So Craig's Bond has been more realistic, rebellious and introspective, befitting a world where Jason Bourne and Mission: Impossible's Ethan Hunt have helped reinvent rules for the modern espionage thriller.Ĭraig's Bond questions his role as a government hitman and tries to walk away from it several times. The best Bonds are often reflections of their times. I've even coined a term for my struggle: White Guy Hero Infatuation Syndrome. And as I learn more about how those ideas have been embedded in media and society, the harder it becomes to sit back and enjoy his latest adventure. Still, Bond also often stands as an avatar for British colonialism and white, male privilege. I've also appreciated the many ways Craig's version of Bond has been refined and tweaked to address modern sensibilities - I'll talk about that in more detail a little further down. At the risk of inciting Roger Moore or George Lazenby fans, Craig's Bond has always been my second favorite – closest to the man novelist/creator Ian Fleming described as a 'blunt instrument' in service of Her Majesty's government. Business 'No Time to Die' shows how the Bond franchise can stay relevant - and profitableĪs the 25th Bond film No Time To Die hits theaters, fans like me will flock to theaters for Daniel Craig's final turn as the character, at a pivotal time for the nearly 60-year-old film franchise.
