Although short, this little scene from Casino Royale (2006) was a missed opportunity, in my opinion. Any changes wouldn’t be super significant, but it puzzled me as to why the writers didn’t inject a little more humor or sex appeal for Daniel Craig’s Bond in this interaction.

Like some similar scenes in other movies, Bond’s looks and charm often go very well noticed by receptionists, waitresses and passersby – and rightly so! Here, however, Catherine (Christina Cole), the Ocean Club’s receptionist, doesn’t flinch. Whenever I re-watch the scene, for a quick second when she looks up from her computer I always think her eyes will light up or she’ll bite her lip out of admiration. But nope, she’s pretty much by-the-book professionally, even giving Bond a tip to not anger another guest.

If anything, Bond seems a bit smitten himself – obviously playing coy to get more information about Dimitrios. Aside from the pleasantries, I’d say this scene is a rare 007 flirtatious under-performance.

Catherine (Christina Cole) welcomes James Bond (Daniel Craig) to the Ocean Club in Casino Royale (2006)