Timothy Dalton’s last appearance as James Bond was in 1989, with the release of License to Kill. This marked the end of his relatively short but impactful tenure as the iconic British spy.
Dalton’s Bond: A Grittier Take
Timothy Dalton, taking over the role after Roger Moore, offered a stark contrast in portrayal. His Bond was less reliant on gadgets and one-liners, and more focused on the raw, ruthless, and emotionally scarred elements of the character as envisioned by Ian Fleming. This shift towards a more serious and grounded Bond resonated with some, while others missed the lighter, more comedic touch of his predecessor. License to Kill arguably pushed this grittier aspect to its absolute limit, dividing audiences and critics alike.
The End of an Era (Too Soon?)
Dalton was initially signed for three films, but only starred in two: The Living Daylights (1987) and License to Kill. His departure, though not explicitly fired, resulted from a combination of factors, including a protracted legal dispute between Eon Productions and MGM/UA, the studio backing the Bond franchise. This legal battle significantly delayed the production of the third Bond film planned for Dalton, leading to a situation where the actor’s contract eventually lapsed.
The Legal Labyrinth and Production Delays
The legal issues centered on MGM/UA’s financial struggles and potential sale, which threatened the Bond franchise’s stability. While the legal battles were fought, the film industry landscape began to shift. The Bond franchise went on a hiatus that lasted six years.
Unfulfilled Potential
The extended delay created uncertainty, and ultimately, Dalton decided not to renew his contract, feeling that the considerable gap between films would be detrimental to his performance and the character’s continuity. Many fans and critics lamented the loss of what they saw as a promising, more faithful interpretation of James Bond.
Legacy of License to Kill
License to Kill, despite its polarizing reception at the time, is now often viewed as a ahead-of-its-time Bond film. Its darker tone, emphasis on revenge, and realistic action sequences paved the way for future Bond iterations, particularly Daniel Craig’s era. It demonstrated that Bond could be more than just a suave spy with gadgets; he could be a complex, flawed, and even vulnerable character.
A Precursor to the Modern Bond
The film’s influence can be seen in subsequent Bond films that delved into the protagonist’s personal life, motivations, and the emotional toll of his profession. Elements like Bond going rogue and seeking personal vengeance are now common tropes, thanks in part to the groundwork laid by License to Kill.
A Cult Following
Over the years, License to Kill has garnered a dedicated cult following, with fans appreciating its bold departure from the traditional Bond formula. It remains a subject of debate and discussion among Bond enthusiasts, highlighting its lasting impact on the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Timothy Dalton’s tenure as James Bond and the film License to Kill:
FAQ 1: Why did Timothy Dalton only make two Bond films?
Dalton was initially contracted for three films, but a prolonged legal battle between Eon Productions and MGM/UA delayed production. This resulted in a significant gap between License to Kill and the intended follow-up, leading to Dalton’s departure. He felt the delay would negatively impact the character and continuity.
FAQ 2: Was License to Kill a box office success?
While License to Kill was financially successful, it was the lowest-grossing Bond film at the time, adjusted for inflation. Its darker tone and grittier themes proved less popular with audiences expecting a more traditional Bond experience.
FAQ 3: Who was the villain in License to Kill?
The main antagonist in License to Kill was Franz Sanchez, a powerful drug lord played by Robert Davi. He exacted revenge on Bond by seriously injuring Felix Leiter and killing his wife, Della, setting the stage for Bond’s personal vendetta.
FAQ 4: What Bond girl starred in License to Kill?
License to Kill featured two Bond girls: Carey Lowell as Pam Bouvier, a CIA pilot, and Talisa Soto as Lupe Lamora, Sanchez’s girlfriend. Pam Bouvier was a strong and capable ally to Bond, while Lupe Lamora played a crucial role in Bond’s plan to undermine Sanchez.
FAQ 5: Where was License to Kill filmed?
License to Kill was filmed primarily in Mexico and the United States (Florida Keys). These locations provided the backdrop for the film’s action-packed sequences and tropical setting.
FAQ 6: What made Timothy Dalton’s Bond different from previous actors?
Dalton’s Bond was characterized by his serious, intense, and more faithful portrayal of Ian Fleming’s literary Bond. He emphasized the character’s darker aspects, emotional depth, and ruthless nature, moving away from the lighter and more comedic approaches of some previous actors.
FAQ 7: What car did James Bond drive in License to Kill?
Unlike many previous Bond films featuring iconic cars, James Bond did not drive a traditional gadget-laden Aston Martin in License to Kill. He primarily used a Kenworth W900B semi-truck during the film’s climax, and various other vehicles depending on the situation.
FAQ 8: What is License to Kill known for?
License to Kill is known for its darker tone, gritty realism, and emphasis on revenge. It was a departure from the traditional Bond formula and paved the way for more modern and serious interpretations of the character.
FAQ 9: What happened after License to Kill?
Following the legal battles and Dalton’s departure, Pierce Brosnan took over the role of James Bond in 1995 with GoldenEye, marking the return of the franchise after a six-year hiatus.
FAQ 10: Is License to Kill considered one of the best or worst Bond films?
License to Kill is a divisive film among Bond fans. Some consider it to be a bold and underrated entry, while others criticize its darker tone and departure from the established formula. Opinions are varied and passionate.
FAQ 11: What role did Benicio Del Toro play in License to Kill?
Benicio Del Toro played Dario, a henchman working for Franz Sanchez. This was one of Del Toro’s earliest film roles.
FAQ 12: How did License to Kill influence future Bond films?
License to Kill‘s influence can be seen in the increasingly serious and character-driven narratives of later Bond films, particularly the Daniel Craig era. The exploration of Bond’s personal life, vulnerabilities, and the emotional consequences of his actions owes a debt to the groundwork laid by License to Kill. The film demonstrated that the Bond franchise could successfully explore darker and more complex themes.