Daniel Craig is back on the silver screen. But not in the sort of role you would expect. The English actor shot to superstardom during his 15-year stint as James BondThe character was first created by author Ian Fleming in his 1953 book, Casino Royale. Since then, James Bond has been played by seven different actors in 26 films.: the most famous tough guy in cinema history.

Queer, the new film by Italian director Luca Guadagnino, is very different. It is an adaptation of a novel by Beat GenerationA literary and cultural movement in the 1950s and 1960s that rejected tradition and emphasised freedom of expression. writer William S Burroughs. Craig stars as William Lee, an American man idling his days in 1950s Mexico City. It follows his long nights of bad behaviour. 

In a rave review, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw called Craig's performance "strangely magnificent" and "funny, open, generous". The Times's Kevin Maher called Lee "possibly [Craig's] best screen performance" and "a turn of beguilingEnchanting and pleasing, often in a deceptive way. intensity and command". He further praised Craig for "upending the hyper-macho legacy of Bond".

Lee is a million miles away from Bond. He is a desperate man addicted to drink and drugs. Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes calls him "tender", "embarrassing" and "almost adolescent".

Craig's Bond performed death-defying stunts, endured cruel tortures and battered villains into submission. He was a brutal trained killer. You would not want to cross him.

The films encourage us to see Bond as a hero. But if you encountered him in real life you might be less keen. Bond would probably not be very interesting to talk to. He hides his feelings and emotions behind a stony-faced facadeA deceptive outward appearance..

More vulnerable characters like Lee might be more absorbing. They might also have a greater strength than those who put on a tough front.

Craig himself worries about Bond's masculinity. He says: "We're all vulnerable. It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter how tough you are, everybody's vulnerable."

Those who act tough are the real cowards. They are putting on a mask that stops them from forming real, honest relationships with other people.

Yet perhaps it is possible to be both tough and brave. There are many different types of toughness. 

Mahatma GandhiAn Indian political activist and lawyer (1869-1948), who emphasised passive resistance. said: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitableStrong, or impossible to defeat. will." Gandhi had the mental toughness to endure hardships such as prison in pursuit of Indian independence.

Is toughness cowardly?

Yes: Tough guys bury their feelings. But hiding how you feel beneath big muscles is not going to help you when it comes to stress, depression and emotions. True bravery comes in being open and honest.

No: There are plenty of people who hide their weakness beneath apparent strength. But not everyone who adopts a tough pose is truly a coward. Toughness can help us navigate challenging situations.

Or... Physical power is not the only type of toughness. From Martin LutherA 16th Century German priest known for his role in the Protestant Reformation and as the namesake of Lutheranism. to Rosa Parks, history is full of figures who had a strength, resilience and toughness beyond that of Bond-like musclemen.