45 replies to this topic

[Guy Haines]

I have just read willowhugger's idea for a Colonel Sun film. Now, I haven't read the book for years, but as I recall, wasn't the kidnap of M part of a plot to sabotage a peace conference involving the Russians and the west - a kind of early stab at detente before the word even became fashionable? With M and Bond being set up as the saboteurs and assassins?

With its emphasis on brainwashing and torture, all you would have to add are the elements I mentioned above, then the film scenario posted would not only translate Colonel Sun to the screen, but also have a nod in the direction of all those conspiracy thrillers of the 60s and 70s, particularly my own favourite, "The Manchurian Candidate". (perhaps I should say "favourites", as I enjoyed not only the 1962 original, but also the 2004 remake.)

Edited by Guy Haines, 10 August 2010 - 09:56 PM.

[Harmsway]

I think it's by far the best of all the continuation novels, chiefly because Amis had at least a couple of literary bones in his body.

Yes. It's admittedly been a while since I've read COLONEL SUN (maybe I'll dust off my copy and give it a quick read before the summer is out), but whatever its merits, at least COLONEL SUN had some decent prose.

As for the torture scene, it had me on the edge of my seat.

I found it quite chilling, too.

What it is, though, is as good a stab at the soul and spirit of the Fleming novels as we're ever likely to get.

Quite right. And, in fact, I found it a more engaging read than some of the Flemings, like DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER or THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.

[Harmsway]

Alright, well, I just did a re-read of COLONEL SUN.

I'm not changing my stance that it's the best of the continuation novels. I find it to be a relatively quick, engaging read that builds up to a rather fantastic confrontation between Bond and Colonel Sun. Truthfully speaking, that confrontation would be the only reason COLONEL SUN would be worth adapting. It's the novel's only truly exceptional section. What I wouldn't give to hear a Bond villain say this:

"It will be my part to see to it that you undergo the worst possible pain until dawn. A delicate task, a sever challenge to my skill. And to your fortitude, Mr. Bond. Then at the proper moment I shall cause your death by a method that, as far as I know, has never been tried before. It consists, first, of breaking all twelve of the main bones of your limbs, and, secondly, of injecting you with a drug that will send you into convulsions. Perhaps you can form some sort of mental image of the agony that will be yours when your muscles pass out of control and your shattered arms and legs begin to heave and twist and thrash about of their own accord. You will be dead of shock in a few minutes."

Brutal.

Now, it's true that the rest of the book, while never dull, isn't particularly worth adapting. It's a largely low-key thriller without many memorable moments, aside from a fine location and a fight scene here or there that has some oompf. Amis' writing is largely what keeps COLONEL SUN afloat (well, that is until the climax, where the story finally becomes interesting). Well, that, and his ability to write fine travelogue (the way Amis weaves Greek history into the character backgrounds is commendable), something that no other Bond writer, save Fleming himself, managed to deliver.

Nevertheless, I would like to see EON go back to the kind of low-key spy thriller that COLONEL SUN (and most of the Flemings) offers. It's not an epic tale. I like its relative conciseness. Bring back the slight travelogue air, too.

[Bond Maniac]

This novel is pretty much awesome. I really loved it and i agree that it is the closest one to Flemming himself. Now, that one should make an even cooler movie but in my opinion it should made old style, i mean, at the same time that the novel actually takes place and not adapt it to modern times.

[Harry Fawkes]

What's so special about Bond in this novel? I don't get it.

Well, you've got me there. There is indeed nothing "special" about Bond in the novel. He isn't a schoolboy at Eton, or a kleptomaniac cross-dresser, or the world's youngest octogenerian at the Hong Kong Handover, or a codename, or a 28-year-old who's just joined MI6 in 2011. For that and other spins on the character, look elsewhere. In COLONEL SUN, he's just Fleming's Bond (more or less), in Fleming's timeline, a reactionary and somewhat unpleasant fellow. But he is, I believe, something pretty close to The Real Thing™ - you won't get a more Flemingian Bond outside Fleming.

Amis isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. This is a continuation novel that, well, just continues the series. Is it a great novel? No? Is it "important"? Nope, not really. What it is, though, is as good a stab at the soul and spirit of the Fleming novels as we're ever likely to get.

Did you enjoy the Flemings, BTW, or did they also strike you as dull?

I think that was beautifully put Loomis. You have sincerely hit the nail on the head describing what Colonel Sun actually is.

‘Amis isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. This is a continuation novel that, well, just continues the series. Is it a great novel? No? Is it "important"? Nope, not really. What it is, though, is as good a stab at the soul and spirit of the Fleming novels as we're ever likely to get.’

[Harry Fawkes]

Oh, and by the way, I’d love to see Colonel Sun up there on the big screen. But, and there’s one hell of a but: I can’t seem to see Craig in it though. Not yet at least.

It would have had to be Dalton for sure, or someone with his intensity and brooding if you will. He had a seasoned maturity about him that to me captured what Fleming’s Bond was all about and that Craig, good as he is so don’t get me wrong, has still yet to discover and harness.

[Ian Boyd]

I realize the title, storyline et al have all been laid out for ‘Skyfall’ but I started wondering a few days ago about a few things and if others had brought it up here. I finally after all these years got around to reading ‘Colonel Sun’ and have to say does anyone know why this was never optioned for one of the storylines, title or any of the sort? It was a great read by the way for those who haven’t read it. All the reality and violence of Fleming’s work and in terms of today, 2011, very relevant. I wished Barbara B. & Michael G. optioned for this story. Maybe there were more in depth legal ramifications than I know of but just thought I would throw that out there. Believe me. I now have faith in the producers, in regards to ‘Skyfall,’ finally after all the dreadful latter Brosnan Bonds. I never thought I would say it but a few of them were downright forgettable. And it wasn’t Pierce’s fault. Anyway- just thought I would see for those that remember ‘Col. Sun’ and were involved in some of these discussions on the new movie possibilities what they thought or if you all even remembered this story. Just curious.

[WC]

Col Sun is probably unlikely since we've had Colonel Moon in DAD, who shared some characteristics.

On another note, red text is really hard to read. Maybe you could just write in white?

[Single-O-Seven]

Unfortunately, parts of the novel have been utilised. As mentioned above, Colonel Moon stole some of the thunder, as did TWINE which used the kidnapping of M as a part of its plot. One day we may see an adaptation but it will likely be altered greatly, and I doubt it will be considered any time soon.

[chrisno1]

I'd echo the above points although both could be freely adapted into a cinematic story. Unfortunately, IFP have stated they won't allow any continuation novel to be adapted for the cinema, so I guess failing a U-turn of some 40 years we can safely say Colonel Sun will stay affectionately and disappointingly where it is.

[Ian Boyd]

*Dang* I should have looked a bit more intently around on the site but I love the thread here and this is just what I was looking for as I just finished CS which had been waiting to be read on my shelf for waaaay too long and I can heartily agree with most here and am just generally intrigued by what others have posted. I stupidly posted the below in the 'Bond 24 and Beyond' section not even thinking to look for the literary section here. Duh! Anyway- here was my post which basically echoes a lot of what you all are saying here:

I realise the title, storyline et al have all been laid out for ‘Skyfall’ but I started wondering a few days ago about a few things and if others had brought it up here. I finally after all these years got around to reading ‘Colonel Sun’ and have to say does anyone know why this was never optioned for one of the storylines, title or any of the sort? It was a great read by the way for those who haven’t read it. All the reality and violence of Fleming’s work and in terms of today, 2011, very relevant. I wished Barbara B. & Michael G. optioned for this story. Maybe there were legal ramifications that I wasn't aware of but just thought I would throw that out there. Believe me. I now have faith in the producers, in regards to ‘Skyfall,’ finally after all the dreadful latter Brosnan Bonds. I never thought I would say it but a few of them were downright forgettable. And it wasn’t Pierce’s fault. Anyway- just thought I would see for those that remember ‘Col. Sun’ and were involved in some of these discussions on the new movie possibilities what they thought or if you all even remembered this story. Just curious.

Don't mean to be redundant but I guess I am just on a finished-book high and was quite enthusiastic about CS in general.

To disagree with a couple here the torture scene IMO was pretty wrenching a la Casino Royale and in terms of a shooting locale, for some reason lately I have come across amazing pictures of the Ukraine and I think that could be a perfect new locale and stand-in for Greece. Maybe a Ukrainian isle for Vrakonisi.

As for Nikos (Litsas), I don't know. I always believe that is the toughest casting. Tougher than casting the girl cos you don't want them to be dead-weight or seen as less capable or sympathetic than Bond. To give you an idea as to who I see as really good aids to Bond in the past has been Topol as Colombo in FYEO and my all time, Pedro Armendáriz as Kerim Bey in FRWL. I think Jean Reno is an easy casting decision as others mentioned but I always like it when the producers go out on a limb and cast a lesser known & it works. Of course that's risky.

I like the John Lone idea too for Sun. Never heard of him but by his pictures- niiiice. That's who I imagine.

[Quantumofsolace007]

i think if bond 24 is Colonel sun everyone would pass out and be shocked!

that said I'd love it but highly doubt it will happen

[glidrose]

Unfortunately, IFP have stated they won't allow any continuation novel to be adapted for the cinema

Proof, please. EON said they wouldn't film the continuation novels.

Edited by glidrose, 25 November 2011 - 09:37 PM.

[The Shark]

Could a mod please change the colour of the text?

[glidrose]

Could a mod please change the colour of the text?

Can we get a mod to merge this thread with would-colonel-sun-work-as-a-film?

Hullo, anybody there...?

[Bryce (003)]

Merged.