@@jarrenleow There’s loads of awesome danish comedy movie with mads mikkelsen, highly recommended! Adam’s apples is one of my favorites. The green butchers and Men and chickens are also very cool! All of them directed by anders thomas jensen.
I recently watched “riders of justice” (I think that’s the English title). Great movie! Worth a watch! Best of course in Danish with subtitles 😄 a very danish movie and has this emotional core to its action that you don’t get from mass audience Hollywood movies
He’s a Bond villain, he’s a marvel villain, he’s a Star Wars villain. He is Hannibal. And now he is going to be a Harry Potter villain. Mads is amazing, shows up to every franchise like “who’s ready to succumb to my prowess?”
he is so terryfing because he is basically a human being. Every other Bond villain up to that point had been some grandiose, over the top movie character. Hs is actually somebody that you might encounter somewhere on this planet.
Exactly. People were used to the traditional Bond cartoon stuff before this movie. Of course the studios had to go back to the cartoon style again eventually (maybe the success of Marvel movies had a role in that?). It's great that we still got at least one serious Bond movie, that was a bit closer to the Bond books.
Isn't that the point of a bond villain? To be an over the top evil mastermind? God made wealth, god made crime. Who am I to criticize him in good taste? - Some bond villain in the future.
What amazes and inspires me is that Mikkelsen went into acting later than most people. And yet he's had such a bright and colorful career. This proves that you can't tell what life holds for you. So don't despair and just keep trying out new things.
No. Mads didnt go into acting later in life. He did a lot of movies when he was younger. Three of my faves are Pusher 1&2 and King Arthur. He was only 30 when he was cast in his first role in Pusher in 1996. He's done 57 films.
Mads Mikkelsen is a great actor. His take on Hannibal Lecter was insanely great and I think He surpassed Sir Anthony Hopkins by playing the cannibal serial killer.
@CD ROD Hopkins was perfect for SotL, because we asked an audience had to understand immediately that he was a terrifying monster, and he did that better than anyone could. But...could you imagine him as a therapist? Would you go to a dinner party he threw before he was revealed to be a cannibal? Hell no, id just _assume_ it was made out of people Mads was perfect to play the entire character of Hannibal. You could see that his patients would trust him and thinks he cares about helping them, but also as an audience see that he's ready to slit their throat. I'm a life long Hannibal fan, the books, the movies, kinda the show (they butchered the books for plots it hurt me to watch), but when it comes to portraying every side of the character -believably- Mads did it best. And I feel like its sacrelige to say but
Le Chiffre was terrifying because he was the first villain of the franchise who seemed like he could actually kill James Bond 😳 I was legitimately scared that Bond would die and that says something about how amazing Mads was in this movie
@@nathanlatham5651 I wouldnt say so. He did that all the time and it worked. He made an attack or "accident" on something connected to wsome stock in order to manipulate the market.When Bond intervened it did not work and the rest is history.
Mads is an incredible actor. His portrayal of Hannibal Lecter had you almost rooting for the character, so charismatic and warm on the surface masking the predatory cannibal and serial killer below. Le Chiffre here is no different. On the surface a ruthless, cunning, calm, collected man but beneath it all a desperate cornered man fighting for survival. Few actors can take a multifaceted character and portray them on screen organically, either one note or flipping between the two.
I agree. During the Hannibal series you definitely get to understand how everyone is able to fall for him and into his traps. Because I would definitely do the same. He seems genuinely nice and caring. But is the scariest ever, underneath.
Mads is the king of “micro expressions”. He has truly mastered the art of using twitches and small gestures to tell a story about his characters, instead of being just overly expressive. His performances just pull you in and make you curious. Brilliant actor!
Like...what more can he do after that? Bond's nuts are probably butter at that point, but It completely takes the wind out of Chiffre's sails to tell him he don' scratched his balls 😂
@Peter Kratovil It's a ridiculous plan in Skyfall though, all that timed tube train nonsense. Casino royale actually feels plausible, outside of the magic health kit in the car. But Skyfall is very pretty. Wanna hear a secret? _whispers_ When taken with casino, I really like Quantum of Solace.
And, growing up reading the books, the fundamentally broken man that is bond is Craig to a t. He just _is_ bond to me. And it was very satisfying to see him in proper navy gear in time to die.
The torture scene in this movie also pulled Bond out of the alluring and sophisticated world of previous movies and showed that he had a depth of character and resolve that we hadn't seen before. As you said it decontextualized the series but in truly extraordinary, almost unfathomable, ways.
Yes! Not only do I love this Bond movie so much, Mads Mickkelsen's Le Chiffre is just so much more of a real person that it drives the entire film to feel more realistic. Love seeing this movie get some love.
I like how he says he tortures Bond not out of malice but out of survival. We all get ourselves in stressful situations from time to time. And sometimes we’ll do awful things to get ourselves out of them.
All my love to Anthony Hopkins, Brian Cox, and Gaspard Ulliel (R.I.P.), but Mads Mikkelsen was and will always be THE definitive Hannibal Lecter (Gaspard was damn close though). No one else has EVER encapsulated and contextualized so fully the character as I believe Thomas Harris intended Hannibal to be. Mads is just a masterful actor and one of the most underrated, sadly.
Goldfinger, GoldenEye and Casino are the top 3 films from the franchise. Whatever order you place them after that is up to you. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that each of them have an antagonist that’s more human and more plausible than the over-the-top supervillains found in other entries.
I really think both Daniel and Mads really brought it in this film but especially this scene. I think they never they had to get this right to truly stick the landing of this new version of bond. I remember how the atmosphere of a full movie theater shifted during the interrogation scene. Even with how brutalistic the film had been previously, it was this scene that they nailed it and yet no one expected it. It had turned from a James Bond battle of wits to something visceral. It was like someone sucked all the air out of the room and everyone just held their breath, waiting, fearing what unknown consequences were in store. Amazing.
Mads Mikkelsen deserved an Oscar for his role in the outstanding movie "The Hunt", I'm still mad at the fact that this man has more talent than half Hollywood and still has never won an Academy Award...
With the Craig Bond movies I like how Mikkelsen was relatively unknown at the time, whereas with nearly all the other villains it felt like the studio just picked the most recent Oscar winner to play the villain
Mads wasnt relatively unknown when he did Casino Royale. He's done over 57 films. He was quite well known by the rest of the world,just not America yet. His first film,Pusher,was done in 1996.
Mikkelsens portrayal of Le Chiffre reminds me of his break out role, Fischer, in the Danish crime series Rejseholdet. Although Fischer is a sympathetic character, he has a constant undercurrent of panic and violence beneath it. I wouldn't be surprised if Mikkelsen drew on Fischer for Le Chiffre
Mads Mikkelsen is perfect for roles where you need someone to be the enemy, but who is so handsome that hating is getting to be a challange. he did a superb job as hannibal
You can double your money! He had one eye in Valhalla Rising, The three musketeers and Polar - a bleeding eye in Casino Royale ... and weird eyes in Doctor Strange! ;-)
I love the grounded version of Bond. Le Chiffre is not over the top, like other villains. That’s why I love him as a villain. He threatens Bond out of need. Casino Royal is my #1 Bond film.
Ya know,there have actually been 3 Casino Royale movies. The one with Peter Lore(the first one-1954),then the comedy with Peter Sellers(as Evelyn Tremble-1967),and now Mads(2021).
You've described very well why Le Chiffre is the best Bond "villain", IMO, and one of the best antagonists I've ever seen on film - Casino Royale as the best Bond film rests on this and also the OTHER best Bond relationship ever - that with Vesper, whose impact is perhaps even stronger than Le Chiffre's - I'd love to see you do a video on Eva Green's Vesper
Hmmm Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen starred together in The Salvation in 2014, a danish western. It also has Mikael Persbrandt playing his brother and Jonathan Pryce playing the undertaker.
I mean the film presents him as a moderate but mid level flunky whose failures are going to get him whacked by his bosses Again he literally had to be saved by james and at one point otherwise his African partners were going to dismember him and his girlfriend, he’s not treated by the film even as the main villain but a high level henchmen, but still a hencmen which undermines him a bit. His death isn’t even the climax of the film, that’s alter on in Venice with the other lesser henchmen His own film shows and states he’s not even the most terrifying or threatening person in there Mr white who caps him and his entire group and the fact that it is implied that the bosses/ the people Mr White work for are far more powerful and connected that they will have Le chefe killed simply cause they no longer have confidence in him is more terrifying in my opinion. He’s a great character but the best or most terrifying, not even by a long shot, and his own movie even contends that.
I read another comment saying he “almost” overshined Daniel Craig as the new Bond, and it’s true. Gosh I fell for him immediately in CR, but “Hannibal” really got me hooked on Mads. His body language in conveying a character is superb.
Cool thing to point down is that « chiffre » in french specifically refers to numbers below 10, or with one digit. Pushing the link between bond and Le Chiffre
After seeing Mads Mikkelsen in several vastly different roles in movies and series, I just feel like what ever role he takes, he makes it his own. He becomes the character. One of greatest talents in acting.
There's not another actor on the planet who can hold a candle to Mads Mikkelsen. His latest two Danish movies, Riders and Justice and Last Round, are absolutely superb.
Mads Mikkelsen is so great at his craft. Hated his character in Casino Royale (one of my all-time favorite movies), and loved his character in Rogue One. Can't believe how he could be the same actor in each; how much he makes you forget you're watching him and only appreciate his character. That's the sign of great acting. So many actors can't do that.
They're not playing baccarat; they're playing Texas Hold 'Em poker. Le Chiffre's "safe house" isn't "a dingy warehouse sub-basement"; it's literally on a boat. Did you guys even watch this movie?
Casino Royal might be my favourite film of all time, and it’s in no small way because of Mads Mikkelsen and the beautiful writing of Le Chiffre. I wonder if the next Bond will break the cycle of the first movie being leagues better than the films after it.
I think it also helps that unlike other Bond villains, Le Chiffre is willing to do his own dirty work as opposed to leaving Bond to villains. He just seems more dangerous that way like he's a genius that can walk away after manipulating a situation, but he's also ruthless enough to do it himself.
Such an amazing show!!!! From the performances, to the writing, directing, cinematography?!?! Straight perfection, on level all its own. Never thought it got the love it truly deserved....just too dark, and heavy for network television. NBC, and then Netflix, really dropped the ball by not promoting this show more. Would have LOVED a few more seasons. Although, on second thought, maybe it's a good thing that it went out when it did...well before it had a chance to get bad...a la, "Game of Thrones", or "The Walking Dead"!?!? *A couple other NBC shows that deserved better are, "Life", and what I think is the best cop show ever, "Southland"!!! HIGHLY recommend checking them out.
It’s great how terrifying he is and how terrifying that torture scene is and how bond basically took the piss out of him all the way though it. Such a basic but brilliant scene.
Casino Royale has the best chemistry between Bond and the villain of any of the movies. Helps that they're in so many scenes together compared to most Bond movies. Connery's Bond only got 2 minutes with Blofeld in You Only Live Twice for example, missed opportunity there.
Casino Royale is the only Bond movie I have no notes on. The rest of them don’t come close; all have severe issues with plot, pacing, and character arcs/motivations, particularly that of the villains. You might still enjoy some of them, but they’re hard to take seriously. Not so here, and Mikkelsen’s turn as Le Chiffre is a big part of that. Thanks for articulating that better than I ever could!
Since the video mentions the over-the-top nature of the Brosnan era, I'll say that Pierce Brosnan was a good Bond who just got bogged down in scripts that were either less than good or bad (although, personally, I liked Golden Eye a lot).
GoldenEye does an exceptional job at providing seriousness alongside over the top theatricals. You have scenes like Alec, standing in a graveyard of Soviet-era statues, detailing the British government's atrocities against his family, paired with Bond piloting a tank through St. Petersburg while adjusting his tie. Plus, there's a "vintage" feel to it that none of the other Brosnan Bond films have. I really like The World's not Enough as well. It's definitely less serious, but absolutely hilarious. Great characters IMO, especially Zukasky.
@@JoeNoshow27 I think all they had to do was stick with that certain archetype/themes of Goldeneye, instead they went back to fantastic weird shit that lacked the humour of old james bond and came off as cringey and autistic. tommorow never dies is a great example of a plot and cast that seemed like it could be good but it was terribly executed. It also should be noted that I think a Bond Villain should always be a mirror physically and mentally for Bond and not involve old men. I mean they really could have gone over the top in a bond movie and involved Area 51, aliens and Egypt and that would be a cool movie. Instead we got Media Moghul trying to start WWIII and North Korean Faceoff as well as something involving oil and nuclear weapons. I mean why not have a Brosnan movie about an ancient Japanese cult creating super soldiers by communicating with interdimensional dragons which is where the Japanese Emperor gets his power and Brosnan has to beat him in a Kunfu battle like Mortal Kombat. Come on Hollywood.
@@Literarydilettante In fact the film noir b/w opening was genius. A throwback to “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Third Man,” and early Hitchcock. And apt, since the original book took place in the post-war era when Europe was cleaning out Nazis only to be faced with Stalinists. And it’s occurred to me that going from b/w in the prelude to color when the main story starts may have gotten nabbed from “The Wizard of Oz!” Just a thought.
Casino Royale is the best Bond by a mile, I agreed - To add to the analysis of why that is: *It's the first Bond to be more raw and a man's man then a pretty boy spy womanizer* Daniel Craig was still that good looking charming witty spy, _BUT HE NEVER PLAYED ON TO THOSE TRAITS._ His main focus is completing his tasks as a spy, and his charm and romance with females was never felt like a womanizer on his own mission to seduce them, but as an organic interest because of the man he really is, his personality and genuine mystique. And lastly, it was the first Bond to show true vulnerability and weakness. But those are also strengths, because it humanized the character to be a real person. Like when Bond got poisoned and ran out of time to plug his _"defibrillator"_ into his heart, only to be saved by Vesper. It shows he needs good people to help him too, not this unstoppable escape any catastrophe by himself but also a pompous pretty boy womanizer, which I'm glad the franchise shifted away from.
For years I've heard about how terrifying this character was, but it's when I fell completely in love with him. From the moment he stepped out of that armored car.. ☺
But Le Chiffre wasn't faking. It was a real tell. Bond told Vesper and Mathis the tell, and it was said later in the movie that Mantis must have tipped him off. Which is how Bond got suckered into the bad bet the second time around. And why after that play Mads' character folded when he accidentally touched his temple again. He did his tell unconsciously and had to fold.
@@mikepastor.k6233 From the setup I think it was Le chiffre's girlfriend, the one that almost got her arm cut off, that slipped Bond the poison. She was right next to the drink when it got picked up and brought over to Bond. And she did the whole slow-turn-stare like her presence there was important.
@@jakedickson697 Ahh. Never watched that one. Until recently I'd only ever watched Casino Royale. Still. Main point stands: Le Chiffre's tell was real.
@@djsosonut I thought only Vesper and Mathis were at the bar where Bond's drink was set. It doesn't show who did it but both could have. In fact I have to watch again because I'm not sure..
Both at Denmark and at Hollywood, he nails all the roles. From Riders of Justice, Maen og Høns and Jagten to Valhalla Rising, Hannibal, Doctor Strange, Death Stranding and James Bond.
The torture scene location was on a dingy boat, not a warehouse. 2 major clues were the watertight doors. Clue 3 is the wall in front of bond which is curved like a boat hull.
I was a life long Bond fan (Roger Moore was my fave) when Casino Royale blew me away. I was not excited for Daniel Craig at all and he became my favorite Bond because of one movie. It felt so different from all the other Bonds but damn it felt right.
People need to watch some of his Danish movies to fully understand his range as an actor. They are much different from the American films he has been in. Pusher, Pusher 2, Flickering lights, The green butchers, Adams apples, The hunt, Another round, Riders of justice
This movie was such a fresh air in Bond franchise, suprised me so well. We expect something similar from another Bond movie, especially that this will be another reboot propably.
They did four movies after this one, and yet Casino Royale is still the best one in my book. In a huge part thanks to Mads memorable performance of Le Chiffre.
Interesting. All of these reasons are exactly why I found Le Chiffre one of the least scary Bond villains ever. Not that that takes anything away from him as a character - he just never seemed truly in control, and hence he seemed extremely beatable.
I think Le Cieffre is a nine out of 10 villain. The only thing holding him back from being the best bond villain of all time (undoubtably) is his absence in the climax. It undermines his character and his significance in Bonds Origin and in the film. I am an artist, and other day I was redesigning in my head the poster to casino royale to make it a little bit more memorable and iconic. I kept trying to figure out where I wanted to place Le Cieffre, and once I finally start of a spot it occurred to me that it had him dominating the poster too much, and when it comes to other villains this would be fine, but because of his lack of presence in the third act I just couldn’t do it. I would’ve rewritten it so that Mr. White does not show up but instead calls Le Cieffre, and he says the same lines about getting the money, and Mr. White replies in the same way about trust being more important to his organization. And then we hear the gunshots, and it’s MI6, Mr. White gave up his location to them. So Le Cieffre escapes and the team break in to a dazed James Bond. The rest of the film would play basically the same way, with an offhanded remark from vesper or him saying that they will eventually catch him. As he has nowhere to run. This would actually help the third act which is a little weak only in that the audience knows something is going to go wrong with vesper given that the movie is not over clearly and I can’t end on this happy of a note. But with him still in the film, The audience will tribute this feeling with him rather than vesper, too many people watching this film end up just trusting her in the third act because of the lack of antagonist. His for voting presents would be a perfect distraction from the twist. So instead of Vesper meeting some random dude with the eyepatch, she be meeting with Le Cieffre, and his desperation to get the money would be shown at full power in the car max. It would make the ending fight seem more personal and leave zero room for confusion for the audience as to who we are fighting. It would also add a level to her betrayal sense she’s not working for some random dude but for the guy we’ve been trying to beat this whole time. And finally the nail on the town of town coffin would coincidentally be the nail gun to Le Cieffre’s eye. I think this kill is memorable from a practical standpoint, I remember never forgetting it after I saw as a kid, but now with his added bunch of it being the main villain who is nailed in the eye that he’s constantly bleeding from, it would be perfect. The perfect Bond kill without being too cheesy for this more gritty take on the character. This way it feels like it took a lot for bond to finally beat him, and at a cost, he loses the love his life. Of you look through the history of Cinema, every great villain has an equally great sendoff, and I believe this is the one that Mads Mikkelsen‘s and Casino Royales brilliant antagonist, Le Cieffre, is missing.
For me the 2 most terrifying Bond villains are Max zorin played by Christopher Walken and Sanchez by Robert Davi. Le chiffre is just a man trapped because of his wrong decisions but he is not a cold psychopath like Zorin who is laughing while shooting a bunch of innocent people
An exceptional analysis on how Bond was updated for a new era, working not only to update Bond as a character but also the film psychology of the genre's antagonist who almost always carries 50% of the film. We only expect something similar for this upcoming new Bond.
I love how this and Hannibal are the international basis for how Mads Mikkelsen is viewed, whilst he's primarily a comedic actor here in Denmark
what??? How do I find this content / what do I search for? Lmao I would die to see Mikkelsen doing comedy
@@jarrenleow essentially any Danish movie he's in is a comedy outside of the pusher series
I'd recommend Adams apples
Says a lot about danish humor
Personally I’d recommend flickering lights, probably one of the funniest movies I’ve ever watched
@@jarrenleow There’s loads of awesome danish comedy movie with mads mikkelsen, highly recommended! Adam’s apples is one of my favorites. The green butchers and Men and chickens are also very cool! All of them directed by anders thomas jensen.
Mads Mikkelsen consistently does a great job with whatever role he's playing.
I recently watched “riders of justice” (I think that’s the English title). Great movie! Worth a watch! Best of course in Danish with subtitles 😄 a very danish movie and has this emotional core to its action that you don’t get from mass audience Hollywood movies
@@eZU4nQsWN9pAGsU38aHj Thanks for the recommend. I'll certainly check it out. Is it streaming anywhere, currently?
Period.
Hannibal 😍😍
he was wasted in doc strange tho
@@ishowspeedo2411 And he is about to be wasted again in the new Fantastic Beasts movie. Why do they gotta do that to our man like that?
Mads has the uncanny ability to say more with his eyes than most actors can do with their entire body and voice. Truly underrated.
He did it perfectly as Hannibal, sometimes I would just pause mid scenes just to shake my head at how brilliant he was!
While being an utter dork as a person.
Hell, sometimes he'll even play an entirely mute character.
Dork you say?
@@alexanderchance1049 In real life he is an adorkable nerd
"Why is he the most terrifying?"
"Because he's played by Mads Mikkelsen. That's why."
A Bond movie is defined by the villain, and good actors can take those a long way.
Bloke's just naturally scary! I mean that in the nicest way possible.
He played Hannibal Lecter in the tv show Hannibal.
I will never forget that torture scene it was still disturbing to this day I mean I'm surprised casino Royale got away with the PG-13 rating
I hope that same terrifying presence will be in Fantastic Beasts 3.
He’s a Bond villain, he’s a marvel villain, he’s a Star Wars villain. He is Hannibal.
And now he is going to be a Harry Potter villain. Mads is amazing, shows up to every franchise like “who’s ready to succumb to my prowess?”
Fun fact: He was also the Danish dub voice of Randall Boggs in Monsters Inc.
@PHLNXS I want to play that game badly, purely because Mads is in it.
@@pedinhuh16 you'll cry during the mads cut scenes
Star Wars Villain ?
I swear to god he should’ve played Dr. Doom in Marvel.
he is so terryfing because he is basically a human being. Every other Bond villain up to that point had been some grandiose, over the top movie character. Hs is actually somebody that you might encounter somewhere on this planet.
He's just a minion pawn who had it coming
Exactly. People were used to the traditional Bond cartoon stuff before this movie. Of course the studios had to go back to the cartoon style again eventually (maybe the success of Marvel movies had a role in that?). It's great that we still got at least one serious Bond movie, that was a bit closer to the Bond books.
@@Daniel__Nobre faithful adaptations? you mean Russia with love? Or on her majestys secret service? Or man with the golden gun?
@@randomhuman97 Oooff..! NO.
Isn't that the point of a bond villain? To be an over the top evil mastermind?
God made wealth, god made crime. Who am I to criticize him in good taste? - Some bond villain in the future.
What amazes and inspires me is that Mikkelsen went into acting later than most people. And yet he's had such a bright and colorful career. This proves that you can't tell what life holds for you. So don't despair and just keep trying out new things.
No. Mads didnt go into acting later in life. He did a lot of movies when he was younger. Three of my faves are Pusher 1&2 and King Arthur. He was only 30 when he was cast in his first role in Pusher in 1996.
He's done 57 films.
Mads Mikkelsen is a great actor. His take on Hannibal Lecter was insanely great and I think He surpassed Sir Anthony Hopkins by playing the cannibal serial killer.
No one can surpass Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter
I think I'm gonna eat your tongue. I've already tasted beef tongue, I could try human now.
@CD ROD Hopkins was perfect for SotL, because we asked an audience had to understand immediately that he was a terrifying monster, and he did that better than anyone could. But...could you imagine him as a therapist? Would you go to a dinner party he threw before he was revealed to be a cannibal? Hell no, id just _assume_ it was made out of people
Mads was perfect to play the entire character of Hannibal. You could see that his patients would trust him and thinks he cares about helping them, but also as an audience see that he's ready to slit their throat. I'm a life long Hannibal fan, the books, the movies, kinda the show (they butchered the books for plots it hurt me to watch), but when it comes to portraying every side of the character -believably- Mads did it best. And I feel like its sacrelige to say but
Two different iterations of Lecter. And they are both peerless.
Still waiting for season 4 here 🥲
Mads Mikkelsen is such a good actor! And let’s be honest, he’s one damn attractive man. Loved him in all his roles really.
I agree 100%!!
He’s total eye candy 🍭
DILF
Omg he's gorgeous!
and he's a sweetheart off camera🥹💓
Le Chiffre was terrifying because he was the first villain of the franchise who seemed like he could actually kill James Bond 😳
I was legitimately scared that Bond would die and that says something about how amazing Mads was in this movie
Le Chiffre is easily the bond villain you can empathize with the most. He's what anyone else might do if put in the same position
I mean dude didn't have to use his warlord clients money on the stock market, pretty stupid move
@@nathanlatham5651 yes, he's terrible businessman
Love him and his asthma thing
He's just a minion pawn who had it coming.
@@nathanlatham5651 I wouldnt say so. He did that all the time and it worked. He made an attack or "accident" on something connected to wsome stock in order to manipulate the market.When Bond intervened it did not work and the rest is history.
Mads is an incredible actor. His portrayal of Hannibal Lecter had you almost rooting for the character, so charismatic and warm on the surface masking the predatory cannibal and serial killer below.
Le Chiffre here is no different. On the surface a ruthless, cunning, calm, collected man but beneath it all a desperate cornered man fighting for survival. Few actors can take a multifaceted character and portray them on screen organically, either one note or flipping between the two.
I agree. During the Hannibal series you definitely get to understand how everyone is able to fall for him and into his traps. Because I would definitely do the same. He seems genuinely nice and caring. But is the scariest ever, underneath.
"almost rooting for the character?" i was basically kneeling at hannibal's altar
Mads is the king of “micro expressions”. He has truly mastered the art of using twitches and small gestures to tell a story about his characters, instead of being just overly expressive. His performances just pull you in and make you curious.
Brilliant actor!
"Now the world's going to know you died scratching my balls..."
That there? Pitch _perfection_
Nothing comes close to Casino Royale.
Like...what more can he do after that? Bond's nuts are probably butter at that point, but It completely takes the wind out of Chiffre's sails to tell him he don' scratched his balls 😂
@Peter Kratovil
It's a ridiculous plan in Skyfall though, all that timed tube train nonsense.
Casino royale actually feels plausible, outside of the magic health kit in the car.
But Skyfall is very pretty.
Wanna hear a secret?
_whispers_
When taken with casino, I really like Quantum of Solace.
And, growing up reading the books, the fundamentally broken man that is bond is Craig to a t.
He just _is_ bond to me.
And it was very satisfying to see him in proper navy gear in time to die.
Would you mind ?
😅😂
@@wattsnottaken1 _"I've got a little itch. Down there. Would you?"_
The torture scene in this movie also pulled Bond out of the alluring and sophisticated world of previous movies and showed that he had a depth of character and resolve that we hadn't seen before. As you said it decontextualized the series but in truly extraordinary, almost unfathomable, ways.
mads mikkelsen has the perfect look & attitude for an antihero or a villain. and whatever character he played is always superb.
I really hope to see Tom Hardy as a Bond villain....
He would make it a TERRIBLE Bond... But I bet a TERRIFYINGLY good Bond villain.
I always thought Tim Hardy would make a great rogue 00 Agent.
@@MaxwellAerialPhotography or a good Blofeld
Tom Hardy would make a good anything! He always rocks!
Tom can do anything.
Yes! Not only do I love this Bond movie so much, Mads Mickkelsen's Le Chiffre is just so much more of a real person that it drives the entire film to feel more realistic. Love seeing this movie get some love.
It's my favorite modern bond movie, so much build up, surprises, awesome chases, mads, I can watch it again and again
I like how he says he tortures Bond not out of malice but out of survival. We all get ourselves in stressful situations from time to time. And sometimes we’ll do awful things to get ourselves out of them.
Hi I recommend checking out an indie song called 'The Bond Villain' By Robert Nix
All my love to Anthony Hopkins, Brian Cox, and Gaspard Ulliel (R.I.P.), but Mads Mikkelsen was and will always be THE definitive Hannibal Lecter (Gaspard was damn close though). No one else has EVER encapsulated and contextualized so fully the character as I believe Thomas Harris intended Hannibal to be. Mads is just a masterful actor and one of the most underrated, sadly.
RIP Gaspard. Sorely missed.
Mads is an European and has not succumb to the glitz of Hollywood money.
- Casino Royale is hands down the best Bond film by a mile.
- Le Chiffre is the best Bond villain by the same distance too.
And "You Know My Name" is the best Bond theme song. RIP Chris Cornell.
Goldfinger, GoldenEye and Casino are the top 3 films from the franchise. Whatever order you place them after that is up to you.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that each of them have an antagonist that’s more human and more plausible than the over-the-top supervillains found in other entries.
@@Lang7 I agree they are my 3 favorite
Vesper lynd is the best bond girl
@@longinuscyclone213 Yeah absolutely.
I really think both Daniel and Mads really brought it in this film but especially this scene. I think they never they had to get this right to truly stick the landing of this new version of bond.
I remember how the atmosphere of a full movie theater shifted during the interrogation scene. Even with how brutalistic the film had been previously, it was this scene that they nailed it and yet no one expected it. It had turned from a James Bond battle of wits to something visceral. It was like someone sucked all the air out of the room and everyone just held their breath, waiting, fearing what unknown consequences were in store. Amazing.
Mads has this ability to just deliver each time the camera is on him. I also just love how intense he is on-screen but irl is such a goof lol
I love that mads just collects all the mega popular franchises, plays the villain, and still makes everyone fall in love with him
Mads Mikkelsen deserved an Oscar for his role in the outstanding movie "The Hunt", I'm still mad at the fact that this man has more talent than half Hollywood and still has never won an Academy Award...
With the Craig Bond movies I like how Mikkelsen was relatively unknown at the time, whereas with nearly all the other villains it felt like the studio just picked the most recent Oscar winner to play the villain
They did pick the most recent oscar winner, come to talk about it.
Only in the us
Mads wasnt relatively unknown when he did Casino Royale. He's done over 57 films. He was quite well known by the rest of the world,just not America yet. His first film,Pusher,was done in 1996.
Mikkelsens portrayal of Le Chiffre reminds me of his break out role, Fischer, in the Danish crime series Rejseholdet. Although Fischer is a sympathetic character, he has a constant undercurrent of panic and violence beneath it. I wouldn't be surprised if Mikkelsen drew on Fischer for Le Chiffre
Pusher was really his breakout role as Tonny. Both films,1&2. People here in the states began to pay attention then.
Mads Mikkelsen is perfect for roles where you need someone to be the enemy, but who is so handsome that hating is getting to be a challange. he did a superb job as hannibal
If I had a nickel every time Mads acted as a one pale eyed villain I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice.
You can double your money!
He had one eye in Valhalla Rising, The three musketeers and Polar - a bleeding eye in Casino Royale ... and weird eyes in Doctor Strange! ;-)
He also has weird eyes in the video game Death Stranding.
Dont forget Polar :)
I love the grounded version of Bond. Le Chiffre is not over the top, like other villains. That’s why I love him as a villain. He threatens Bond out of need. Casino Royal is my #1 Bond film.
me too
Ya know,there have actually been 3 Casino Royale movies. The one with Peter Lore(the first one-1954),then the comedy with Peter Sellers(as Evelyn Tremble-1967),and now Mads(2021).
You've described very well why Le Chiffre is the best Bond "villain", IMO, and one of the best antagonists I've ever seen on film - Casino Royale as the best Bond film rests on this and also the OTHER best Bond relationship ever - that with Vesper, whose impact is perhaps even stronger than Le Chiffre's - I'd love to see you do a video on Eva Green's Vesper
Hmmm Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen starred together in The Salvation in 2014, a danish western. It also has Mikael Persbrandt playing his brother and Jonathan Pryce playing the undertaker.
I mean the film presents him as a moderate but mid level flunky whose failures are going to get him whacked by his bosses
Again he literally had to be saved by james and at one point otherwise his African partners were going to dismember him and his girlfriend,
he’s not treated by the film even as the main villain but a high level henchmen, but still a hencmen
which undermines him a bit.
His death isn’t even the climax of the film, that’s alter on in Venice with the other lesser henchmen
His own film shows and states he’s not even the most terrifying or threatening person in there
Mr white who caps him and his entire group and the fact that it is implied that the bosses/ the people Mr White work for are far more powerful and connected that they will have Le chefe killed simply cause they no longer have confidence in him
is more terrifying in my opinion.
He’s a great character but the best or most terrifying, not even by a long shot, and his own movie even contends that.
I read another comment saying he “almost” overshined Daniel Craig as the new Bond, and it’s true. Gosh I fell for him immediately in CR, but “Hannibal” really got me hooked on Mads. His body language in conveying a character is superb.
Cool thing to point down is that « chiffre » in french specifically refers to numbers below 10, or with one digit. Pushing the link between bond and Le Chiffre
After seeing Mads Mikkelsen in several vastly different roles in movies and series, I just feel like what ever role he takes, he makes it his own. He becomes the character. One of greatest talents in acting.
There's not another actor on the planet who can hold a candle to Mads Mikkelsen. His latest two Danish movies, Riders and Justice and Last Round, are absolutely superb.
Madds Mikkelson is criminally underrated...
He’s one of my favorite actors. I loved his role in the show “Hannibal” such a deep, and disturbing show about mental illness and depravity
Mads Mikkelsen is so great at his craft. Hated his character in Casino Royale (one of my all-time favorite movies), and loved his character in Rogue One. Can't believe how he could be the same actor in each; how much he makes you forget you're watching him and only appreciate his character. That's the sign of great acting. So many actors can't do that.
The remark that bond gives while being tortured is truly the best thing I’ve seen in a bond movie
They're not playing baccarat; they're playing Texas Hold 'Em poker. Le Chiffre's "safe house" isn't "a dingy warehouse sub-basement"; it's literally on a boat. Did you guys even watch this movie?
I was thinking the same.
“Felix Leeeeeter”
Glad someone wrote this. Also, more of a nitpick, but their bets aren't the "blinds" going up.
Yeah I am with it JT Smith on this one
This video feels rushed
Thanks.
I can relax now.
Mads is a great actor, he plays up stirring intimidation well, can’t wait to see him as Grindelwald
Mads is absolutely the most handsome man alive. And absolutely one of the best actors alive. Such a good boi. 10/10
Global warming denier.
Casino Royal might be my favourite film of all time, and it’s in no small way because of Mads Mikkelsen and the beautiful writing of Le Chiffre. I wonder if the next Bond will break the cycle of the first movie being leagues better than the films after it.
Mads mikkelsen might be one of the greatest actors alive. Always 100%. Its magnificent.
I think it also helps that unlike other Bond villains, Le Chiffre is willing to do his own dirty work as opposed to leaving Bond to villains. He just seems more dangerous that way like he's a genius that can walk away after manipulating a situation, but he's also ruthless enough to do it himself.
Mads always does a great job. I'll be going back to Hanibal because of this...
haha saaame!
Such an amazing show!!!! From the performances, to the writing, directing, cinematography?!?! Straight perfection, on level all its own. Never thought it got the love it truly deserved....just too dark, and heavy for network television. NBC, and then Netflix, really dropped the ball by not promoting this show more. Would have LOVED a few more seasons. Although, on second thought, maybe it's a good thing that it went out when it did...well before it had a chance to get bad...a la, "Game of Thrones", or "The Walking Dead"!?!?
*A couple other NBC shows that deserved better are, "Life", and what I think is the best cop show ever, "Southland"!!! HIGHLY recommend checking them out.
@@mariannecontrino6297 Thanks. I'll be checking out Southland. Have you seen s1 of True Detective? It's a must.
@@roel.vinckens I'd recommend also happy and leonard, fair warning it's a different kind of show but with great dialogue and acting
Never thought I'll say this but I'm almost tempted to see new Fantastic beasts movie only because of him
It’s great how terrifying he is and how terrifying that torture scene is and how bond basically took the piss out of him all the way though it. Such a basic but brilliant scene.
I wish Bond gave him the password of "shakennotstirred"
I have only one question : why did Mads not get an oscar for this. Mads mikkelsen is the greatest actor. it's privilege to see him.
It helps a lot that Mads Mikkelsen is a ridiculously good actor
Mads Mikkelson is a phenomenal actor. Every role he’s in is done exquisitely well, and he dominates the screen, even sharing it with 007.
Casino Royale has the best chemistry between Bond and the villain of any of the movies.
Helps that they're in so many scenes together compared to most Bond movies.
Connery's Bond only got 2 minutes with Blofeld in You Only Live Twice for example, missed opportunity there.
Casino Royale is the only Bond movie I have no notes on. The rest of them don’t come close; all have severe issues with plot, pacing, and character arcs/motivations, particularly that of the villains. You might still enjoy some of them, but they’re hard to take seriously. Not so here, and Mikkelsen’s turn as Le Chiffre is a big part of that. Thanks for articulating that better than I ever could!
Since the video mentions the over-the-top nature of the Brosnan era, I'll say that Pierce Brosnan was a good Bond who just got bogged down in scripts that were either less than good or bad (although, personally, I liked Golden Eye a lot).
GoldenEye does an exceptional job at providing seriousness alongside over the top theatricals. You have scenes like Alec, standing in a graveyard of Soviet-era statues, detailing the British government's atrocities against his family, paired with Bond piloting a tank through St. Petersburg while adjusting his tie. Plus, there's a "vintage" feel to it that none of the other Brosnan Bond films have.
I really like The World's not Enough as well. It's definitely less serious, but absolutely hilarious. Great characters IMO, especially Zukasky.
@@JoeNoshow27 I think all they had to do was stick with that certain archetype/themes of Goldeneye, instead they went back to fantastic weird shit that lacked the humour of old james bond and came off as cringey and autistic. tommorow never dies is a great example of a plot and cast that seemed like it could be good but it was terribly executed. It also should be noted that I think a Bond Villain should always be a mirror physically and mentally for Bond and not involve old men. I mean they really could have gone over the top in a bond movie and involved Area 51, aliens and Egypt and that would be a cool movie. Instead we got Media Moghul trying to start WWIII and North Korean Faceoff as well as something involving oil and nuclear weapons. I mean why not have a Brosnan movie about an ancient Japanese cult creating super soldiers by communicating with interdimensional dragons which is where the Japanese Emperor gets his power and Brosnan has to beat him in a Kunfu battle like Mortal Kombat. Come on Hollywood.
100%, still my favorite bond
It's so infuriating that no Bond movie has been better than Casino Royale
Agreed I think Casino Royal and Skyfall are the pinnacle of the Bond franchise.
That’s largely because, like “Russia,” the script stuck close to the original book, and then expanded on it a bit to make it more cinematic.
Never forget the part Chris Cornell's song played. Still the best Bond song ever, sorry Adele.
@@Literarydilettante In fact the film noir b/w opening was genius. A throwback to “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Third Man,” and early Hitchcock. And apt, since the original book took place in the post-war era when Europe was cleaning out Nazis only to be faced with Stalinists.
And it’s occurred to me that going from b/w in the prelude to color when the main story starts may have gotten nabbed from “The Wizard of Oz!” Just a thought.
Casino Royale is the best Bond by a mile, I agreed - To add to the analysis of why that is: *It's the first Bond to be more raw and a man's man then a pretty boy spy womanizer*
Daniel Craig was still that good looking charming witty spy, _BUT HE NEVER PLAYED ON TO THOSE TRAITS._
His main focus is completing his tasks as a spy, and his charm and romance with females was never felt like a womanizer on his own mission to seduce them, but as an organic interest because of the man he really is, his personality and genuine mystique.
And lastly, it was the first Bond to show true vulnerability and weakness. But those are also strengths, because it humanized the character to be a real person.
Like when Bond got poisoned and ran out of time to plug his _"defibrillator"_ into his heart, only to be saved by Vesper. It shows he needs good people to help him too, not this unstoppable escape any catastrophe by himself but also a pompous pretty boy womanizer, which I'm glad the franchise shifted away from.
Le Chiffre is def my favourite bond villain and i love casino royale the most. I’ve been a fan of Madds Mikkelsen ever since
For years I've heard about how terrifying this character was, but it's when I fell completely in love with him. From the moment he stepped out of that armored car.. ☺
Hi I Recommend a song Called: 'The Bond Villain' by Robert Nix
But Le Chiffre wasn't faking. It was a real tell. Bond told Vesper and Mathis the tell, and it was said later in the movie that Mantis must have tipped him off. Which is how Bond got suckered into the bad bet the second time around. And why after that play Mads' character folded when he accidentally touched his temple again. He did his tell unconsciously and had to fold.
The same guy whole slipped Bond the poison in his drink. Makes sense.
@@mikepastor.k6233 From the setup I think it was Le chiffre's girlfriend, the one that almost got her arm cut off, that slipped Bond the poison. She was right next to the drink when it got picked up and brought over to Bond. And she did the whole slow-turn-stare like her presence there was important.
This is not correct, Vesper tipped him off, as found out later in Quantum of Solace....
@@jakedickson697 Ahh. Never watched that one. Until recently I'd only ever watched Casino Royale. Still. Main point stands: Le Chiffre's tell was real.
@@djsosonut I thought only Vesper and Mathis were at the bar where Bond's drink was set. It doesn't show who did it but both could have. In fact I have to watch again because I'm not sure..
Mads is brilliant in everything. Even if the movie isn't, he carries it.
Both at Denmark and at Hollywood, he nails all the roles. From Riders of Justice, Maen og Høns and Jagten to Valhalla Rising, Hannibal, Doctor Strange, Death Stranding and James Bond.
Casino Royale was a gripping Classic.
Le chiffre was my first introuction to Madds Mickelson and I've been avid admirer ever since.
Same here!
LeChiffre may be Bond's most intense and fear-driven villain, but I'd love to see a Nerdstalgic video on LeChiffre vs his exact opposite: Silva!
The torture scene location was on a dingy boat, not a warehouse. 2 major clues were the watertight doors. Clue 3 is the wall in front of bond which is curved like a boat hull.
Yuppp
A dingy is a small row boat,..without a lower deck. It's merely like a boat you'd see someone out on a creek fishing in.
@@xScooterAZx A Dinghy is a small boat, Dingy means dirty.
@@DarthVader-1701 Yes,dinghy means small boat. My mistake for leaving out the h in it. XD
Thanks for catching that.
Aaaah yes the famous "Le Schieef"
And the infamous "Felix Leader"....
I was a life long Bond fan (Roger Moore was my fave) when Casino Royale blew me away. I was not excited for Daniel Craig at all and he became my favorite Bond because of one movie. It felt so different from all the other Bonds but damn it felt right.
Mads is amazing no matter what part he plays, I think he has fun with villains cause he is such a nice guy himself
This guy was an amazing Hannibal!! I was in awe w his character build👍👍
People need to watch some of his Danish movies to fully understand his range as an actor. They are much different from the American films he has been in.
Pusher, Pusher 2, Flickering lights, The green butchers, Adams apples, The hunt, Another round, Riders of justice
"Hey the last James Bond sucked!"
"Ok, time for the big guns... *Call Mads Mikkelsen* "
I love ya but they aren't playing Baccarat in the film, it's texas Hold-em
I play Craterhoof Behemoth. Looks like this game is about to be over, Monsieur Bond
Cyclonic rift in response. Get fucked.
What makes him the best Bond villain is also what makes him the best actor that ever played Hannibal Lecter
Mads is just a phenomenal actor....
Great Actors and Actresses, great script, great cinematography. Casino Royale is what happens when these come together.
If ya think Mads Mikkelson was terrifying in this, watch Hannibal, I think its underrated af
Mads us always gifted when gave an opportunity of playing criminals HE'S HANNIBAL LECTER GOD DAMMIT
This movie was such a fresh air in Bond franchise, suprised me so well. We expect something similar from another Bond movie, especially that this will be another reboot propably.
As a lifelong bond fan, I totally agree! Thanks for making such great content!
They did four movies after this one, and yet Casino Royale is still the best one in my book. In a huge part thanks to Mads memorable performance of Le Chiffre.
Interesting. All of these reasons are exactly why I found Le Chiffre one of the least scary Bond villains ever. Not that that takes anything away from him as a character - he just never seemed truly in control, and hence he seemed extremely beatable.
I honestly find Scaramanga (Man with the golden gun) to be the most intimidating.
I graduated high school in ‘07, and our grad was Bond themed. Fun times, I wore the signature grey suit
The tears of blood are more than enough to freak me out.
Mads is one of the best actors in our age
"Oops."
- Le Chiffre
God I love Mads Mikkelsen.
What an Actor!!. He is perfect in Hannibal. Best version ever. Loves his work
I think Le Cieffre is a nine out of 10 villain. The only thing holding him back from being the best bond villain of all time (undoubtably) is his absence in the climax. It undermines his character and his significance in Bonds Origin and in the film. I am an artist, and other day I was redesigning in my head the poster to casino royale to make it a little bit more memorable and iconic. I kept trying to figure out where I wanted to place Le Cieffre, and once I finally start of a spot it occurred to me that it had him dominating the poster too much, and when it comes to other villains this would be fine, but because of his lack of presence in the third act I just couldn’t do it. I would’ve rewritten it so that Mr. White does not show up but instead calls Le Cieffre, and he says the same lines about getting the money, and Mr. White replies in the same way about trust being more important to his organization. And then we hear the gunshots, and it’s MI6, Mr. White gave up his location to them. So Le Cieffre escapes and the team break in to a dazed James Bond. The rest of the film would play basically the same way, with an offhanded remark from vesper or him saying that they will eventually catch him. As he has nowhere to run. This would actually help the third act which is a little weak only in that the audience knows something is going to go wrong with vesper given that the movie is not over clearly and I can’t end on this happy of a note. But with him still in the film, The audience will tribute this feeling with him rather than vesper, too many people watching this film end up just trusting her in the third act because of the lack of antagonist. His for voting presents would be a perfect distraction from the twist. So instead of Vesper meeting some random dude with the eyepatch, she be meeting with Le Cieffre, and his desperation to get the money would be shown at full power in the car max. It would make the ending fight seem more personal and leave zero room for confusion for the audience as to who we are fighting. It would also add a level to her betrayal sense she’s not working for some random dude but for the guy we’ve been trying to beat this whole time. And finally the nail on the town of town coffin would coincidentally be the nail gun to Le Cieffre’s eye. I think this kill is memorable from a practical standpoint, I remember never forgetting it after I saw as a kid, but now with his added bunch of it being the main villain who is nailed in the eye that he’s constantly bleeding from, it would be perfect. The perfect Bond kill without being too cheesy for this more gritty take on the character. This way it feels like it took a lot for bond to finally beat him, and at a cost, he loses the love his life. Of you look through the history of Cinema, every great villain has an equally great sendoff, and I believe this is the one that Mads Mikkelsen‘s and Casino Royales brilliant antagonist, Le Cieffre, is missing.
Casino royal wasn't based on Ian Fleming's time in the secret service, it was based on Christopher Lee's time in the secret service
For me the 2 most terrifying Bond villains are Max zorin played by Christopher Walken and Sanchez by Robert Davi. Le chiffre is just a man trapped because of his wrong decisions but he is not a cold psychopath like Zorin who is laughing while shooting a bunch of innocent people
He's a great villain, but I wouldn't say he is terrifying. It's too hard for me to be scared of him when he gets bullied a lot throughout.
Same
The 90's and 00's just had incredible villains.
True ..
Just have a look at Gary Oldman for instance...
9:46 absolutely
They aren't playing Baccarat, they're playing poker. Texas Hold 'em more specifically.
Missing that, killed the rest of the investigation of this video
@@sledhead722 A nitpick, but mentioning the boat as a warehouse was small but noticeable.
If your villain is played by Mads Mikkelsen, run.
I'd run to him🤭
4:07 think you meant to say 'weep blood'. Nobody makes me bleed my own blood!
This character reflects hannibal quite well, smart and he has that creepy look
Absolutely loved him!! The only Hannibal in my opinion...way better than anyone else👍👍
One thing I am certain of it has my favorite Bond theme in "You Know My Name". That is almost my life's theme.
Mads Mikklesen is one those actor's when they play the villain you actually root for him to win
Casino royale is my favorite bond film for sure
An exceptional analysis on how Bond was updated for a new era, working not only to update Bond as a character but also the film psychology of the genre's antagonist who almost always carries 50% of the film. We only expect something similar for this upcoming new Bond.
I still find that safin is also a really good villian