When The Bourne Identity opened, some critics pronounced James Bond obsolete - and he was, as he had been for years, until Casino Royale. Perhaps it was the Jason Bourne films, with their grim violence, chilly realism, and broken protagonist, that helped Bond find a new direction. It is also almost the only film ( On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is another, to a degree) that treats Bond as an actual character, not just a glamorous, romantic action hero.Ĭasino Royale breaks sharply with the previous direction of the franchise - rut, really - which the series’ producers had been trying to do for years without success. Without prejudice to the Connery/Craig debate, I consider Casino Royale, directed by Martin Campbell, possibly the best Bond film, and certainly the most indispensable - the one that offers moral and psychological perspective on all the others, playing as a kind of commentary and critique of the whole franchise.

(Some aficionados may push for Lazenby’s lone offering, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.) Which 007 film is the best? Connery fans might pick Goldfinger or From Russia With Love, while Craig fans will go with Casino Royale or Skyfall. Who is the best James Bond? Most fans tend to pick either Connery or Daniel Craig. How James Bond lost his soul: Casino Royale SDG Original source: Crux

Opening chase scene in casino royale