Entertainment · Film · 8 hrs ago
Javier Bardem Says He Initially Turned Down His ‘Skyfall’ Role
Javier Bardem discussed his career at a Screen Talk event during the BFI London Film Festival in London.
He said he initially turned down the role of Raoul Silva, the villain in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, because he was nervous about joining the franchise.
Director Sam Mendes later met with him to discuss the part.
Bardem suggested that Silva’s aim should be personal: he wanted to have sex with Bond, rather than simply destroy the world.
Mendes took the idea to the studio, which agreed to the approach.
The film included a scene in which Silva suggestively touches the thighs of a tied-up Bond, played by Daniel Craig.
Bardem said the scene stayed in audiences’ memories and helped put Bond in an unfamiliar situation.
Javier Bardem said he initially turned down the role of Raoul Silva in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.
He said he was nervous about appearing in a Bond movie but reconsidered after discussing the part with director Sam Mendes.
Bardem proposed making Silva’s motive personal, including a desire to have sex with Mr. Bond.
He spoke about the role at a Screen Talk session at the BFI London Film Festival.
Bardem said the studio supported the idea and that the scene remains memorable to audiences.
- Who
- Javier Bardem, who played Raoul Silva, and director Sam Mendes.
- What
- Bardem said he initially declined the Skyfall role, then discussed and proposed ideas for the character with Mendes.
- When
- Skyfall was released in 2012; Bardem spoke at the BFI London Film Festival on Sunday morning.
- Where
- At a Screen Talk session at the BFI London Film Festival in London.
- Why
- Bardem said he was nervous about being in a James Bond movie. He proposed making Silva’s motive personal rather than focused on destroying the world.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I guess I was nervous. Like, ‘What am I doing in the James Bond movie? What can I do?’
I said, ‘Listen, all the villains have done everything to destroy the world, but what about becoming personal? What about something besides destroying the world? [Like] he wants to have sex with Mr. Bond?’
The studio was very brave
And I think that scene lasts in the memory of the audience…
Skyfall was released, with Bardem playing the villain Raoul Silva.
Bardem initially turned down the part, saying he was nervous about appearing in a James Bond movie.
Bardem met with Sam Mendes, discussed the script and proposed making Silva’s motive personal.
Bardem discussed the role at a Screen Talk session at the BFI London Film Festival.
- Film
- Skyfall
- Release year
- 2012
- Character
- Raoul Silva
- Director
- Sam Mendes
- Festival event
- BFI London Film Festival Screen Talk
Sources
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