Daniel Craig: "Bond is not my choice"

Simultaneously with America and Europe - on December 6 - Russia will plunge into the "Dark Materials". On this day, the world premiere of the film adaptation of the first part - "The Golden Compass" - Philip Pullman's trilogy, awarded the prestigious Bestseller Award. In Russia, the first book was published as "Northern Lights", but for the premiere of the film it was republished under the "native" name - Many stars starred in the film: Nicole Kidman, Eva Green, Eric Bana, Kevin Bacon.

On the eve of the premiere of The Golden Compass, our man in Hollywood Nellie Holmes met with Daniel Craig, who played one of the main roles - Lord Asriel, a scientist with a mysterious past and a desperate adventurer.

The new James Bond - refined English actor Daniel Craig - is dressed in a strict gray suit and white shirt. A snow-white handkerchief peeks out from the front pocket of the jacket. He decides to walk up to the sixth floor of the Claridge Hotel in London, while I prefer the elevator. We reach the meeting point at the same time.

Daniel, how much does Bond tie your hands when choosing the next role, for example, the role of Lord Asriel?

Doesn't connect at all ( laughs ). I didn't sign any contract with the Bond makers. I'm a big fan of the Philip Pullman trilogy and it kind of just kind of came together. I knew that The Golden Compass would start filming at the end of the year, and when Bond wrapped, I called myself and asked if the role of Lord Asriel was vacant. That's all. I didn't have any grand plan: to play a character - the complete opposite of Bond or something like that. I was guided only by the love of the book. Compass is the third film I've done this year, and Bond doesn't tell me ( laughs ). Of course, thanks to him, I got a lot of privileges. For example, I can now choose the working hours that are convenient for me.

Some Christian groups and organizations are calling for a boycott of the film because it portrays the Catholic Church in a negative light, and this "may negatively affect the relationship of children to God." Boycott supporters fear the film could spark renewed interest in Pullman's book, which they also dislike very much. What do you think about it?

I really hope so ( laughs ). The irony is that most critics have never read these books or seen the film - for the simple reason that it has not yet been released. Philip Pullman, the author of the trilogy, has his own ideas about what freedom of choice is, about the place of man in the world and about an authoritarian regime that is not guided by religious considerations. I heard that the trilogy was taken off the market in Canada. And in Europe they believe that we have not conveyed the author's thought deeply enough.

You've described yourself as a big fan of the trilogy, and what ideas from Pullman particularly hooked you?

I think some of Pullman's ideas are just phenomenal! A soul-demon living separately from a person, in the form of an animal. Moreover, in a child, a daemon can take on various guises - depending on the state of the soul. With age, he takes the final form, but remains with his master until the last day. So we don't die alone - that already seems wonderful to me. Spiritualism, the existence of parallel worlds, the cosmos, the force that controls these worlds... People are always afraid of the unknown, and my character tries to unite people by giving them knowledge.

And what kind of daemon animal would you choose for yourself?

Lord Asriel has a snow leopard (voiced by a beautiful actress - Kristin Scott Thomas: the soul, according to Pullman, is always of the opposite sex). I couldn't ask for better - that's what I'd choose.

The main character, the girl Lira, who sets out like Andersen's Gerda to save her friend, ends up in different parts of the globe. Where would you like to visit?

Due to the nature of my work, I travel a lot. I would like to see Madagascar and Antarctica if possible. I have already been to Iceland and Norway. But I didn't see the northern lights.

If you had a golden compass, what would you ask him?

Nothing. I would never use it!

Lately, you've been getting high society hero roles...

Yes, finally deserve it. I'm not really interested in the social status of my characters. I am interested in who they are, their relationship with the world and whether they are interesting to me personally. These are my criteria.

How is the filming of the next Bond series going?

We have already started rehearsing. Mark Foster will direct the film, we have the same stunt team as the previous film. While we are talking, sets are being built at Pinewood Studios, filming locations have been determined. I'm on the moon with happiness!

Mark Foster said he agreed to do the next Bond series solely because of you.

ABOUT! Is it true? I just watched his The Wind Runner; I like the style of all Mark's films - "Monster's Ball", "Fairyland". He can handle any genre. So I return the compliment!

Do you yourself think you passed the test of glory? Are you careful not to "star"?

I don't think Bond's success changed me. You always have to work hard. On the set, over human relationships, over friendship. I have good friends and family. I hope they take good care of me. From my mother and sister, I learned to respect people.

Angelina Jolie said that before she became famous, she used to go down the subway to people-watch. And that she misses it. What do you miss?

Of course, I can no longer calmly drink two pints of beer in a bar, although I drink them pretty quickly. And I can't go to Tate Modern. But last year they gave me a private show at the Prado. That's the pay. Nothing is free. Even lunch.

Do they offer you many advertising contracts?

The Omega watch I wear in the film was given to me, but I don't have a contract with it. And in general, why do I need extra things?

Why do you think Bond is so popular with both men and women?

Because he is a bad person. And it's attractive.

What is your favorite Bond and favorite Bond movie?

Definitely Sean Connery! It seems to me that he defined the character of 007, and therefore the bondian continues. Favorite Bond films are Dr. No and From Russia with Love.

Did the Hollywood writers' strike somehow affect the filming of Bond?

Thank God, no way. The script is already finished. But, of course, I want the conflict to be resolved - Christmas is coming, people need work.

How are you going to celebrate Christmas?

I hope I don't have to cook ( laughs ).

If I'm not mistaken, next year will be your anniversary - 40 years?

Yes. But I was told yesterday that the crisis comes not at 40, but at 41.

You are just amazingly beautiful...

Oh thanks! It's not me, it's a costume that I put on especially for you. I don't usually dress like this.

Seriously, GQ magazine put you on the cover of the magazine and named you the most handsome man of the year ...

I understand how lucky I am. The world's leading designers give me clothes. They make suits for me. If you've never done this, I highly recommend. It's a great pleasure. But I also feel good in jeans.

Before meeting you, I watched the film "Archangel". Russia in it is such a gloomy country! Promise to star in a brighter film about Russia!

I promise.

I'm recording you on a tape recorder ...

I know and promise again.