955 replies to this topic

[WC]

[quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='5 November 2005 - 23:42'][quote name='Lounge Lizard' date='5 November 2005 - 18:28']Suggestion of new topic, in case it hasn

[Dalton's Wendy]

[quote name='Bryce (003)' date='6 November 2005 - 13:38'][quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='6 November 2005 - 10:31']So nice to have friends with connections!

[Dalton's Wendy]

[quote name='Welshcat' date='6 November 2005 - 15:31'][quote name='Lounge Lizard' date='5 November 2005 - 18:28']
Suggestion of new topic, in case it hasn

[ACE]

A female director for Bond is a great idea.
Who, though?
Got me a-thinking. Good stuff

ACE

[Dalton's Wendy]

A female director for Bond is a great idea.
Who, though?
Got me a-thinking. Good stuff

ACE

Hi, Ace!

I like Welshcat's mention of Sofia Coppola. She seems to know her stuff, and, if I'm not mistaken, won a Golden Globe for directing Lost In Translation.

[ACE]

Hiya Dalton's Wendy

Sofia may be a bit arty for Bond.
I also think a Bond director must have a British sensibility.

How about Antonia Bird?
Her IMDB is here http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000944/

She's directed films and TV shows such as Spooks.
She's not too big a name and would be able to handle the aspects of Bond interestingly.

How about female writers for Bond? So far we have only had Joanna Harwood although Michael Apted's wife, Dana Stevens did a draft of TWINE and Dana Broccoli had a strong, uncredited input on script development. I'm sure Barbara has a huge input in the recent Bonds. All the female parts in the Brosnan Bonds were better written and less embarrassing than their predecessors.

Great idea.

ACE

[WC]

How about female writers for Bond? So far we have only had Joanna Harwood although Michael Apted's wife, Dana Stevens did a draft of TWINE and Dana Broccoli had a strong, uncredited input on script development. I'm sure Barbara has a huge input in the recent Bonds. All the female parts in the Brosnan Bonds were better written and less embarrassing than their predecessors.

Great idea.

ACE

Female writers? Well, actually that wouldn't be a bad idea, depending on who is actually picked. There are quite a number of female authors who write within the spy genre. However, you really need the right balance between style and substance. Someone like Stella Rimmington, former head of MI5 (who has written a couple of books)isn't the most interesting of writers. She certainly knows her stuff, but in terms of storytelling, she's mostly efficient and workmanlike, and rather dull. On the other hand, there are some female writers (and I'm going to end up showing my knowledge of this genre unfortunately) who mostly pen that particular genre of books called Silhouette Bombshell novels. Now some, if not most of them are real trash, in my opinion - more an excuse for a romance than a real meaty spy novel. On the other hand, there are a few of those books which do have some substance, but that's rather dependent on the author's background. The only slight problem I'd have with either of these is that they could really push for the females to be strong "Bond Women" again, as that is the basic premise of those genre of novels.

But I'm sure there are some female writers who would have the right balance. After all, it's not like we've been getting films written by men who have had the right balance either.

[WC]

[quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='6 November 2005 - 22:36'][quote name='Welshcat' date='6 November 2005 - 15:31'][quote name='Lounge Lizard' date='5 November 2005 - 18:28']
Suggestion of new topic, in case it hasn

[Major Bloodnok]

I agree, whoever directs a Bond, man, woman or muskuvy duck, needs to have a command of the British idiom. For that reason I object to an American playing Bond as well.

[Dalton's Wendy]

Oh! You guys are the best!!! No wonder I love men so much!

Okay . . . just give me a moment, and I will reply to each one of your posts individually. Just let me get into the office . . .

[Dalton's Wendy]

I agree, whoever directs a Bond, man, woman or muskuvy duck, needs to have a command of the British idiom.  For that reason I object to an American playing Bond as well.

And so do I! And I think that you and I, Major B., are in an excellent position to judge, since neither one of us is British. For this reason, I think we are both being eminently objective in this matter.

However, as a Canadian, a monarchist, and a holder of a Masters' Degree in Honours English Lang & Lit, I believe I can safely say that I do respond satisfactorily to your first criterion . . .

[Dalton's Wendy]

Hiya Dalton's Wendy
Sofia may be a bit arty for Bond.

Hi again, ACE, Baby!

(Are you the Ace of Spades? Just want to be sure, in case I am playing the hand in Notrumps!)

You may well be correct about Sofia Coppola. And, in agreement with WELSHCAT'S post #361 above, I, too, found Lost in Translation to be a bit slow in places. Nevertheless, I think that Ms Coppola does show quite a bit of promise, and, if I am not mistaken, she won a Golden Globe for her work on this film, as well as a great deal of favourable press, from critics and the general public, alike.

I also think a Bond director must have a British sensibility.

Definitely, definitely, definitely! See my post #371, above.

How about Antonia Bird?
Her IMDB is here http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000944/

She's directed films and TV shows such as Spooks.
She's not too big a name and would be able to handle the aspects of Bond interestingly.

Cannot say for certain, since I am not well-acquainted with her works, but her name certainly sounds familiar (unless I have her confused with Lady Antonia Fraser, the writer?)

How about female writers for Bond? So far we have only had Joanna Harwood although Michael Apted's wife, Dana Stevens did a draft of TWINE and Dana Broccoli had a strong, uncredited input on script development. I'm sure Barbara has a huge input in the recent Bonds. All the female parts in the Brosnan Bonds were better written and less embarrassing than their predecessors.

Female writer for Bond? LOVE the idea!

Thank you, ACE, for your marvellous contribution to this thread! Speak to you soon!

[Dalton's Wendy]

How about female writers for Bond?

Female writers? Well, actually that wouldn't be a bad idea, depending on who is actually picked.

The only slight problem I'd have with either of these is that they could really push for the females to be strong "Bond Women" again, as that is the basic premise of those genre of novels.

But I'm sure there are some female writers who would have the right balance.

One possibility which occurs is that of having two writers on the screenplay --one male, and one female! In this way, each could contribute their point of view, as well as acting as a counter-balance to the other.

Bear in mind that the concept of strong women in romantic novels is only a very recent one. If one visits used-book stores, or the library, one discovers that this phenomenon occurred in only the past two dozen years. Certainly, the concept has been around forever, but it is only recently that it became de rigueur -- in fact, a must! -- for it to be the female of the species who fired the winning shot, who rescued the townspeople from the marauding villains.

And, frankly, this is not what I want to read, or see in a movie (boy, am I going to get flak for this!)

But I will be very honest. As a woman who is successful in all areas of her life, if I wanted to read about a strong woman, I'd read my own curriculum vitae. (Although, I must confess that I am a hopeless shot!)

I read books and go to movies for escape.

[Dalton's Wendy]

You're welcome Wendy. And I meant what I said - it wasn't mere flattery. Anyone who is an avid supporter of the Hitchcock style or films like Three Coins in the Fountain or 60s Bonds gets a big thumbs... er... paws up in my book.

Thank you again, Welshcat! One thing I have always loved about the genre of films which you mention is their style. In those days, people went to films to see how the upper classes lived, and to try to learn to emulate their elegant ways.

It appears that nowadays, people go to films to learn how to become successful chain-saw murderers.

P. S. That paw, I take it, is purple . . .?

[Major Bloodnok]

My personal favorite Bond film, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE was adapted by Johanna Harwood and scripted by Richard Maibaum. I don't know exactly what the "adapted" credit means in this case, but I assume she had a hand in this fantastic script. For that reason I would never say a woman CAN'T write Bond. It just needs to be the RIGHT woman, just as it needs to be the RIGHT man... which it hasn't been lately IMHO.

[Dalton's Wendy]

My personal favorite Bond film, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE was adapted by Johanna Harwood and scripted by Richard Maibaum. I don't know exactly what the "adapted" credit means in this case, but I assume she had a hand in this fantastic script. For that reason I would never say a woman CAN'T write Bond.  It just needs to be the RIGHT woman, just as it needs to be the RIGHT man... which it hasn't been lately IMHO.

I've said it before, and I say it again: See what you learn when you hang around this thread? It's a never-ending source of information!

I didn't realize, Maj, that a woman was involved in the screenplay -- of the second film in the series, too! Very progressive of Broccoli and Saltzman.

Coincidentally, I turned on the tv just last week, and -- there it was! From Russia With Love! Ah, Sean . . .

[Alessandra]

erm. I don't recall you dating my cousin, Bryce!

If she's a curvy Italian with hazel eyes and went to school in California, we may almost be family.

OMG I was JOKING... but the description you gave EXACTLY fits my cousin! lol see where people end up with jokes?? in trouble! lol

If her name's Carla, we ARE related.

whew, saved by the bell!
Her name is Anna. I do have a cousin whose name is Carla as well.. but she's over 70, so I confide NOT EXACTLY your type!!!

[Alessandra]

[quote name='Dalton's Wendy' date='7 November 2005 - 05:05'][quote name='Major Bloodnok' date='6 November 2005 - 22:57']My personal favorite Bond film, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE was adapted by Johanna Harwood and scripted by Richard Maibaum. I don't know exactly what the "adapted" credit means in this case, but I assume she had a hand in this fantastic script. For that reason I would never say a woman CAN'T write Bond.

[Alessandra]

How about female writers for Bond?

Female writers? Well, actually that wouldn't be a bad idea, depending on who is actually picked.

The only slight problem I'd have with either of these is that they could really push for the females to be strong "Bond Women" again, as that is the basic premise of those genre of novels.

But I'm sure there are some female writers who would have the right balance.

One possibility which occurs is that of having two writers on the screenplay --one male, and one female! In this way, each could contribute their point of view, as well as acting as a counter-balance to the other.

Bear in mind that the concept of strong women in romantic novels is only a very recent one. If one visits used-book stores, or the library, one discovers that this phenomenon occurred in only the past two dozen years. Certainly, the concept has been around forever, but it is only recently that it became de rigueur -- in fact, a must! -- for it to be the female of the species who fired the winning shot, who rescued the townspeople from the marauding villains.

And, frankly, this is not what I want to read, or see in a movie (boy, am I going to get flak for this!)

But I will be very honest. As a woman who is successful in all areas of her life, if I wanted to read about a strong woman, I'd read my own curriculum vitae. (Although, I must confess that I am a hopeless shot!)

I read books and go to movies for escape.

No Wendy darling, you are not going to get flak for this.. because I totally agree!
I make the same kind of reasoning on movie endigs as well: I do not want to go watch a movie with a bad ending, movie is escape for me and if I want to see something go terribly wrong and end badly, I just need to open my house's door and look out! or come to the office one day! lol
I don't like to read and watch women taking care of everything. Balance is the best thing in life, men and women concur to resolving the bad situations together, and that's what I prefer. Each one has a role in it, and it doesn't mean that because the girl doesn't necessarily have a gun in her hand to shoot, that she does less to defeat the maudits than the man does!
After all, working female charms on Prime Ministers to make them support your cause is just as much important! (I am being humorous, before some women accuse me of being a heretic!)

[WC]

now.. onto Alias. WHAT?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?
WELSHCAT darling you have just given me one of the WORST bits of information about it!!!
I had heard that Michael Vartan's departure was very likely (BOOOHOOOO!!!  ) and I had THOUGHT it may have had something to do with Mr Affleck (now, women always know better in this sort of thing, don't we BABES??? ) but now you are confirming it to me?!?!?!
I want to strangle Ben first, and Jennifer then for even thinking about it!
Serves them right, the show isn't doing as well as it used to in the other seasons and it's become boring at times.
And plus boohooo Vaughn was the main male character together with Jack Bristow.. and he's HOT!!! (and Jennifer's ex fiancee huh Ben?? a LITTLE insecure there huh???? of course, Vartan is HOTTER than you! lol )
well.. let's hire Michael (vartan) for Bond! lol

Errr.... whoops!! Didn't realise it was such a spoiler. I thought it was common knowledge! Apparently not! But yeah, I think Garner was pushing for that for some time. I bet she did some ultimatum thing - either he walks or I walk. I suppose one of these days, Affleck will turn up in Alias, no doubt? I think in the 5th season, they were trying to re-conceptualise the characters. Well, one of them at least.

Do you want some more spoilers?

[Alessandra]

yes yes, please please, gimme more!!
redifine the characters.. I've heard this one before... associated with that lad who reminds me of soup.. Campbell??

[spynovelfan]

Hiya Dalton's Wendy

Sofia may be a bit arty for Bond.
I also think a Bond director must have a British sensibility.

How about Antonia Bird?
Her IMDB is here http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000944/

She's directed films and TV shows such as Spooks.

I didn't know Antonia Bird had directed SPOOKS! Well, well.

Has anyone mentioned Mary Harron yet? She directed AMERICAN PSYCHO, which had a lot of the stuff of Bond in it, indirectly. Has also directed episodes of THE L WORD and SIX FEET UNDER. Canadian, but studied at Oxford - I remember reading an interview with her in which she said that she used her memories of Oxford contempoaries for the gang mentality of Patrick Bateman and his friends.

Babes on Bond...
Babes on Bond...

[Alessandra]

Hiya Dalton's Wendy

Sofia may be a bit arty for Bond.
I also think a Bond director must have a British sensibility.

How about Antonia Bird?
Her IMDB is here http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000944/

She's directed films and TV shows such as Spooks.

I didn't know Antonia Bird had directed SPOOKS! Well, well.

Has anyone mentioned Mary Harron yet? She directed AMERICAN PSYCHO, which had a lot of the stuff of Bond in it, indirectly. Has also directed episodes of THE L WORD and SIX FEET UNDER. Canadian, but studied at Oxford - I remember reading an interview with her in which she said that she used her memories of Oxford contempoaries for the gang mentality of Patrick Bateman and his friends.

Babes on Bond...
Babes on Bond...

lol Spy. I was just thinking about the song, and "abracadabra"! you pop up! lol
Ah. Good suggestion Mary Harron. sounds interesting.
What do you think about the "peacemaker" woman? I think she, too, could be quite interesting.
Girls on film...
Babes on Bond...!!

[Major Bloodnok]

Johanna Harwood also helped adapt DR. NO, so she was around early.

Mimi Leder would be a good choice. I thought THE PEACEMAKER ws just an okay movie, but the globe trotting and action were well done.

As for ALIAS, I haven't seen any 5th season but from what I understand there's a chance Vaughn could return. I think the producers were trying to switch the focus away from Sydney and Vaughn while she was pregnant. It's a fairly good idea- we'll just have to see where it goes.

I guess I have a hard time believing that an actress who will be as big as a house soon, and unable to Ninja kick like she used to, would be able to convince the producers to can a costar like that. I could be wrong...

[Alessandra]

Johanna Harwood also helped adapt DR. NO, so she was around early.

Mimi Leder would be a good choice. I thought THE PEACEMAKER ws just an okay movie, but the globe trotting and action were well done.

As for ALIAS, I haven't seen any 5th season but from what I understand there's a chance Vaughn could return.  I think the producers were trying to switch the focus away from Sydney and Vaughn while she was pregnant.  It's a fairly good idea- we'll just have to see where it goes.

I guess I have a hard time believing that an actress who will be as big as a house soon, and unable to Ninja kick like she used to, would be able to convince the producers to can a costar like that.  I could be wrong...

lol
well THANK YOU major, you've given me a little glimpse of hope for the future!!! lol
boohoooo no Vaughn in one of my favourite shows, and the reason is EXACTLY Vaughn and Syd! (the reason why I like the show so much)
But if he returns.. I do feel like I could STRANGLE Ben Affleck right now!
Anyway, yes I don't think she'll be able to Ninja kick shortly, but I also think the series after all revolves around her... so I can definitely believe she convinced them, unfortunately.
I do hope what you heard is true, and Vaughn will be back
On Leder, I think she could naturally add that bit of "gritty" that everyone would like to have in increased quantity in Bond, without overdoing it.
Peacemaker was grittier than Bond, but it still starred two very charming actors... my point being that you don't need to go DOWN on Bond's looks to get the movie grittier.
And at the same time, a woman's overview always adds that bit of.. I don't know what, something, which makes you see things in a less "monotematic" way.. we're complicated, that's probably why!

[WC]

yes yes, please please, gimme more!!
redifine the characters.. I've heard this one before... associated with that lad who reminds me of soup.. Campbell??

Well, I don't know this for sure, but I can find out easily. But I hear most of the cast don't even play anymore - Weiss, possibly Nadia, Dixon...

And what I meant by re-conceptualise was really a pun refering to the fact that Sydney is pregnant. Haha! I wonder who the father is? *cough* Affleck *cough*.

Question - when you think of "Babes on Bond"/ "Girls on Film" - which version of the video do you think of?

Major Bloodnok - I was under the impression, from what i've heard about Alias, that Vaughn is dead. Oh well, death is never certain in Alias when there's always the deus ex machina... I mean... Helix technology/ Brain imprint way out-solutions.

I agree about the Peacemaker - at least the end of it. I don't really remember the beginning. But the end, especially through 5th Avenue, was done quite well. If that was directed by a woman, then by all means. But as we all know, Bond isn't just about action - it's the whole style. A director could be the most accomplished expert on action, but may absolutely stink when it comes to Bond.

[Alessandra]

yes yes, please please, gimme more!!
redifine the characters.. I've heard this one before... associated with that lad who reminds me of soup.. Campbell??

Well, I don't know this for sure, but I can find out easily. But I hear most of the cast don't even play anymore - Weiss, possibly Nadia, Dixon...

And what I meant by re-conceptualise was really a pun refering to the fact that Sydney is pregnant. Haha! I wonder who the father is? *cough* Affleck *cough*.

Question - when you think of "Babes on Bond"/ "Girls on Film" - which version of the video do you think of?

Major Bloodnok - I was under the impression, from what i've heard about Alias, that Vaughn is dead. Oh well, death is never certain in Alias when there's always the deus ex machina... I mean... Helix technology/ Brain imprint way out-solutions.

I agree about the Peacemaker - at least the end of it. I don't really remember the beginning. But the end, especially through 5th Avenue, was done quite well. If that was directed by a woman, then by all means. But as we all know, Bond isn't just about action - it's the whole style. A director could be the most accomplished expert on action, but may absolutely stink when it comes to Bond.

what?!?!?!??!??! Vaughn is dead??? nooooo!!
we haven't had anything of season 4 here yet, and boooohooooooooooooo!!!
they will start season 4 tonight on Fox satellite.. and I will of course watch.. but NOOOOOO Vaughn dead nooooooo!!! boooohooooohoooooo
LOL sorry didn't get the joke about the pregnancy of Mrs Affleck... well YES the dad.. cough cough.. should be Affleck.. but as the latins say "mater certa, sed pater...."
You do know Vartan is her ex fiance, right? (btw... I cannot say the girl has bad taste when it comes to men! lol. but I would NEVER drop a man like Vartan... EVER!!!!)
Yes Welshcat dear Leder directed The Peacemaker, which is why I mentioned her!
of course she'll have to know things Bond before doing a Bond movie, but hey, a good director always gets well documented before embarking on such a project, so I'm sure she'd do very well.
She's a woman who already directed a movie which had very good action scenes, and tension.. AND with George Clooney
I think she could do very well with bond.. and as far as all bond things are concerned.. that is the reason why I also suggested to use a man and a woman as writers. Possibly Haggis and Lynda Obst or Nora Ephron! (Yes, because that'd be gritty good action paired with uncomparable wit! )
do you think it'll get the meows of approval of you cats??

[Dalton's Wendy]

but as the latins say "mater certa, sed pater...."

Or, as the mother sings in that classic Bahamian folksong, Scandal In The Family: "Your daddy ain't you're daddy, but your daddy don't know!"

[WC]

yes yes, please please, gimme more!!
redifine the characters.. I've heard this one before... associated with that lad who reminds me of soup.. Campbell??

Well, I don't know this for sure, but I can find out easily. But I hear most of the cast don't even play anymore - Weiss, possibly Nadia, Dixon...

And what I meant by re-conceptualise was really a pun refering to the fact that Sydney is pregnant. Haha! I wonder who the father is? *cough* Affleck *cough*.

Question - when you think of "Babes on Bond"/ "Girls on Film" - which version of the video do you think of?

Major Bloodnok - I was under the impression, from what i've heard about Alias, that Vaughn is dead. Oh well, death is never certain in Alias when there's always the deus ex machina... I mean... Helix technology/ Brain imprint way out-solutions.

I agree about the Peacemaker - at least the end of it. I don't really remember the beginning. But the end, especially through 5th Avenue, was done quite well. If that was directed by a woman, then by all means. But as we all know, Bond isn't just about action - it's the whole style. A director could be the most accomplished expert on action, but may absolutely stink when it comes to Bond.

what?!?!?!??!??! Vaughn is dead??? nooooo!!
we haven't had anything of season 4 here yet, and boooohooooooooooooo!!!
they will start season 4 tonight on Fox satellite.. and I will of course watch.. but NOOOOOO Vaughn dead nooooooo!!! boooohooooohoooooo
LOL sorry didn't get the joke about the pregnancy of Mrs Affleck... well YES the dad.. cough cough.. should be Affleck.. but as the latins say "mater certa, sed pater...."
You do know Vartan is her ex fiance, right? (btw... I cannot say the girl has bad taste when it comes to men! lol. but I would NEVER drop a man like Vartan... EVER!!!!)
Yes Welshcat dear Leder directed The Peacemaker, which is why I mentioned her!
of course she'll have to know things Bond before doing a Bond movie, but hey, a good director always gets well documented before embarking on such a project, so I'm sure she'd do very well.
She's a woman who already directed a movie which had very good action scenes, and tension.. AND with George Clooney
I think she could do very well with bond.. and as far as all bond things are concerned.. that is the reason why I also suggested to use a man and a woman as writers. Possibly Haggis and Lynda Obst or Nora Ephron! (Yes, because that'd be gritty good action paired with uncomparable wit! )
do you think it'll get the meows of approval of you cats??

A good director? That's what Jonathan Frakes thought he was when he took on the directing reins of the Thunderbirds movie. We all know the type of research he did, turning it into a dumb kiddies flick with cardboard cut-out actors. Oh well, I'm sure the next bit of "directing" he'll do, is trying to navigate himself to the dole queue!

Didn't realise you were that far behind on Alias, so sorry about spoiling it that far ahead. Actually, we haven't even had Alias on terrestrial tv over here yet, only on satellite.

Male and female writers - well that should be a good combination for Bond. Of course, it all depends on if they are trying to push an agenda of their own - eg make Bond more subservient to the Bond "Woman" or something like that. If they are, they shouldn't be let anywhere near Bond. I don't mind franchises (such as Alias) where the woman is strong, but not so much in Bond. Especially not after all the last few Bond girls we've had.

[TortillaFactory]

Which brings me to Colin Firth as Bond... what do the ladies think?

We don't really need a cute, curly-haired Bond, no matter how well he can brood. But I have to say his Mr. Darcy was my first crush.