Bond, Lyutsifer Safin and the Villain at Large
Universal Pictures
So I’ve finally seen it. I’ve bitten the bullet and gone headlong against my prideful disposition to watch No Time to Die (Cary Joji Fukunaga 2021) at my local cinema. With my partner in toe, it was really more of an inevitability; a case of when rather than if we went to see it. My pride was only at play after having to wait so long for a film that we, as an audience, deserved far sooner.
And it’s not that we’re even the biggest fans of Ian Fleming’s national treasure. I am, however, a fan of Daniel Craig, equally so in the role of James Bond. It was after reading the original novel Casino Royale not so long ago that I became aware of the true complexity of the character. He is, after all, a trained killer; a man raised to use the extreme and often violent means at his disposal, all in the name of serving a greater cause. A dangerous man, plain and simple.
Bond is razzmatazz, and while it’s led to some extremely entertaining cinema, I always felt that the industry overly perpetuated his character. His representation often leaned too heavily on his sex symbol status and unequivocal British charm. While Craig’s bond is by no means a complete foray on these characteristics, his portrayal is arguably more dutiful to the book. His Bond is more ruthless, flawed and often very, very human. A particular scene in Casino Royale (Martin Campbell 2006) shows this in earnest. Bond comforts Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) in the shower shortly after she witnesses him murder two Ugandan militants in self-defence. Both are fully clothed and it’s really a very tender scene.
The linear chronology explored in his 5 films allows us to see him grow and evolve, make mistakes and suffer the consequences. Craigs Bond is somewhat unique in this regard and helped in part by his role as the hero. Heroes are the bread and butter of the story; audiences are more sympathetic to their cause and naturally more open to exploring their story, at least that’s the thinking.
The role of the villain, on the other hand, is usually (understandably) short-lived. By their very nature, they are set up to fail. A means to an end, sadly. In truth, their story can be just as riveting and provide just as much of a spectacle as that of the hero. Just ask The Joker, Hannibal Lecter or even the villain of No Time to Die, Lyutisfer Safin (Rami Malek). Though the presence of his character is distinguishable throughout, his actual screen time is relatively short in comparison to the runtime of the feature.
It’s a shame because Malek plays Safin with a remarkable poise that has become so synonymous with his growing portfolio of intricate characters. It’s worth asking whether there is a more talented actor working today? I found myself wanting to see more of his character; to know more of his inner workings and what drives and fuels him. But, therein lies the problem, that curious need to attach reason and logic to a man and his actions and intentions.
Ironically, it’s also what I loved about Safin. His character was, by all means, intriguing and captivating enough to nullify any real need to explore his moral compass (or lack thereof). Much like Heath Ledgers Joker, some men just want to see the world burn. Sarifs motives are anarchic and purely in the interests of world domination. Were it explored or over-explained in any detail, it would risk detracting from the impact of his character.