Connery stirring over new Bond film
Saturday December 03 2005
in London
SIR Sean Connery, arguably the definitive James Bond, has condemned the British government for allowing the next 007 film to be made overseas.
Sir Sean said that Daniel Craig, the new Bond, was a "terrific choice" but said he was unhappy that the next film, 'Casino Royale', is being shot in Prague, Italy and the Bahamas.
"Scotland should have it but to set up a business there is more expensive than anywhere else," said Connery (75).
"It is not just creative ability, it's financial. This will happen more."
The actor, who last played Bond in 1983, spoke in a rare interview to mark his Lifetime Achievement Award today at the European Film Awards in Berlin.
Sean, a tax exile in the Bahamas, was enraged that the Czech Republic and Romania were now winning lucrative film assignments because of the lack of tax breaks in Britain.
"The film industry should be part of the tourist business," he said.
As for Daniel Craig, he said: "He is a terrific choice. They are going back to a more realistic type. I don't think they could have gone much further with the special effects."
Sir Sean quit 007 after seven films, in part because the special effects had eclipsed the locations and the script.
He approved of the new film reviving the original idea of Bond: "It is a smart idea to go back and start again with a new person."
(© The Times, London)
