007 Reasons Timothy Dalton Was Actually A Fantastic Bond

4. Most Like Ian Fleming's Bond

As mentioned earlier, Dalton did not merely try to play 007 more like Ian Fleming's original character; he demanded it be that way. Often seen referring to the novels on set while getting into character, Dalton refused to play the part if that meant sacrificing the English spy's edge for gimmick jokes and too fantastical villains. For Dalton, bad guys who wanted to "insert blank" the entire world was not James Bond. This is evident in his movies where the forces of evil are Russian traiters and drug barons. Along with more down to earth plot lines, Dalton's portrayal of 007 included revealing a man who didn't always like what he had to do and would often defy orders. This added a level of gritty realism that some may say went a bit too far. In fact, it was the realism of Dalton's Bond that earned him much criticism in Licence to Kill.