China Redux

Casino Royale, the newest James Bond movie, is being released in China for the first time (Reuters). The media and everyone else is thrilled that the film is being shown uncensored (”the fact that we got it through without any censor cuts at all seems to me to be some kind of achievement,” said director Martin Campbell).

And with censorship apparently not an issue (at leat not with Casino Royale), Bond star Daniel Craig, in Beijing for the 007 opening, has filled the void with an eloquent little speech on the perils of piracy:

“It hasn’t premiered here yet, but I think it’s been seen here,” Craig lamented. “Someone tried to sell me a copy last night,” he added. “I was wearing a hat and glasses so they didn’t recognize me.”

“I understand the reality of the situation and it saddens me, not just because of the effect it has on the movie industry but because going to the cinema is a great experience,” said Craig, referring to copyright piracy.

“You’re missing out by watching a bad copy of a DVD with no sound and bad picture quality. As far as I’m concerned cinema is a collective experience and you get 50 percent more by going to a cinema.”

I sympathize, but that’s an overstatement and a half. Piracy can be an unfortunate byproduct of globalization, and I understand Hollywood’s efforts to fight back. But really, Daniel Craig need not be made into spokesperson for the cause. It’s tacky and completely contrived.