Latest news with #Connery
Scotsman
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Book review: Against Identity by Alexander Douglas
Alexander Douglas teaches the history of philosophy at the University of St Andrews. His book, Against Identity: The Wisdom of Escaping the Self, is published by Allen Lane on 19 June. A study of three major thinkers by philosopher Alexander Douglas is one of my highlight books of the year so far, writes Stuart Kelly Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The late William McIlvanney told a wonderful anecdote about meeting Sean Connery in the café at Edinburgh Zoo. A young waitress asked, nervously, 'Are you who I think you are?', to which Connery replied 'No'. But as McIlvanney archly and wisely observed, Connery was not who he thought he was either. This exemplifies some of the ironies and complexities in Alexander Douglas's lucid and absorbing study. For a subject which is daunting, he writes with both enviable clarity and, more importantly, honesty. In the conclusion, he writes about the 'philosophy of going against identity': 'I cannot claim to understand it in any practical sense… I have not escaped the mire of identity… Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Try as I might to embrace the teaching I have presented here, pride manages to keep sneaking back into the driver's sear of my actions'. I don't care if this seems like reading too much into the text, but the tenor of his words, and the reference to 'the driver's seat', seems haunted by Muriel Spark (Douglas is a resident of Edinburgh). The book is a study of three major thinkers: Zhuagnzi, (c. 369-286 BC), Spinoza (1632-1677) and René Girard (1923-2015). It is worth commending simply the fact that represents strands not normally brought into dynamic relation to each other; a Chinese sage whose own historical reality is in doubt, a doubly-ostracised Enlightenment Jew and a French-American deconstructionist and theologian. All of them saw their respective periods as moments of profound unsettlement, potential turning points when old certainties were called into question. All three internalised this sense of the precarious. The parable of Zhuang Zhou dreaming about being a butterfly is given a strong re-reading in these pages. It is not about uncertainty, a kind of Schrödinger's cat situation where we can open the box and know definitively whether Zhuang is a human or butterfly. The original says 'between Zhuang Zhou and the butterfly there had to be a boundary. And this is known as the transformation of things'. For there to be a change between them, they must be acknowledged as separate entities or forms; what is paramount is whatever 'it' is, 'it' has the capacity, the plasticity, to be both. A thought experiment underpins the book's concerns: how many of our markers of identity truly constitute us? It is akin to Locke's distinction between primary and secondary characteristics. For Locke, erroneously, something like colour or dimension was secondary: a sphere can be red or green, have a diameter of a millimetre of a mile, without affecting its intrinsic sphere-ness. How many of our characteristics – Douglas lists, among others, ethnicity, politics, clothing, sports teams, opinions on metaphysics – can we change without changing our elusive 'self'? On a personal, somewhat flippant, level, after an operation and an extensive blood transfusion, I lost my taste for coffee. It didn't change my sense of self, but cataracts operations meaning I don't need glasses after 45 years rather did. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The urgency of this book can be highlighted by noting that one of the students (and remember, students often set themselves up as Oedipal antagonists to their mentors) of Girard was the technocrat Peter Thiel. With him – and Musk, and Zuckerberg, and Altman – we can see the monetisation and enforcing of competitive identities, and even the atomisation of anything like a self into a flurry of ticks and likes. Douglas looks at the fictive aspect of identity, its basis on imitation in Spinoza, and the constructed nature of desire in Girard. Girard is a great exponent of St Paul and his awful realisation: 'For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do'. If our concepts of identity are so many cobwebs, they are also very dangerous ones. As he puts it: 'Aggression, performative contempt, public humiliation – anything that might fill its targets with enough shame to want to be somebody else – these are the right tools for the job' [of changing the minds of others]. But the idea of self-liberation is quixotic too. 'Anyone who feels suddenly freed to 'be themselves' is warned that they will in reality exercise a freedom to 'be somebody else'. The governing myth which Douglas invokes is that of the mythic emperor Hundun. Hundun was trapped between the competing rivals Shu and Hu, and welcomed them equally and with equanimity. He, however, had no features so Shu and Hu decided to drill and bore facial openings into him, in the process killing him. The myth horrifically conjures identity as a violent imposition, and something that paradoxically erases. Even if we take the position of Saussure on identity – that it doesn't matter which actual engine is the 4.50 from Paddington, as long as we all agree it is the train leaving at 4.50 from Paddington – there is an element of coercion. Are you merely what everyone else agrees you are? Identity politics can be summed up by the old New Yorker cartoon – why do you have to be a non-conformist like everyone else? The most interesting aspect of the argument here is the stress on having no identity, not having a different identity. There is something appealing about existing in a state of positive provisionality rather than deracinated neutrality, though it might require a degree of sanctity to achieve it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sean Connery turned down role he said was 'disgusting' which other actor won Oscar for
Sean Connery turned down a number of iconic roles during his career, including one which won the actor who took on the role an Oscar, as he found it 'disgusting' The iconic actor and silver screen legend Sean Connery once rejected a part that might have landed him a Best Actor Oscar, finding it "disgusting". Connery, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, left behind an astonishing array of work, not least his portrayal of James Bond and an Oscar-winning role in The Untouchables. Even so, among the various offers he declined were parts that went on to become some of the greatest roles in film history, including one particular character who featured in a film which won five Oscars. Despite turning down the proposition due to its "disgusting" source material, there's a consensus among fans that this was the right decision by the 'Goldfinger' actor. The concern amongst devotees of the Bond legend was that Connery would have reshaped the character too much in his own image instead of adhering to the required tone of a thriller. According to a post on the r/TodayILearned subreddit: "Of the various roles Sean Connery turned down, they included Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs, John Hammond in Jurassic Park, Morpheus in The Matrix, Dumbledore in Harry Potter, and Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. Of the Hannibal part in particular, Connery felt it was too 'disgusting'." Jonathan Demme, the director of The Silence of the Lambs, confirmed that there was a considerable effort exerted to secure Connery for the film, but he ultimately rejected the offer. Demme recalled: "Sean Connery was the only other person I thought could be amazing for this. Connery has that fierce intelligence and also that serious physicality. I love Tony Hopkins, but Sean Connery could be amazing. "Word came back shortly that he thought it was disgusting and wouldn't dream of playing the part. So, great, now we can go to Tony Hopkins." Movie buffs were relieved Connery snubbed the part as there was speculation about how he would interpret the role of the nefarious cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. Anthony Hopkins, who embraced the character in three films, earned an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in 'Silence of the Lambs' in 1994. One social media user wrote: "What's funny is that while may have passed on them, the actors who took them made them into iconic performances." Another added: "There are two types of actors: those who transform into their characters, and those who transform the characters into themselves. "Connery is the latter. He didn't transform into James Bond, Ramierz from Highlander, or the submarine commander from The Hunt for Red October; he was just Sean Connery in each of those roles. All those roles he turned down would've just been Sean Connery." A third shared: "That's my takeaway every time this comes up. He passed on some iconic roles, but they probably wouldn't have become iconic in the first place had he NOT passed on them. "I try and imagine him in those roles and it just doesn't fit. Sean Connery had star power but he's not the kind of actor who can do anything and become anyone, and that's fine."
Irish Examiner
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kilmallock edge Na Piarsaigh to earn Limerick SHL glory
Limerick Senior Hurling League final: Kilmallock 0-18 Na Piarsaigh 0-15 Kilmallock are Limerick senior hurling League champions for 2025 after they saw off Na Piarsaigh on an 0-18 to 0-15 scoreline at Claughaun. Conor Staunton starred for 'The Balbec' with an impressive 0-8, his two efforts from play the highlight of what was a contest that never really got going. Both teams were without a litany of starters that one would expect to see come championship in a game that Kilmallock deservedly came out victorious. Pierce Connery got the scoring underway after two minutes but a Ronan Lynch free brought Na Piarsaigh level moments later. Kilmallock, aided by a strong first half breeze, took control from the moment that Graeme Mulcahy put his side back in front. Further scores from Connery and Staunton then saw Kilmallock open a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage with six minutes on the clock. Keith Dempsey stopped the Kilmallock wave with a free but Connery and Staunton restored dominance for the south Limerick outfit. Connery excelled in the first half and his fourth point inside the opening quarter cancelled out a fine Mark Hogan score for Na Piarsaigh. That lead was stretched to five when Kilmallock keeper Conor Hanley-Clarke fired over a long-range free. Oisin O'Reilly made it a six-point lead as the half drew to a close but a Lynch free saw the score at 0-10 to 0-5 in Kilmallock's favour at the break. Lynch kept Na Piarsaigh in touch in the early stages of the second half with a couple of frees but Staunton always had a response for Kilmallock. The lead was at three when the game entered the final quarter but strikes from Mulcahy and Staunton, either side of a Lynch placed ball, handed Kilmallock a four-point buffer. Dempsey (2) and Adrian Breen gave Na Piarsaigh hope as the game headed towards its conclusion but a Staunton free and a superb O'Reilly point from play saw Kilmallock home to victory. Scorers for Kilmallock: C Staunton 0-8 (5f, 1'65), P Connery 0-4, O O'Reilly 0-3, G Mulcahy 0-2, C Hanley-Clarke 0-1 (1f). Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: R Lynch 0-7 (7f), K Dempsey 0-4 (3f), Mark Hogan, G Brown, D Lynch and A Breen 0-1 each. Kilmallock: C Hanley-Clarke; D O'Brien, L English, D Joy; R Egan, A Costello; A Enright; S Quirke, G Enright; S Carroll, C Staunton, G Mulcahy; P Connery, O O'Reilly, S Dowling. Subs: D Woulfe for Carroll (44), P O'Brien for Dowling (49), C Barrett for Mulcahy (58). Na Piarsaigh: P O'Neill; A Dempsey, S Long, P Heaney; A Fitzsimons, R Lynch, T Grimes; J Finn, J O'Keeffe; JJ Carey, K Dempsey, G Brown; Mark Hogan, K Daly, D Lynch. Subs: A Breen for Daly (39), E McEvoy for Heaney (39), Marcus Hogan for Brown (59). Referee: E Stapleton (Doon).
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh's Sean Connery's luxury French home hits the market for eye-popping sum
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh's Sir Sean Connery's former mansion in the French Riviera has gone on the market for £20 million. The late James Bond star lived in the property on the C te d'Azur near Nice with his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, a painter from the area, who he met in the 1970s. The 1920s Villa Le Roc Fleuri is set on a hillside over six storeys and overlooks the port of Nice. The 10,000 sq ft five bedroom property was previously put up for sale in 2020 for £26.7 million but the owners later took it off the market after it failed to find a buyer. Connery, who died aged 90 at his home in the Bahamas in October 2020, lived in the house with his wife, who he married in 1975, in the 1970s and 1980s. It even featured in the actor's last outing as 007 in 1983's Never Say Never Again and neighbours still refer to it as "the Bond villa". The home includes an indoor infinity pool, a landscaped terraced garden with another swimming pool, a spa, gym, wine cellar, suites and two guest villas. Chuck McKee, sales agent at Savills, said: "Roc Fleuri is undoubtedly the most desirable property in Nice right now and always has been - the sheer size and proportions of the villa, its rich history and the location just above the waterline puts it in a category of its own." A sales brochure for the property reads: "Step inside the legendary former French Riviera home of Sir Sean Connery, where cinematic history meets timeless architecture and appeal. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "Welcome to Roc Fleuri, with gardens stretching down to the shimmering coastline high above the shimmering coastline of Nice, this historic Belle poque villa, blends timeless French elegance with the mystique of a Hollywood great. "Featuring sweeping views over the city and Mediterranean, extensive accommodation, a luxurious spa, pool and gym, in addition to stunning grounds and guest accommodation, this property is as unforgettable as 007 himself." The home also boasts a grand reception, mosaic tiled flooring, floor to ceiling windows and a roof terrace which offers "the most spectacular view available in Nice." There is also a lift, a television room, a home office, a walk-in dressing room and parking for five cars. Oscar-winner Connery died peacefully in his sleep at home following a battle with dementia.
The Courier
16-05-2025
- The Courier
Friday court round-up — Cocaine and cannabis courier
A courier was caught with drugs worth more than £76,000 in his car. Police discovered packages of cocaine and cannabis when they pulled over on the Forfar stretch of the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen. The 55-year-old joiner claimed he had been paid £500 for delivering the packages. Dundee Sheriff Court was told police had been monitoring Sutherland and followed him on Dundee's Kingsway. He was arrested and had his phone seized after being stopped on the A90 at Parkford. Fiscal depute Emma Farmer said: 'A carrier bag was recovered from the boot of the vehicle and a further bag was recovered from the spare wheel compartment. 'Within these bags, police found two packages of cannabis and one package of cocaine.' The two cannabis packages weighed 970g each and had a maximum potential street value of £14,550 if the drugs were sold in gram deals. Had the 496g cocaine package been sold in similar deals, it would have a value between £49,680 and £62,100. Sutherland told police he was paid £500 to travel from Aberdeen to Wishaw in North Lanarkshire and collect two boxes of cannabis but denied any knowledge of the cocaine. Ms Farmer said: 'He advised that he was instructed to park at a location before an unknown person attended and placed the packages within the back seats. 'Mr Sutherland then moved these items to the boot prior to the journey back to Aberdeen.' Sutherland, of New Deer in Aberdeenshire, pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis on September 12 2023 on the A90. As an alternative to custody, Sheriff George Way ordered him to perform 210 hours of unpaid work and he was placed under social work supervision for 18 months. A chicken factory worker left a Ukrainian refugee scarred and injured after discovering she was having an affair with her partner. The 49-year-old victim was left with blisters and hearing loss after love rival , 42, hurled a scalding cup of coffee over her head in Coupar Angus. , 41, from Angus, was given an extended 13-year sentence for sexual offences that took place in the Forth Valley and Tayside areas between May 2006 and May 2019. He was jailed for a decade with an extra three years on licence when he is released. Connery was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow in March of a number of offences including rape and sexual assault. Police Scotland said he was arrested in 2022 after two women – one who has since died – reported the sexual offences. Judge placed him on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period and imposed an indefinite non-harassment order in respect of his surviving victim. Detective Sergeant Khalid Abdulrahman of Forth Valley's public protection unit said: 'Although one of Connery's victims passed away, it was right that her evidence was heard in court through the reading of statements. 'I hope this sentencing brings some comfort to both her family and the other victim in this case. 'Our thoughts remain with them as without their information, Connery wouldn't have been held accountable for his despicable actions. Such crimes will not be tolerated. 'I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence or anyone with information about those involved to come forward and report it, regardless of when it happened..' A rapist from Perth who was convicted in his absence of carrying out a sex attack on a sleeping university student has left Scotland for Iran, a court has heard. failed to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh for the final day of his trial in March this year when jurors were deliberating on their verdict. A motorist has admitted brandishing a machete at another driver during a flare-up in Perth. passed a Mercedes Benz on Auld Bond Road, at a point where lanes were merging into one, the city's court heard. The 26-year-old was seen holding the large blade while acting in an aggressive manner. McGregor, of Sandpiper Gardens, Perth, admitted possession of a bladed weapon and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on October 9 2022. Sentence was deferred for background reports.
