Skyfall
007 (Daniel Craig) becomes M's only ally as MI6 comes under attack, and a mysterious new villain emerges with a diabolical pl...
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When the trailer for Sam Mendes's "Skyfall" was released, commenters swooned: Javier Bardem had done it again -- a new creeptastic villain in another ridiculous wig. But when I sat down with the actor at New York's Crosby Street Hotel, he wasn't concerned about his character being read as frightening. Instead, he was concerned about it coming across as funny. "Were people laughing?" he asked.
And indeed, audiences were laughing. Bardem's performance as the coiffed villain was, naturally, terrifying. But also, genuinely (and somewhat eerily) funny. In the newest Bond installment, Bardem plays Silva, a colorful and eccentric antagonist hell-bent on seeking revenge against MI6 and its stalwart leader, M (Judi Dench).
The actor spoke to Moviefone about his hesitation about signing onto a Bond film, passing up Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report" and his thoughts on the classic Bond villain Jaws.
Is there a wig that you will not wear?
[Laughs] No. Of course not. If it has a meaning to the character, I will wear it. I would even wear no wig.
You’d go bald?
If it makes sense.
Your character’s aesthetic is very much important to the type of person he is. Did you have any say in that?
Yeah. Sam gave me so many great ideas. [He told me] to create uncomfortable situations, not being scary or threatening -- a guy who [you] really don't know how he’s going to react. In other words, you have to create a situation, all the time, where the other one doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. And then from there, we think about the look and we look for a look that’s uncomfortable to watch. But at the same time, everything has to have some meaning and make sense with the character... It’s not just because you want to be blond.
In this movie there are moments of comic relief amid some very scary scenes. Did you realize that while filming?
No. We didn’t know. The thing is, the material is there, the lines are there, but things have to happen on the set and that’s why Sam Mendes is who he is. He [put] the actors on the right track and we worked the same scenes from different angles and colors and options... We really messed it up to a point where I thought many times that we were like an independent, small-budget movie by the way we were working so close to the joy of performing.
What villain in recent memory do you think of as genuinely terrifying?
Well, I thought Ben Kingsley in “Sexy Beast” was a masterpiece of performance. That was unstoppable. That was really more than scary, it got into my skin... because he was so recognizable. And of course Hannibal Lecter many years ago. But the one that will always stay with me is Ben Kingsley in “Sexy Beast.” Again, he was a real person; he was a person who let their mind go and he went for it and the behavior, the way he was treating the rest of the world, was very disturbing.
Right. And you feel that understanding your villain is the key to being able to play them.
Yeah. A broken person with very definitive, realistic goals is more approachable. Whereas in “No Country for Old Men” I was more of an iconic, symbolic idea of what he should represent in the story rather than a person behind those actions. Here, there’s a person behind those actions.
When you were approached about doing "Skyfall," did you have any sort of hesitation to being in a Bond film?
Yes and no. It’s not that I had that because it was a James Bond movie; I have hesitations all the time. Because, I guess, it’s a sign of insecurity that stays with me. I don’t think you find, especially in movies, that great [of] material -- that just with one reading you go like, “Whoa.” I haven’t in my 25 years. But that’s me, [and that’s my] insecurity. In this case the material was pretty good. When Sam gave me these great key points I was like, “OK, OK. Makes sense.” And then I get excited -- that triggers my imagination. I start to put photos and images together to show and...it’s a whole process and then, before you realize it, you are in the movie.
When you turned down “Minority Report” you were quoted as saying "I don't see myself running on roofs." Was that a clause in you contract?
When you do a James Bond movie, you want to feel a glimpse of [that action]. "Minority Report" was many years ago; my life has changed very much... Maybe at the time I didn’t feel like I had anything to work with in that specific moment, when here I did. It’s like, here’s something with weight and I can play with it, that’s why. But, also, I don’t regret doing or not doing something. Because the movies that are done after you pass on them are done by somebody else and that’s why the movies are the way they are.
Were you interested in James Bond growing up?
When I was 12 I saw “Moonraker” and I remember being in the theater and freaking out, being like “What is this?” I was immediately drawn to Jaws, because I thought he was a great guy.
Really? So you have always been drawn to the villain?
They are great characters. When they are well put together, they are fun to play. But in that particular case, I saw his face and I said “This guy must be a nice person.” You can tell in those eyes. Of course I was scared of it because I was 12. But, at the same time, I felt, in a way, he must be a beautiful person himself. So, I had that feeling. Then with James Bond, it’s James Bond and you go “Wow. That’s great. That’s cool. I want to be like that.” But it was more emotional with Jaws.
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Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Daniel Craig arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday October 23, 2012. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-BOND-SKYFALL
Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) shakes hands with British actor Daniel Craig (L) as Craig's wife British actress Rachel Weisz (L) at the royal world premiere of the James Bond film 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH (Photo credit should read KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AFP/Getty Images)
BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-BOND-SKYFALL
Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) meets British actors Daniel Craig (L) and Judi Dench (C) as she arrives with the Prince of Wales to attend the royal world premiere of the James Bond film 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH (Photo credit should read KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AFP/Getty Images)
BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-BOND-SKYFALL
Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (R) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (2R) meet British actors Daniel Craig (L) and Judi Dench (2L) as they arrive to attend the royal world premiere of the James Bond film 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO / POOL / KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH (Photo credit should read KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AFP/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Tulisa Contostavlos attends the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson attend the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
BRITAIN-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-BOND-SKYFALL
Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and Camila, Duchess of Cornwall (R), greet members of the crowd as they arrive to attend the royal world premiere of the new James Bond film 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Valentino attends the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Jade Ellis, Tulisa Contostavlos, Ella Henderson and Lucy Spraggan attend the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall - Royal World Premiere - Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Jade Ellis, Tulisa Contostavlos, Ella Henderson and Lucy Spraggan attend the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at the Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn McCormack/Getty Images)
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall meet James Bond actor Daniel Craig (left) and Dame Judi Dench (2nd left) as they arrive for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
John Logan arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Christopher Biggins and Neil SInclair arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Bear and Shara Grylls arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Kathy Lett and Stephen Fry arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule from Rizzle Kicks arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold, Ortise Williams and JB Gill from JLS arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Maryam D'Abo arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Naomie Harris arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday October 23, 2012. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Emeli Sande and husband Adam arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
(Centre left to right) Ralph Fiennes, Daniel Craig and Berenice Marlohe arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday October 23, 2012. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Daniel Craig arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Chris Evans and wife Natasha arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday October 23, 2012. See PA story SHOWBIZ Bond. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Tulisa Contastavlos with Lucy Spraggan, Ella Henderson and Jade Ellis arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Kelly Brook arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
District3 arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
District3 arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Union J arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Christopher Maloney, Kyle Sones, James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Ellie Simmonds arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Victoria Pendleton arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Victoria Pendleton arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Tess Daly arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Sir David Frost arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Katie Price arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
His Royal Highness The Prince of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cornwall arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Bear Grylls arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Holly Valance arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Naomi Campbell arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Tamara Beckwith arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Minnie Driver arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Ella Anderson arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Lucy Spraggan arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Tulisa Contostavlos arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Jade Ellis arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Victoria Pendleton arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
Skyfall Royal World Premiere - London
Rylan Clark arriving for the Royal World Premeire of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall, London
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Moviefone | By Jessie Heyman Posted: 11/02/2012 12:30 pm EDT Updated: 11/02/2012 12:30 pm EDT