Javier Bardem discusses adding sexual tension to Skyfall villain

Actor Javier Bardem revealed that he was instrumental in increasing the sexuality and personal dimension of his character, Raoul Silva, in the James Bond film “Skyfall”. Speaking at a BFI London Film Festival Screen Talk, Bardem explained that he proposed the idea to director Sam Mendes to move beyond the traditional villain archetype.

Bardem suggested that instead of a villain merely wanting to destroy the world, Silva should have a personal desire to have sex with Bond. Mendes agreed to take the proposal to the studio, which Bardem described as being “very brave”. This resulted in the notable scene where Silva confronts a tied-up Bond, played by Daniel Craig, creating a moment of vulnerability for the character.

Bardem also shared an anecdote from the set, noting that he was so starstruck by Judi Dench and Daniel Craig during a scene that he actually forgot his lines.