26 replies to this topic

[JimmyBond]

Had this idea for a while, just never around a computer when I did.

We know several "staples" of the Bond formula have been removed from CR:

-No Q
-No Moneypenny
-Bond does not recieve a briefing in M's office
-No gunbarrel at the start of the film

There may be more, but those are the most obvious right now. So, should any of these make comebacks in the future? Or is it good ridance to excessive baggage? Personally I wouldnt mind seeing a Q type character brought into the films, but not necessarily a character similar to the old Q. I could do without Moneypenny, however I'd love to see Craig's Bond involved in a classic briefing.

I'm undecided on the gunbarrel, so I imagine that's one thing they'll put at the start of the next film for sure.

[EyesOnly]

I think having Q return in future bond films is not important, but none the less it's part of Bond on film. I liked Cleese in DAD and think he can do Q justice. However, I would actually like him to be referred to as Major Boothroyd from here on out. Moneypenny is a different story. I hated Samantha Bond and Miss Bliss before her. Never liked the idea of Moneypenny being an equal to bond, that's a no no! If they are going to bring Moneypenny back it had better be a good actress who is given a good scene with good dialogue. No more silly scenes and 16 year old lines.

Also, in terms of the Gunbarrel...I don't mind change but i would like to see it in the beginning again for Bond 22

Edited by EyesOnly, 18 October 2006 - 05:43 PM.

[Dalton]

All of the elements that have been listed: Gunbarrel, Q, Moneypenny, 'M's Brief - I'd like to see return.

I think John Cleese's Q showed potential in DAD (After whatever that performance was in TWINE), and think that he will (If he returns) continue to develop his Q.

Moneypenny should be confined to more along the lines as in the older films. I agree that being Bond's equal is now boring after just 4 films. Let them flirt as in the classics.

The briefing will always be there in one way or another, but it's definately time for a proper briefing in M's office. It's been too long (TWINE I think).

And IMO it just wouldn't be a Bond flick without a Gunbarrel at the start (I can forgive this time for obvious reasons)

But these and other bits are traditional elements, they are what has made the Bond series what it is, and I don't think that the Broccoli's will Screw it up (However, I may be wrong, but I hope not!)

[Skudor]

The gunbarrell at the beginning will almost certainly return.

I'd like to see Moneypeeny return - and I'm sure she will.

I think Q should be re-invented. Desmond was Q. John Cleese's character is an attempt at continuity, trying to fill the comic relief void. I say they should do something different, something new.

And please have a proper briefing again!

[Mister Asterix]

[mra]I could go either way on the gunbarrel. Put it back in the beginning or start a new tradition of doing new clever, artistic things with it. Just so long as it is there.

Moneypenny, I

[JimmyBond]

In general, what I am saying is I want them to keep mixing it up. Do what fits the story, not what is on a checklist somewhere.

That's exactly what I'm getting at If Casino Royale is a success, I think we'll have seen the end of the "checklist" Bond film.

On that note, I know THE LINE present in CR, great scene btw. But after that, unless there is an absolute reason for Bond to introduce himself in the classic way, I don't think they should shoehorn it into the film.

[Vauxhall]

On that note, I know THE LINE present in CR, great scene btw. But after that, unless there is an absolute reason for Bond to introduce himself in the classic way, I don't think they should shoehorn it into the film.

Agreed that it shouldn't be fitted in just for the sake of it, but in most movies there would be a natural place to have Bond introduce himself, and I'd always rather he said "the line" than just anything else. Just a personal preference. But I honestly cannot wait to see how Craig delivers the line in CASINO ROYALE - could be epic!

[00Twelve]

Oh, lord no, "Bond, James Bond" does not HAVE to be a part of every film. Heavens no. When Zukovsky said "Can't you just say hello, like a normal person?" in the context of the trailer, I almost blurted out, "AMEN!" Maybe that's 'cause Brozzy seemed to say it with the expectation of an orgasmic response. "My name is James Bond" works fine sometimes. Now should every actor get a chance to say it at least once? Sure, by all means.

I agree with EyesOnly, I wouldn't mind Q being referred to as Major Boothroyd at this point. And the Moneypenny visits wouldn't be a bad thing, but for Heaven's sake, no more jokes like the cigar, please. Wit would be great.

As for the gunbarrel, I've discussed my ideas in the "gunbarrel" thread.

[Blonde Bond]

Things that should never return in Bond movies
- cheesy cgi effects ala Die Another Day
- bond girl that has no chemistry with Bond ala Die Another Day

Things that could return in the future
+ Q
+ Moneypenny

[jaguar007]

I definetly want and think the gunbarrel will return. I would also like to see moneypenny and Q return, although with new actors. We certainly need a Moneypenny who is a little more grounded like Lois Maxwell. Funny, it seems that Moneypenny is more difficult to recast than Bond. As entertaining as John Cleese is, he always is playing it for laughs and is never "real".

[K1Bond007]

I could care less about Moneypenny. Her scenes (some as good as they were) felt extremely forced. I'd much rather they stick with Fleming and briefly show her and if they include any secretary, have it be Bond's personal one: Loelia Ponsonby or change her name.

I'd be okay with Q if they go back to what Fleming had. Peter Burton played it good and I think that's all that was required. Serious. Not the clown of the film.

The gun barrel should be back or a variation of this. I see CR as a one time thing establishing Bond as a 007 and thus why it is the way it is.

Briefing in M's office? I really don't care. One of the things I liked about the older films was that M's office was everywhere. Like The Man with the Golden Gun on the RMS Queen Elizabeth but less extravagant.

[Santa]

I'm a traditionalist so I'd like to see the classic elements return but only if they're done very well. I haven't enjoyed the last few Moneypenny/Q appearances and if they can't do better than that, well I'd rather not bother.

[dee-bee-five]

Had this idea for a while, just never around a computer when I did.

We know several "staples" of the Bond formula have been removed from CR:

-No Q
-No Moneypenny
-Bond does not recieve a briefing in M's office
-No gunbarrel at the start of the film

There may be more, but those are the most obvious right now. So, should any of these make comebacks in the future? Or is it good ridance to excessive baggage? Personally I wouldnt mind seeing a Q type character brought into the films, but not necessarily a character similar to the old Q. I could do without Moneypenny, however I'd love to see Craig's Bond involved in a classic briefing.

I'm undecided on the gunbarrel, so I imagine that's one thing they'll put at the start of the next film for sure.

I will miss Moneypenny in Casino Royale; and I'll miss Sam Bond - she's a respected and great actress (electric onstage) who will develop into the next generation's Judi Dench, mark my words. Obviously Moneypenny will have to be recast if she's to return; might there be an opportunity to develop the idea Connery and Lois Maxwell had about Bond and Moneypenny once having spent the weekend together...?

In my opinion, Q should have been laid to rest with Desmond and I think that's one tradition that doesn't need reviving.

The gunbarrel should return as normal in #22; it is simply too iconic to ditch. Reboots and reinventions are all very well; throwing out the baby with the bathwater isn't.

[Barman]

I'm sure that the gunbarrel will be back in it's traditonal sense for Bond 22. Be interesting to see how the walk across looks since Craig's "turn and shoot" is already pretty aggressive.

Moneypenny? Hmmm, I can take or leave her to be honest.

As for Q, I might be alone here but I always like the way he was played in Never Say Never Again. All chummy and witty. The "dotty old professor who doesn't approve of Bond" was starting to get boring even before dear Desmond passed on. As much as I like John Cleese it was just a continuation of that. If Q does come back, something different please. A Q that actually likes Bond could work you know.

M's briefing? The odd one in the office is nice, but I kinda' like it when she pops up wherever Bond happens to be. Makes MI6 look appropriately globe-hopping.

[Vauxhall]

I'm sure that the gunbarrel will be back in it's traditonal sense for Bond 22. Be interesting to see how the walk across looks since Craig's "turn and shoot" is already pretty aggressive.

Quite excited about seeing this for the first time to be honest. Craig has a very distinctive and cool walking style. Will be interesting to see if they allowed his swagger for his gunbarrel.

[SeanSean]

The only one's I think need to be in every film are Bond, James Bond and the Gunbarrel. These are what make Bond films unique and audiences love it.

The problem with the others is that once you have a list of 4 or 5 things that need to be in each movie, then it starts getting forced and boring.

[the villain's architect]

Did LALD have the "Bond. James Bond" line? I don't remember, but even with so many other elements missing, that was still a good Bond film.

[Double-0-Seven]

Did LALD have the "Bond. James Bond" line? I don't remember, but even with so many other elements missing, that was still a good Bond film.

Yes it is. Bond introduces himself to Solitaire with it.

[00Twelve]

The only one's I think need to be in every film are Bond, James Bond and the Gunbarrel. These are what make Bond films unique and audiences love it.

The problem with the others is that once you have a list of 4 or 5 things that need to be in each movie, then it starts getting forced and boring.

Agreed, though I'm even less particular about the "Bond. James Bond." You can see that the Q encounters got a little contrived when he had to meet Bond in the field (the "Avis guy" disguise being the most so), and did Boothroyd show up for every last book? Not at all. (The key to that is, make the gadgets cool but fewer and not such easy escape tools.)

And mos' def the same with Moneypenny. I think that's how she got run into the ground during the last several movies.

[Mister Asterix]

And mos' def the same with Moneypenny. I think that's how she got run into the ground during the last several movies.

Mos Def as Moneypenny. Hmm... well there is a twist.

[Moore Baby Moore]

The gunbarrel...I'd actually prefer to see them play with it from film to film. It's a trademark moment, sure, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it.

Moneypenny...I'd rather see her go. She doesn't really serve a purpose anymore, especially not with the Bond girls becoming stronger personalities. Besides, it's become far too easy to see how Bond really isn't that into her.

Q...he's much more essential than Moneypenny, but I don't want to go back to the "Pay attention, 007; grow up, 007" mode. The old Q died years ago. It's time to rethink the character.

M's briefings...use them when needed, but no more. And vary the locations, too.

[Robinson]

And mos' def the same with Moneypenny. I think that's how she got run into the ground during the last several movies.

Mos Def as Moneypenny. Hmm... well there is a twist.

"Black on Both Sides" for real!

Seriously though, here are my thoughts:

Gunbarrel Sequence: I'm sure it'll come back. That being said, will Craig sport the tuxedo or don the suit and hat ala Bob Simmons during the Connery Era?

Miss Moneypenny: Bring her back but improve the dialogue. The byplay between Bond and M's secretary needn't be so overt. Can we be a bit coy EON? While we're at it, do the same for all the dialogue between 007 and the future Bond girls.

Q: Bring him back but remember that Lewellyn turned him into an iconic character. I'd say keep Cleese due to his wit. His comebacks in DAD certainly upped the ante for future films.

[Doubl07]

Gunbarrel MUST return at the beginning of the film

Maybe just "Q Branch" instead of Q. No outrageous gadgets.

Moneypenny should return only if they can get the proper actress.

No more Judi Dench as M. CR would've been the perfect time to replace her but oh well.

The famous line must be in there at least once in every film, but never twice.

[JimmyBond]

The famous line must be in there at least once in every film, but never twice.

Why though? I can understand people not wanting to part with some of the other "staples." But why is the line so important? Connery only spoke it three times out of his six official Bond films, and no one had a cow then. I think it has more of an impact if you only use it once every few films.

[Loomis]

All the staples will and should return. What counts, of course, is how they're handled, in other words a Moneypenny scene in BOND 22 obviously doesn't necessarily mean cringeworthy antics with a Samantha Bond type.

I suspect that the Moneypenny and Q elements will be "Craigified" (and rightly so) - reintroduced in a manner appropriate to this "gritty" new era.

In which case, Q will not be an elderly clown, but probably younger than Bond. This may be ageist and ignorant, but I imagine that most cutting-edge technology is developed by people in their teens, twenties and thirties, and not by old chaps who look as though they might have gone to school with Ian Fleming. For a bit of a classy comic touch to the character, Mackenzie Crook would be perfect.

You can be certain that, whether or not they decide to "do something different" with Q, Moneypenny will return with a spot of backstory (e.g. she meets Bond and they contemplate a relationship but nip things in the bud after learning they'll be colleagues). Which will horrify certain purists, but then it'd be just too good a chance for the filmmakers to pass up. After all, there are all sorts of holes in "the canon" already - to give just one example that springs to mind immediately, Higson's Bond cannot possibly be the same character as Craig's, but no one complains (much).

[SecretAgentFan]

Mackenzie Crook as "Q" - perfect idea!

Moneypenny... I guess this will be the tough one to re-invent. I

[Tuxedo]

Q and Moneypenny used to be responsible for some comedy in the series. I can hardly see the serious Bond like Craig plays him go along with them.

I just "googled" a picture of Mackenzie Crook since I had no idea who he is. He looks nuts. I just figure Craig