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Sunday, November 1. 2020

Sean Connery, RIP

What a life he led, from poverty to fame and fortune. He had the luck to be born handsome with an animal masculinity which, in some ways, limited his range. No matter what role he played, I always saw him through the role.


Sure, he defined James Bond, but if you never saw Hunt for Red October, watch it. 


Posted by The Barrister in The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 13:45 | Comments (17) | Trackbacks (0)

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I suspect that the first Bond you see will always be your favorite and so he is mine. As the Variety piece said he was a versatile actor. Every fan will have his favorite movie. It’s not an easy choice but I think “The Man Who Would Be King” is mine. If you haven’t seen it, I think it would be well worth the time.

RIP SIr Connery.
#1 mudbug on 2020-11-01 14:25 (Reply)
Excellent movie. "The Man Who Would be King" Watch it before it's banned. At least Peachy is still alive. RIP Sir Connery.
#1.1 grant1863 on 2020-11-01 16:11 (Reply)
Longtime reader, rare poster. I may well have been named for him. Born in Edinburgh as well but as a US citizen. My great Aunt Annie knew Sean Connery as a lad, lived in the same neighborhood. Said he was a friendly and very courteous young man, even after becoming famous; always said hello and spoke with folks when out on walks. Always was a gentleman. RIP Mr. Connery.
#2 Sean on 2020-11-01 14:58 (Reply)
I think it's hard to say which of his was the 'best' film. And while he defined Bond, I have become partial to Craig and thought Moore was more of a 'fun', accessible, Bond. "Diamonds Are Forever" was my first Bond film.

But he did so much good work. "King", as mudbug suggests, probably was his 'best' work. But if you like the cultish stuff, "Highlander" and "Time Bandits" were pretty good, too.

Of course...I'm reviewing his filmography and have learned "Zardoz" is one that is overlooked and probably never needed to be made, but should be seen because of him. I'm a risk-taker.
#3 Bulldog on 2020-11-01 14:58 (Reply)
Zarfoz is odd sci-fi fun. Definitely tapped into his masculinity.
#3.1 Sean on 2020-11-01 15:02 (Reply)
His role in Gilliam's "Time Bandits" looked like sheer fun and enjoyment for him. His were the best scenes in the whole movie, including the little cameo as the fireman at the end with the twinkle in his eye.

From IMDB:

"In the original script, King Agamemnon was introduced as: "The warrior took off his helmet, revealing someone that looks exactly like Sean Connery, or an actor of equal but cheaper stature." To writer, producer, and director Terry Gilliam's surprise, the script ended up in Connery's hands. He expressed interest in the part, and his agent approached them for the role."
#3.2 Blackwing1 on 2020-11-01 15:20 (Reply)
While it is true that Connery played a fantastic Bond; my favorite Bond and favorite Bond film is George Lazenby in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." IMHO, even though others were good, and the other Bond films enjoyable, no one and none of the other films come even close.

Also, I find most of Connery's non-Bond films to be very enjoyable! I am glad that he moved beyond playing Bond.

And, as mentioned by Apple Pie below (and Bull - "One ping please" - LOL), "The Hunt for Red October" is great. Connery and the others (except Baldwin, who I just cannot stand) carried that movie and made it so great.
#3.3 charles on 2020-11-01 16:34 (Reply)
I agree - George Lazenby was highly underrated - his performance was very good.
As for that "luck factor" of being very good looking. He worked hard to stay in shape - was a body builder in his youth. He was willing to walk away from a financially successful enterprise, in order to manage his career apart from bosses.
I liked that he also didn't take himself too seriously.
The down side of Connery?
More than a little lazy about some of his roles.
Apparently quite predatory about the young ladies on his films - Lana Wood had some bad experience with him treating her poorly.
But, on the whole, leave him to God.
#3.3.1 Linda S Fox (Link) on 2020-11-02 07:49 (Reply)
One ping only, please.
#4 Bull on 2020-11-01 15:21 (Reply)
The Hunt for Red OCtober
#5 Apple Pie on 2020-11-01 15:50 (Reply)
Seeing this news the other day I thought about the movies of his and couldn't come up with an example of one I either didn't like or in which I thought his performance was sub par. I didn't see all his films, but most of them.

RIP. A life well lived.
#6 steve walsh on 2020-11-01 17:07 (Reply)
Murder on the Orient Express is a good movie, also Marnie. And he played a prefect father for Indiana Jones.
#7 Jack Walter on 2020-11-01 19:48 (Reply)
I thoroughly enjoyed Medicine Man. I don't believe I've seen a movie he was in that wasn't good.
#8 Richard Cohn on 2020-11-01 21:15 (Reply)
No one is mentioning "The Hill" which is an extremely gritty WW II film about life in a harsh military stockade. Don't know that I'd care to watch it again - it's not an easy watch - but it's an excellent film.
#9 Frances on 2020-11-01 21:29 (Reply)
Loved him in "Marnie."
#10 Texan99 on 2020-11-01 21:47 (Reply)
Had a crush on him most of my life as I am sure many did. Loved him in the "Longest Day" although a smallish part. Loved the Hunt for Red October, but he will always be the "Spanish Peacock" from Highlander. May he conquer the heavens with his Scottish Charm.
#11 Pocono pam on 2020-11-02 05:45 (Reply)
Go watch "The Great Train Robbery" for a treat, with Connery in his best role as an elegant Victorian villain.
#12 Sixtyville on 2020-11-02 12:13 (Reply)

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