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Mendes' publicist comments on 007 reports

"Sam always has lots of projects on the table that he might direct next."

[K1Bond007]

I imagine he's got more critically acclaimed films under his belt than any other director before him.

Lewis Gilbert might have something to say about that.

He might, but he never won an Academy Award.

So what ?

Well it is a pretty prestigious award. Did you read the discussion and have any idea what you're replying to? I'm betting no because given the context, there's nothing you can argue here.

Is your point not who should be tipped in favor of praise ? Then I don't agree an Oscar means anything because some of the best actors and directors never have had a single Oscar to their names. Leslie Howard and Sidney Lumet for example.

See, I was right. You have no idea what the discussion was about. It had nothing to do with this.

[DaveBond21]

It's nice to get some confirmation from Sam's publicist that there was a meeting about him potentially directing Bond 23. Surely any news about Bond 23 is good news right now?

[Matt_13]

Surely any news about Bond 23 is good news right now?

That's how I look at it.

[Quantumofsolace007]

Sam Mendes's Publcisrt comments to me seem like she is saying "shhh don't talk about this now wait till it's confirmed in a few weeks then talk about it"


I get the sense Mendes is a bond fan and loved the last 2 movies and wants to do a bond film and doesn't want anything to go wrong in negotiations.

[Dr.Fell]

I imagine he's got more critically acclaimed films under his belt than any other director before him.

Lewis Gilbert might have something to say about that.

He might, but he never won an Academy Award.

So what ?

Well it is a pretty prestigious award. Did you read the discussion and have any idea what you're replying to? I'm betting no because given the context, there's nothing you can argue here.

Is your point not who should be tipped in favor of praise ? Then I don't agree an Oscar means anything because some of the best actors and directors never have had a single Oscar to their names. Leslie Howard and Sidney Lumet for example.

See, I was right. You have no idea what the discussion was about. It had nothing to do with this.

Then I apologize. You don't have to be an about it.

[danslittlefinger]

http://www.guardian....ndes-james-bond

James Bond is director-proof

Sam Mendes's Bond 23 will probably not depict the superspy having a mid-life crisis in suburbia. Instead, expect the usual formula.

If you've ever wondered what Moonraker might have looked like had it been directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, or what Robert Bresson would have made of Diamonds Are Forever, then a roundabout answer may just be in the offing. Sam Mendes, the classy, respectable Oscar-winner behind the likes of American Beauty and Revolutionary Road, is reportedly "in negotiations" to direct Bond 23, the latest instalment in the 007 franchise.

A swift review of the Mendes back catalogue raises some tantalising prospects. Will Bond suffer a tragicomic mid-life crisis in suburbia, or perhaps steer his Aston Martin off on a harum-scarum road trip in search of the perfect place to raise a family? Or will he simply throw punches, defuse nuclear devices and run amok in a tuxedo, the same as it ever was?

No prizes for guessing the answer to that one (not even two tickets to the inevitable Leicester Square premiere). No doubt the news that Mendes is in pole position to direct a Bond film spells good news for Mendes and Mendes's accountant. But it is unlikely to even ruffle the hair of the man himself. James Bond, it transpires, is not just bullet-proof and critic-proof. The evidence suggests he's director-proof as well.

In recent decades both Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino have lobbied to direct a Bond picture, only to find their overtures graciously ignored. Both, I'm guessing, felt that they could bring something new and fresh and personal to the series. Both (again, I'm guessing) were turned down precisely because of this. Bond's producers (formerly Cubby Broccoli; latterly Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson) have no need of something new and fresh and personal because they figure that their property is good enough as it is, thank you very much. Certainly they have no desire to deliver it into the care of some rogue agent who might, I dunno, make Bond homosexual or cast Agnès Varda as his love interest. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Mendes, a smart man and a shrewd operator, is doubtless aware of this already. In signing on to direct Bond 23, he temporarily relinquishes any claims to be an auteur to become the equivalent of a shop-floor manager – on set to ensure that the actors hit their marks and the producers' brief is fulfilled to the letter. That's how it has been with every Bond director, from Terence Young through to Marc Forster, because on Bond movies it is the producer who calls the shots.

What would Moonraker have looked like had it been directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky? Or David Lynch? Or your aunt with the gimpy leg? My suspicion is that it would have wound up looking exactly the same as the Lewis Gilbert version.

[blueman]

What a crappy article.

[danslittlefinger]

http://www.guardian....ames-bond-notes

Can Sam Mendes, enfant terrible of British theatre, really be lined up to direct the new James Bond movie?

Age: 44.

Appearance: Like the painting in George Clooney's attic.

I'm pretty sure I know who he is, but could you just . . . Former enfant terrible of British theatre, Oscar-winning film director, married to Kate Winslet . . .

Married to Kate Winslet, that's him! What's he been up to, lately? It's not what he's been up to, it's what he's going to be up to.

Which is what? He's going to direct the next James Bond film, the 23rd in the series.

He isn't. The Hollywood Reporter says he is, with shooting set to start in June, followed by a 2011 release.

But Mendes is largely known for finely honed dramas exploring the dark underbelly of the human condition. Why would he want to direct the latest instalment of some clapped-out spy franchise? The box-office takings for Mendes's films have been falling ever since American Beauty back in 1999. Revolutionary Road made just $22m in the US, and his latest, a comedy called Away We Go, less than $10m. Lucky his theatre career is going well.

I don't see how churning out a Bond film is going to help, especially if it's as lame as wotsit, that last one. Quantum of Solace, which grossed $586m worldwide.

It's not just about how much money a film makes, there's also . . . sorry – how much did you say? Er, $586m.

In that case, why not? I'll bet someone like Mendes could really turn the genre on its head. Yes, but not too much, obviously.

Is there any other sign that this will be anything other than a run-of-the-mill Bond outing? Peter Morgan, of Frost/Nixon and The Queen, is co-writing.

Do say: "We open with Bond, aged 50, recovering from a mild angina attack . . ."

Don't say: "This might sound crazy, but you know who would be a great Bond? Kate Winslet!"

[Dr.Fell]

What the author dosen't consider is that many of the past James Bond directors really had no sense of being auteurs. They were already pre-conditioned to be "shop-floor managers". I have seen the Non-Bond works of Hunt, Young, Gilbert, Hamilton, and Campbell. With the exception of Gilbert, they are all pretty much hacks outside the Bond series.

[danslittlefinger]

What the author dosen't consider is that many of the past James Bond directors really had no sense of being auteurs. They were already pre-conditioned to be "shop-floor managers". I have seen the Non-Bond works of Hunt, Young, Gilbert, Hamilton, and Campbell. With the exception of Gilbert, they are all pretty much hacks outside the Bond series.

I like the angina thing. Didn't Craig say he might be overweight in the next film? Piss taking as that comment you never know.
Bond 23 could be very shocking.

[Dr.Fell]

What the author dosen't consider is that many of the past James Bond directors really had no sense of being auteurs. They were already pre-conditioned to be "shop-floor managers". I have seen the Non-Bond works of Hunt, Young, Gilbert, Hamilton, and Campbell. With the exception of Gilbert, they are all pretty much hacks outside the Bond series.

I like the angina thing. Didn't Craig say he might be overweight in the next film? Piss taking as that comment you never know.
Bond 23 could be very shocking.

I always thought that shocking=gay.

[Lazenby]

I’m quite optimistic about Mendes being in negotiations to direct our boy. I only hope that he will make the film that he wants, putting his stamp on this next outing.

The Brosnan era had 4 different directors who produced 4 movies that were basically the same, following a successful commercial formula, but generally disappointing the fans of DN, FRWL and OHMSS.

I was adamant against Martin Campbell directing Casino Royale. It turned out that he made my favorite Bond movie of all time. In hindsight, he probably was allowed to make the movie that he wanted.

Although I was quite critical of QOS to a point of regrettably demeaning supporters of the film in this forum, I still purchased the DVD out of pure support for EON because of the greatness that they have given me throughout the years.

I was always under the belief that Bond movies were centered on action with dramatic scenes as the conduits between the action scenes. Because of this, I was in favor of qualified action directors for Bond 23 such as Ridley Scott, Katherine Bigelow, Stuart Baird. But after re-watching CR and QOS at nausea, I actually found that I enjoyed the dramatic scenes and thought there was too much action in both films.

I wish Sam the best of luck and hope that we get to see James Bond in a Sam Mendes film, and not Sam Mendes directing a James Bond Film

Edited by Lazenby, 07 January 2010 - 04:00 AM.

[Bondesque]

Well said Lazenby. Less action more styline will actually make the action and the film much more effective.

[blueman]

Action pays the bills. It'll be there, just how it's mixed is key. Be interesting to see how Mendes does with a Morgan script and with Craig in the lead, very exciting times for Bond.

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

Whether you're a fan of Mendes or not, one has to agree that it's good to see the producers actively trying to sort out the crew for the next movie. It eases some of the worry that Bond 23 will be majorly delayed. Of course it doesn't extinguish these worries, but all being well Bond 23 is on schedule for no later than an end of 2011 release.

[Mr_Wint]

Terrible news. I hope it will not be him. I still hope that we will see a director that has some previous experience in action movies, and has proved to be good at that (!). We all now that B23 will 5-6 big setpieces and someone like Mendes will be overwhelmed.

[SecretAgentFan]

I think Mendes is a firm statement from EON not to leave the path chosen. Bond now is not just action entertainment. It is about the character, it is about creating a non-cheesy, serious thriller, it is about creating a unique visual experience again and again.

I also don´t believe for a second that Mendes will try to impose his previous interests on Bond. All this stuff about Mendes having Bond suffer a midlife-crisis, doing things to himself in a shower, getting married to a depressed housewife or travel across country to find himself - that´s poor journalism, cheap-shots based on the stories of Mendes´ former films.

For Bond, I´m sure, he will delve deep into Fleming´s treasures and compose a film that is taking all the characters seriously, highlight the sardonic humor and tell the story with visual finesse.

I sincerely hope that he will direct the next Bond and I´m absolutely confident that Bond 23 will be one of the best, if not THE best film in the series yet.

As for the "can he do action"-concerns: Do you know how an action film is shot? The action is always supervised by the stunt coordinator. Hiring the right one is key to great action sequences. Of course, the director will give his input. But judging from films like THE ROAD TO PERDITION or JARHEAD it´s clear that Mendes will not go for any Michael Bay-cutting.

[Skudor]

The rumour in fandom that BOND 23 will be called RISICO. Which is a rumour with a strong foundation (albeit still a rumour).

Is there more to it than just speculation though?

[blueman]

I'm Batman!




(if enough people agree with me...)

[YOLT]

I'm Batman!




(if enough people agree with me...)

Batman will be killed by Avatar before the end of January. So you better be a Na'vi.

[Zorin Industries]

There’s a point there, but when I talk about EON’s MO, I’m talking about the big picture. Not merely just the director, but the writers and actors and the whole kit and caboodle. Don’t even begin to tell me that the only difference you see between TWINE and QOS is the change of directors.

Wise words there.

[Zorin Industries]

But creative clout isn't based purely on box office. I'm somewhat certain that Mendes is used to having final cut on his work, which would make him unique among directors hired for the Bond series. And I don't care whether Mann has made more money than Mendes or vice-versa - my point is that Mendes is roughly comparable with directors like Mann and Scott, in terms of being a powerful, acclaimed and respected filmmaker with enough clout to get his own projects made instead of having to work as a hired gun.

But did you not just ask about the box office ? However regarding Mendes' creative clout in Hollywood I again strugle to see how he can be highly regarded as the film makers you mentioned. Mendes hasn't directed a popular film for sometime; Critically or Finanically.

Not the case at all. AWAY WE GO and REVOLUTIONARY ROAD were critical hits. And Sam Mendes is not really a director who has ever set out to make "hits" so I don't know where all this inane twittering on about "box office" really comes from. Had John Glen had any "box office" pre EYES ONLY as a director? Had Tamahori pre DIE ANOTHER DAY (ONCE WERE WARRIORS was a great hit with the film industry and critics in 1994, I remember being told to see it back then by a few directors at the time) ? Had Peter Hunt? Granted Lewis Gilbert had a bevvy of home grown hits on his CV (CARVE HER NAME WITH PRIDE, ALFIE and REACH FOR THE SKY) but he was always a braver, more literal choice for the Bond management of the day.

[Zorin Industries]

Which one was John Glen?

She played Sylvia Trench in the Bond films of the 1980's..

[Zorin Industries]

What is only opinion? My comment regarding the lacking script? If so, it's a known fact that the script was indeed lacking, rushed and had to be written as the movie itself was being filmed. As for the editing, I don't see why I need to be careful when quoting Wilson if I'm essentially repeating what he himself said. If other people didn't read it or hear about it, I fail to see how that's my problem. Facts are facts.

Were you in the room with Haggis? Did you see him turn in a draft? Did you read the draft? Have you taken meetings with Haggis or Michael G. Wilson? Have you ever even met these people? If you haven't, then you're not qualified to talk about anything related to the 007 universe. Furthermore, don't bother quoting Haggis or Wilson, because even though they wrote and produced the last film, they're not qualified to talk about 007 movies either. Anything Barbara or Michael or Paul had to say is "purely speculation" and "tosh". We can't trust the media to accurately quote them; we can't trust video footage of them talking about the progress of the Bond films because it could be doctored. The only person we can trust to keep us informed about all things 007 is ZORIN INDUSTRIES. He knows all. He tells all.

You are becoming an increasingly unpleasant and snipey individual Mr Silhouette. Just accept that there are different opinions and experiences to how you view or read things. There is no need to resort to childish and crass swipes - which is exactly the reason why I don't lay a few of my cards on the table and explain where I am coming from. But as you do not entertain explanations from people when they challenge your trollish stance on things, your juvenile and nastily playful tone is nothing but unpleasant.... and a few others round these shores are well aware of that.

[Safari Suit]

Had Tamahori [any hits] pre DIE ANOTHER DAY?

Not that it really matters, but yes; Tamahori's previous film Along Came a Spider did pretty well for itself. Don't know if it's any good as I haven't seen it.

[Ambler]

AWAY WE GO and REVOLUTIONARY ROAD were critical hits.

Hardly. Metascore for Away We Go is 58, exactly the same as for that other 'critical hit' Quantum of Solace.

[Zorin Industries]

AWAY WE GO and REVOLUTIONARY ROAD were critical hits.

Hardly. Metascore for Away We Go is 58, exactly the same as for that other 'critical hit' Quantum of Solace.

And - no offence - what the heck is Metascore? (!). When people who have no intention of ever liking, seeing or getting a film like AWAY WE GO are the only ones compiling "data" for websites that reduce all film consumption to marks out of ten, I personally don't put much credence in it. Sorry.

[Salomé]

This seems more like Mendes going hat-in-hand to two of his friends to get him a job after a few box office let-downs.

His best movie is American Beauty. A decade on, it hasn't exactly aged well. It might soon crack my "overrated" top ten. This already reeks like another QoS-like disaster.

[Ambler]

what the heck is Metascore? (!). When people who have no intention of ever liking or getting a film like AWAY WE GO are the only ones compiling "data" for websites that reduce all film consumption to marks out of ten, I personally don't put much credence in it. Sorry.

A metascore is a weighted average. It's a widely accepted form of measurement.

EDIT: And if Away We Go and QoS got 58 out of 10 they did very well indeed.

Edited by Ambler, 07 January 2010 - 01:00 PM.