When Daniel Craig took over as James Bond, it was questionable whether he would be able to live up to the iconic character. Thankfully though he lived up to this task, and became one of the best. What his debut in Casino Royale also gave us though is one of the best poker games ever to grace our screens.
Whether it is his fight for life after being poisoned, or the game itself, the mental battle between Bond and Le Chiffre is unforgettable. What we tend to forget though is that there are more than those two characters in the game.
What makes the scenes in which the card game take place so engrossing to watch is how perfectly it sets up the game, and how well the characters not only handle the cards, but also handle the mind games that are a part of Poker. It reminds us that ‘Poker Face’ isn’t just a song by Lady Gaga, it is more about the psychology behind hiding emotions and faking out the other players.
The impressiveness of the game shown in the film, especially the final hand is how well the stakes are created, and how the intensity matches the $24 million jackpot. Texas Holdem Poker is also one of the more recognisable versions of the game. It makes it easier for us to become engrossed in the game and not get caught up in the complicated nature of Poker itself, therefore if you’re thinking about playing it’s worth checking out reliable Texas Hold’em tips beforehand which are widely available online.
While two of the characters remain nameless, they do have a part to play in the drama that is taking place, their hands aren’t useless. For the viewer, though, all eyes really are on Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, and Craig’s Bond. This is a game of Poker where Bond has to get Le Chiffre’s attention, and win his money.
Even after almost dying, Bond manages to get this attention, and we do see some quite sadistic scenes as further revenge is enacted on the iconic British intelligence agent. We know Bond can take it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. If anything though we know the superhero like man with a license to kill will survive, even if he is emotionally scarred by the events that occur after the game of cards.
What is easy to say though is the fact that the card game in Casino Royale is one of the best ever to be seen on screen, if not the best. It not only brought a credible game of Poker to the screen, but also help make Daniel Craig’s performance as James Bond memorable for all the right reasons. Though some would say the beach scene is even more memorable for them.
