Tag Archive: Daniel Craig

Because gambling is mainly based on chance, it makes a great subject matter for directors the world over. Many characters involved with gambling are flawed in that they are relying on luck to turn their fortunes around. From the cheeky gunslingers to the mafia bosses, they all love the rush of the win and the passion of the loss. It's also possible to construct a great story around a sympathetic gambler, as elements of good or bad fortune play a central role in driving the narrative forwards.

James Bond is almost synonymous with bedding hot women, the Walther PPK and gambling at the casino. For over 60 years, we've watched him at the casino gaming tables. His favourite game is baccarat, yet we have seen him try his hand at poker. But the question is, was he any good at it? In Casino Royale, he plays head-to-head at Texas hold'em with the evil Le Chiffre. The game is really just a plot point, with little seen of the gameplay. But Bond does win, even if only by being reckless.

Though much of James Bond's behaviour is considered out-dated today, you could always find him spending UK tax-payers money in a glamorous and elegant casino. Ever the cool-headed and suave looking player, Bond exuded both charm as well as his killer instinct as an 007 assassin with a licence to kill. Unfortunately, if you played as he does in the movies, you would quickly lose all your bankroll. Movie and real life are a world apart. Nevertheless, you could still adopt the Bond style of dress.

We love the sheer grittiness of Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Yes, he's playing a macho killer secret agent, but he takes the role seriously and doesn't send it up or chew the scenery. The script is on point and also updates Bond for Millenials. In this respect, he's a more caring and sharing Bond. He even gets his heart broken, which makes a nice change in that it's a total reverse of his usual policy towards the fairer sex. But we disagree with changing the casino game from baccarat to poker.