The iconic Sean Connery, beloved for his portrayal of James Bond, once shouldered the blame for a crime thriller's lackluster reception. But was it really all his fault? A star's struggle with a film's failure is a captivating tale, especially when it involves a beloved actor like Connery.
In 1964, Sean Connery, fresh from the success of 'Dr. No', was on the cusp of solidifying his status as a cinematic legend with 'Goldfinger'. However, before this triumph, he starred in 'Woman of Straw', a crime drama that critics of the time panned. Connery, ever the professional, took responsibility for the movie's shortcomings, but was this self-criticism warranted?
Directed by Basil Dearden, known for the acclaimed 'The League of Gentlemen', 'Woman of Straw' was expected to be another hit. Connery played Anthony Richmond, a man plotting to inherit his uncle's fortune through a marriage scheme with Italian nurse Maria Marcello. But the film's plot twists and turns failed to thrill critics, who deemed it a disappointment. Connery, in a 1965 Playboy interview, hinted at his own misgivings, suggesting his busy schedule and script rewrites during filming contributed to the film's issues.
But here's where it gets controversial. 'Woman of Straw' was Connery's attempt to break free from the Bond mold, and he embraced a villainous role. Yet, critics saw it as a step back, with The New York Times' Eugene Archer questioning Connery's choice to star in a 'old-fashioned thriller'. Was Connery's desire to diversify his roles met with unfair criticism?
Interestingly, Connery's other 1964 thriller, 'Marnie', directed by Alfred Hitchcock, also received a mixed initial response but later gained appreciation. 'Woman of Straw', however, hasn't enjoyed the same reevaluation. Reports suggest a challenging filming experience, with co-star Gina Lollobrigida's behavior adding to the on-set tension. And this is the part most people miss: Connery's self-blame might have been influenced by these behind-the-scenes struggles.
So, was Connery truly responsible for the film's failure? Or did the critics' expectations and comparisons to Hitchcock's style play a bigger role? Perhaps it's time to revisit 'Woman of Straw' with a fresh perspective and decide for ourselves. What do you think? Was Connery too hard on himself, or did he recognize a genuine misstep in his illustrious career?
