13 replies to this topic

[ARLOO7]

I'm new, so forgive me if this was covered already.

 

At the end of the featurette, regarding M's passing, the screenwriters and director said that M was always meant to die in this script, because it signaled another transition for Bond, and he had to adjust to a new era.

 

That led me to wonder if Broccoli and Wilson are in the midst of another re-calibration. Obviously, it is not as radical as the reboot after Brosnan, but there seem to be many changes under way. And if so, why now? The reboot in 2005 has primarily been very well-received. Was QOS's mediocre reception a sign that this reboot had already gone stale, and major re-tooling was needed?

[Hockey Mask]

I am wondering where the Craig era is headed. Because the Craig films have been so successful and have a special place in Ron's heart I think we are still headed to new ground. I wouldn't be surprised is we see Craig's bond retire and go off into the sunset with a girl on his arm. The next Bond can/would pick up after Brosnan with a typical Bond chapter that seems to be able to be plugged anywhere in the "original" timeline.

Craig's Bond movies seem to be taking us on a journey. He is aging. He is progressing. The producers are aging and progressing. I think we are witnessing something special that, in the end, may actually have a conclusion for Craig's Bond.

[DamnCoffee]

I agree. I'm just rather worried they may be wrapping up Bond overall though. Don't think it will happen, but it still makes me wonder where they can do after Craig? Showing the origins is usually when a series is on it's last legs. Although I think with Bond it's definitely working well. 

[Professor Pi]

As Daniel Craig's Bond got to start from the beginning as if no other Bond movies were made, I'm thinking they'll end his tenure as if it were the last Bond film they'll make (even though it won't be.)  I think they're saving something like the YOLT novel ending for Craig's Bond.

[Grard Bond]

About Judi Dench's departure as M: I understand that her eyesight has got worse and worse.

I read somewhere that she even can't read screenplays anymore and that friends has to read them to her.

Maybe that is the reason she doesn't play M anymore...?

[DamnCoffee]

I think that was just fabrication by the press. Judi's eyesight is fine. 

[Double-0-Seven]

I honestly think it was due to her age more than anything. She can't go on forever, and they also wanted her farewell to have a big impact. This movie provided the perfect opportunity to do so before she got a little too old for the role. Now they've got a fresh M (and Moneypenny for that matter) which opens up brand new relationship(s) that can be explored in the next few films.

[SecretAgentFan]

I believe Judi Dench really got too old for the series, maybe even requested to leave, and they used this to give her a big farewell.

 

As far as Craig is concerned: right now he is one of the biggest Bonds ever, and to have set him up with a traditional M, Moneypenny and Q means only one thing: more traditional missions in the future. When Craig leaves in a few years they will just continue with another actor, but probably in the style of the Craig movies (if that still agrees with the zeitgeist).

[QOS4EVER]

 style of the Craig movies

 

That's a pretty broad term, should we expect something in the line of Skyfall ....

or CR and QoS  ?

[plankattack]

I think that was just fabrication by the press. Judi's eyesight is fine.

She has admitted to eyesight issues, and has said that friends do indeed read her scripts to her.

http://www.charliero...interview/12625

[Professor Pi]

Of all the movies that have a new M (actor or character), Skyfall is the only one to properly address the transition.  Even CR's M we are now told (via Skyfall props) that Daniel's M is a different character than Pierce's (Barbara Mawdsley then Olivia Mansfield.)  All the other movies merely mention a predecessor (GE, FYEO/OP, even NSNA), but not how the new M came to office. 

 

After the PR fiascos of losing the 'list' and then the dead operatives and agents, there is no way the current M would be able to retain her position in office.  Look at similar scandals in the news of late.  Given the plot line and the 50th anniversary, this was a welcome exposition to the Bond canon.

[SecretAgentFan]

 style of the Craig movies

 

That's a pretty broad term, should we expect something in the line of Skyfall ....

or CR and QoS  ?

 

I think there´s the same underlying more serious approach to all things James Bond in all three films. The Craig-Bond is a flawed, traumatized character in a more darker world than the Moore/Brosnan-Bond. Fantasy elements don´t seem to be part of this (yet). A distinct connection to the real world is made again and again while not a complete integration. Of course, the style of the particular movie will differ, depending on the director´s choices.

[QOS4EVER]

 

 style of the Craig movies

 

That's a pretty broad term, should we expect something in the line of Skyfall ....

or CR and QoS  ?

 

I think there´s the same underlying more serious approach to all things James Bond in all three films. The Craig-Bond is a flawed, traumatized character in a more darker world than the Moore/Brosnan-Bond. Fantasy elements don´t seem to be part of this (yet). A distinct connection to the real world is made again and again while not a complete integration. Of course, the style of the particular movie will differ, depending on the director´s choices.

I really do hope we get something more modern and vibrant like Casino Royale as opposed to the old and stale of Skyfall.  

[FutureJamesBond]

I'm sure that is one of the reasons, but I heard that basically the producers said to her one day,

 

"Hey, guess what? Your character is dying in Skyfall. Have a nice day."

 

So that's one of the reasons, but not the only reason why she left.

About Judi Dench's departure as M: I understand that her eyesight has got worse and worse.

I read somewhere that she even can't read screenplays anymore and that friends has to read them to her.

Maybe that is the reason she doesn't play M anymore...?