Boss James Bond
“For me, filmmaking is torture in general” – On Judi Dench’s 90th birthday
She’s called James Bond’s boss: But even before Judi Dench became a movie star, she was one of the most popular theater actresses.
She doesn’t like being a national treasure, but that’s exactly what she is. Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain’s most famous and popular actresses. An icon of the theater, she became a movie star in the 60s and won an Oscar. And that despite the fact that she says she feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Today, December 9, Dench is 90 years old. “You get a little nervous when everyone says 90,” she admitted and joked in the Sunday Times interview. “I’d rather not think about reaching the age of 90, I’d rather imagine myself turning 29.”
She wants to celebrate her birthday with her family. James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli also wanted to take her out to dinner, Dench revealed.
World famous as boss 007
As James Bond’s boss, the Brit, already a respected stage star in his home country, became known to a wide international audience. She promptly made a strong impression in 1995 in “GoldenEye” with Pierce Brosnan.”I think you’re a sexist, misogynistic dinosaur,” she accused the new 007. “A remnant of the Cold War.”
After Brosnan’s departure, Dench retained her role as secret service chief M despite rebooting the cult series with Daniel Craig In a total of seven films – eight if you count a short video sequence in “Spectre” (2015) – she was at M ., with whom she had an almost maternal relationship, has secret agents.
Dench received her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 1998 for Her Majesty Mrs. Brown. A year later she received it for her brief but unforgettable supporting role as Queen Elizabeth I in “Shakespeare In Love”. “I never thought I would win an Oscar with eight minutes of screen time,” she told the Guardian.
Dench has been nominated for the prestigious trophy a total of eight times, most recently in 2021 for the drama “Belfast”. She received eleven British Film Awards (baftas) and numerous other film and theater awards.
Making a film is “torture” for Judi dench
“In the theater you can make it better on Tuesday and it might not be as good on Friday. But in a film, the director decides. he says ‘cut’ – and that’s the final version.” Dench has admitted that she has never seen manny of the films she has worked on. “And I don’t want to see her either. That would upset me.”
Among the films she would rather forget are the musical flop “Cats” (2019) and the science fiction trash “Riddick: Chronicles of a Warrior” (2004) with Vin Diesel. “My family makes fun of me about it,” the actor said with an infectious laugh. She barely remembers the movie.
Your eternal passion
Like many of her theater colleagues, judi Dench prefers to be on the tables which means the world. She was born in York on December 9, 1934, the daughter of an Irish mother and an English father who soon drew attention to her charisma and talent.
Immediately after drama school she was engaged in the National Theater in “Hamlet”. The press responded outraged. “they said,’How can the so-called National Theater hire a complete newcomer to play Ophelia?'” Dench said in an interview with the BBC. “They were really angry. That’s why they finally took the role away from me.” That could not stop her amazing career.
As Daniel Craig says goodbye to 007 with drugs and lots of sex
At the theater she also found personal happiness and met her true love. She was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001. The couple frequently enough appeared on stage together or even appeared in advertisements together. michael’s marriage resulted in their daughter Finty, who died of lung cancer.
The second grate love
David Mills has been Judi Dench’s partner for almost 20 years. “I never thought for a minute that there would be anyone else in my life,” she told the Mirror. “I’m vrey lucky.” But they didn’t want to get married or move in together. “We’re far too grown up for that.”
Judi Dench, among other things, proved during the Corona pandemic that she has a lot of humor and doesn’t take herself too seriously. During the lockdown, she recorded short videos with her grandson Sam in which she danced choreography to hip-hop songs. Sam posted the clips on Tiktok and briefly made his grandmother an internet phenomenon.
18 July 2024, 16:24
A video in which the Oscar winner wears movable rabbit ears and laughs at her head is noteworthy. For Dench, who feels most comfortable interacting with others, the videos were a blessing. “That saved my life,” she said.
When her friends and colleagues Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt died recently, it was a huge blow for Judi Dench. But it also made her realize something: “I think you’re lucky to be 90,” she told the Sunday Times. “At least I can get from A to B and walk around. Christ, I have a lot to be thankful for.”
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How has Judi Dench influenced the portrayal of female characters in cinema?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are celebrating the incredible career and legacy of Dame Judi Dench, who turns 90. Joining us is Dr.Emily Cartwright, a film historian and expert on British cinema. Emily, thank you for being here!
Dr. Emily Cartwright: It’s a pleasure to be here, thank you for having me.
Editor: Judi Dench is a national treasure in the UK and has made quite an impact in both theater and film. What do you think makes her so beloved by audiences around the world?
Dr. Cartwright: Judi Dench’s charm lies in her authentic portrayal of characters, her commanding stage presence, and her ability to blend vulnerability with strength. She embodies a certain gravitas, especially in roles like M in the James Bond films. It’s interesting how she transitioned from a celebrated stage actress to a global film icon, yet often jokes about her discomfort in front of the camera.
Editor: Yes! It’s remarkable. In one of her recent interviews,she mentioned that filmmaking feels like “torture” due to the lack of control over the final product. How do you think this discomfort has shaped her performances?
Dr. Cartwright: That discomfort perhaps makes her more relatable as an actress; she openly acknowledges her nerves. In theater,an actor can adjust their performance night by night,but in film,the director’s vision is paramount once the final cut is decided. This contrasts with her theatrical background where spontaneity plays a crucial role. I believe that contributes to her nuanced performances—there’s an honesty in what she brings to the screen.
Editor: She’s certainly had a remarkable journey, from being a popular theater actress to starring in iconic films like “GoldenEye” as M. Could you elaborate on her impact within the James Bond series?
Dr. Cartwright: Absolutely. Dench’s portrayal of M was revolutionary. She challenged the customary portrayal of women in the Bond franchise. Her defining line to Pierce Brosnan’s Bond—calling him a “sexist, misogynistic dinosaur”—was groundbreaking. It not only showcased her strength as a character but also transformed the narrative perspective within an action genre that frequently enough subjugated female roles to mere accessories.
Editor: It’s inspiring! She’s also won numerous awards, including an Oscar for a role that had only eight minutes of screen time. What does this say about her talent?
Dr. Cartwright: It speaks volumes! This level of recognition for such a brief role in “Shakespeare in Love” is a testament to her ability to make a profound impact, regardless of the screen time available. She captivates audiences and critics alike, proving that depth of performance can outweigh quantity. Her eight Oscar nominations only emphasize her longevity and relevance in an evolving film landscape.
Editor: Despite her accolades, she mentioned a desire to forget about some films like “Cats.” How do you interpret her attitude towards certain projects?
Dr. Cartwright: It is quite human for any artist to have projects they aren’t proud of. For Dench, her humor about “Cats” and other less favorable films reflects humility and self-awareness—a quality that resonates with fans. It shows that even a celebrated actress has ups and downs in her career. It’s also a reminder that not every project aligns with an actor’s strengths or the expectations of the audience.
Editor: As we look at her legacy, what do you believe Judi Dench’s contributions mean for future generations of actors?
Dr. Cartwright: Judi Dench sets an example of resilience and authenticity. She’s shown that vulnerability can coexist with power, especially in roles typically dominated by male actors. Young artists can learn from her adaptability and dedication to both stage and screen. More importantly, she’s a reminder that true talent transcends age—her continued work in film exemplifies that acting is an art that can flourish throughout one’s life.
Editor: Dr. Cartwright, thank you for sharing your insights on Dame Judi Dench as we celebrate her 90th birthday. She truly remains an inspiration for many!
Dr. Cartwright: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing her remarkable career and enduring legacy. Here’s to more of her work to come!