Timothy Dalton, a classically trained Shakespearean actor, brought a darker, more introspective edge to the iconic role of James Bond. But how many James Bond movies did Timothy Dalton star in? The answer is two: The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). Despite critical acclaim for his portrayal, he remains somewhat underappreciated in the pantheon of 007 actors due to his relatively brief tenure.
A Deeper Dive into Dalton’s Bond
Dalton’s arrival as Bond was significant. He was consciously cast to move away from the lighter, more comedic tone that had crept into the series during the Roger Moore era. Producer Albert R. Broccoli sought a Bond closer to Ian Fleming’s original literary character: a cold, ruthless professional, capable of both charm and brutal efficiency. Dalton delivered on this vision, portraying a Bond who felt genuinely dangerous and morally complex.
His tenure, however, was cut short by legal disputes between Eon Productions and MGM/UA, the distributor of the Bond films. This legal quagmire effectively put the franchise on hold for several years, and by the time the issues were resolved, Dalton had moved on. His departure left many wondering what might have been, fueling considerable speculation and debate among Bond enthusiasts.
Examining Dalton’s Films
While Dalton’s Bond career was concise, the films themselves warrant examination.
The Living Daylights (1987)
The Living Daylights introduced Dalton as Bond and was a commercial success, although its critical reception was mixed. The film sees Bond assisting a beautiful cellist, Kara Milovy (Maryam d’Abo), who becomes entangled in a complex plot involving a defecting KGB general and an arms dealer.
Dalton’s performance was praised for its intensity and faithfulness to Fleming’s character. He brought a physicality to the role that had been absent in recent installments, engaging in more realistic and believable action sequences. The film itself is a solid entry in the Bond canon, featuring a strong plot and memorable villains.
Licence to Kill (1989)
Licence to Kill is arguably Dalton’s most significant contribution to the Bond legacy. This film marked a dramatic departure from the traditional Bond formula, as it sees 007 on a personal vendetta, driven by revenge for the brutal attack on his friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison) and Leiter’s wife, Della.
The film is darker and grittier than previous Bond entries, with a higher level of violence and a more morally ambiguous protagonist. Dalton’s portrayal of a Bond consumed by vengeance is compelling and arguably closer to Fleming’s original vision than any previous actor. However, the film’s darker tone proved controversial with some audiences, and its box office performance was less impressive than The Living Daylights. Despite this, Licence to Kill has since gained a cult following and is now considered by many to be one of the best Bond films.
FAQs: Unpacking Timothy Dalton’s Bond
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate Timothy Dalton’s role as James Bond:
1. Why did Timothy Dalton only star in two Bond films?
Legal disputes between Eon Productions and MGM/UA regarding distribution rights put the franchise on hold for several years. By the time the legal issues were resolved, Dalton had other commitments and ultimately chose not to renew his contract. He was initially contracted for three films.
2. Was Timothy Dalton a good James Bond?
This is subjective, but many critics and fans consider Dalton a great, and perhaps underrated, Bond. He brought a seriousness and intensity to the role that was closer to Ian Fleming’s original character. He is often praised for his acting ability and his portrayal of a more ruthless and morally complex Bond.
3. How old was Timothy Dalton when he played James Bond?
Dalton was 41 years old when The Living Daylights was released in 1987.
4. Did Timothy Dalton want to make more Bond films?
Yes, Dalton has expressed his desire to make at least one more Bond film. He was reportedly disappointed that he didn’t get the opportunity to further explore the character. He felt he had just scratched the surface of what he could bring to the role.
5. How did audiences react to Timothy Dalton’s Bond?
Initial reactions were mixed. Some appreciated his darker and more serious interpretation, while others missed the lighter, more comedic approach of Roger Moore. Over time, however, Dalton’s Bond has gained greater appreciation and recognition.
6. What made Timothy Dalton’s Bond different from other actors?
Dalton’s Bond was less reliant on gadgets and one-liners, and more focused on physical action and emotional depth. He emphasized the character’s vulnerability and moral complexity, portraying a Bond who was capable of both ruthlessness and compassion.
7. Which Timothy Dalton Bond film is considered the better one?
This is a matter of personal preference. Licence to Kill is often cited as the better film due to its darker tone and more complex narrative. However, The Living Daylights is a more traditional Bond film and was a commercial success.
8. What were the box office returns for Timothy Dalton’s Bond films?
The Living Daylights grossed approximately $191 million worldwide, while Licence to Kill grossed approximately $156 million worldwide. While The Living Daylights was a commercial success, Licence to Kill underperformed compared to previous Bond films, likely due to its darker tone and higher level of violence.
9. Who was originally considered for the role of James Bond before Timothy Dalton?
Dalton was considered for the role multiple times before eventually accepting it. He was offered the part before Roger Moore in 1969, but turned it down feeling he was too young. Other actors considered included Pierce Brosnan (who ultimately took the role after Dalton) and Sam Neill.
10. How did Ian Fleming influence Timothy Dalton’s portrayal of James Bond?
Dalton consciously tried to capture the essence of Ian Fleming’s literary Bond. He read the novels and short stories to gain a better understanding of the character’s complexities and motivations. He focused on portraying Bond as a skilled professional, but also as a flawed and vulnerable human being.
11. What impact did Timothy Dalton’s Bond have on the franchise as a whole?
Dalton’s tenure helped to re-establish Bond as a more serious and realistic character. While his films were not universally loved at the time, they paved the way for future actors, like Daniel Craig, to further explore the darker and more complex aspects of the character. His influence is evident in the modern Bond films’ emphasis on realism and emotional depth.
12. Are there any plans for Timothy Dalton to return to the Bond franchise in any capacity?
While there are no current plans, it is always possible that Dalton could make a cameo appearance in a future Bond film. He remains a beloved figure among Bond fans and his presence would be a welcome addition to the franchise.
Conclusion: The Undeniable Impact
Despite his brief tenure, Timothy Dalton left an indelible mark on the James Bond franchise. He successfully injected a dose of realism and emotional depth into the character, paving the way for future actors to explore the darker and more complex aspects of 007. While he only starred in two Bond movies, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, his contribution to the Bond legacy remains significant and continues to be appreciated by fans around the world. His portrayal serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of James Bond and the enduring power of Ian Fleming’s iconic creation.