“Absolutely Terrible Film”: Behind-the-Scenes Insights from Co-Star on Sean Connery’s 1998 Spy Comedy

Sean Connery: The Iconic 007

Sean Connery is celebrated as the inaugural actor to portray the legendary secret agent James Bond on the silver screen. His journey as 007 began with the landmark film Dr. No, directed by Terrence Young, in 1962. Connery’s portrayal became the gold standard for the character, as he went on to star in five more Bond films: From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever. Connery later returned to the franchise, reprising his role after George Lazenby’s brief stint in the 1969 film and in the non-EON production Never Say Never Again. Little did he realize at the outset that the Bond series would evolve into one of the most successful action franchises in cinematic history.

The impact of Bond on Connery’s career was profound, as this role predominantly occupied a significant portion of his professional life from 1962 until its official conclusion with Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. Following his departure from the Bond franchise, Connery enjoyed a versatile acting career that showcased his immense talent. His first post-007 project was the gripping psychological drama The Offence in 1973, subsequently branching out into a diverse array of films such as Murder on the Orient Express, The Man Who Would Be King, Time Bandits, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In later years, he took on roles in various genres, including another spy film released in 1998.

Connery’s The Avengers Draws Criticism

A Remake of a Timeless Classic

Sean Connery in The Avengers 1998 Teddy Bear Costume

Among Connery’s notable later films is The Avengers, a 1998 superhero spy comedy where he portrayed the antagonist, Sir August de Wynter. The film follows two British secret agents as they endeavor to thwart de Wynter’s plan to unleash chaos upon the world using a weather-altering device. Starring alongside Connery were acclaimed actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, Jim Broadbent, and Fiona Shaw. This film served as a modern adaptation of the beloved 1961 British television series of the same name.

However, not everyone fondly remembers this cinematic endeavor. Fiona Shaw, Connery’s co-star in The Avengers, openly expressed her dissatisfaction with the film’s production. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she candidly stated, “The Avengers was absolutely a terrible film,”elaborating on the peculiarities encountered during filming, particularly the lack of support from the production team. According to Shaw, the crew frequently engaged in night shoots without adequate guidance, while the producers appeared more interested in leisure activities, often seen playing golf nearby.

The Avengers was absolutely a terrible film. We did a lot of night shooting and the producers were always sort of playing golf out the back. It was quite strange, that film.

Reflections on Sean Connery’s The Avengers

Critics’ Opinions on the Film

Fiona Shaw’s sentiments about The Avengers were echoed by many critics, as the film was widely panned upon release. It garnered an abysmal 5% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its audience reception was equally dismal, evidenced by a mere 15% on the Popcornmeter. The film’s attempt to rejuvenate a classic series fell flat, failing to resonate with both new viewers and devoted fans of the original show. Shaw’s reflections suggest that the overall commitment to the production was lacking, leading to a disappointing cinematic experience.

Source: Vanity Fair

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