does it feel to be the priviledged one?

Craig: I guess I am God's favourite child, so he gifted me with this opportunity. She has a very toned figure and has done a fabulous job.

NDTVMovies.com: The beach scene in Casino Royale has been feeding media frenzy for long. There have been rumours of you attributing it to good luck. What are your views on this?

Craig: I feel I have been successful in breaking the myth that a swim suit in a Bond film is meant for a female body only!

NDTVMovies.com: Tell us something about your future projects ?

Craig: There are many interesting projects in the pipeline which include The Jacket, opposite Keira Knightley and Adrien Brody, and Steven Spielberg's Vengeance. They all are equally good and will get the same amount of praise and goodwill from the audiences. Well, so I hope!

NDTVMovies.com: Have you ever read any of the James Bond novels?

Craig: I do like reading books; I find it very relaxing. I have been a die hard fan of Bond stories from childhood. Bond novels take me to an entirely new world and it's really interesting to get to know about this flamboyant yet lovable character.

NDTVMovies.com: Who are your favourite James Bond actor and actress?

Craig: This is a tough one. All the actors who have portrayed Bond are enormously talented people so it's difficult to choose from one of them. But as I do have to make a choice I believe Sir Sean Connery did a wonderful job and elegantly justified the character. He is a store-house of talent and has made James Bond an unforgettable character. As far as women go, I think Vesper Lynd and Gemma Artetron in Quantum of Solace hold their own style. Personally, I believe Olga was great to work with. My female counterpart is extremely professional in her approach and has done a great job playing the glamorous role .

NDTVMovies.com: What's your greatest sex appeal?

Craig: I believe the real appeal of the person lies in how he gets along with his colleagues and how, in the simplest possible manner, he attracts the fairer sex. As for me, I believe my sex appeal lies in my eyes and my macho image.

NDTVMovies.com: Apart from Bond, one other role to die for?

Craig: For now, I wish to be a part of future Bond franchise too; but playing different types of characters has always been my motto like all other actors. I take up those roles that excite me, be it romantic or action oriented. In my view, an actor gives his best only in a role that he is convinced about.

NDTVMovies.com: Have you heard of any of the Indian actors or actresses? Any favourites?

Craig: I haven't met any of the Indian film actors in person except Shilpa Shetty. She is beautiful and very talented too. I think she looks great and has a killing figure, just right for a Bond girl.