902 replies to this topic

[Mr. Somerset]

I've very pleased to see this article, and am hoping it's true as Bond news early in the year alwya excites me!!!!

[danslittlefinger]

http://movies.inside...-james-bond-23/

MGM has announced (via Heat Vision) that Sam Mendes, of American Beauty, Road to Perdition, and more recently Away We Go, has been hired to direct the twenty-third installment in the James Bond franchise.

I was just going to post a story about MGM’s money concerns that would put any production of James Bond on hold, but apparently MGM is on track to release Bond 23 in Fall 2011. Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have penned the last four James Bond adventures, are writing the script along with Peter Morgan (The Queen, The Damned United, Frost/Nixon). Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will produce. And Daniel Craig is, of course, reprising his role as the brutish martini drinker.

Sam Mendes is an interesting choice to direct such a film, since he’s not really done an action film per se. But neither had Marc Forster before he did Quantum of Solace, and we know how well that turned out. Not sure why the Broccolis are insistent that the Bond pictures be directed by British filmmakers, but why not get Matthew Vaughn or Danny Boyle? But Mendes does have a varied filmography, having tackled modern suburbia and 1950s suburbia; prohibition (Fun Fact: Road of Perdition featured future James Bond Daniel Craig); the Gulf War; and he’s even done a road trip in search of the perfect home.

My thumbs are definitely in the middle at this point, but as long as the casting is inspired (no Denise Richards retreads, please) and Peter Morgan’s additions to the script are sound, I’ll probably be stoked to see James Bond 23.

[dinovelvet]

(Fun Fact: Road of Perdition featured future James Bond Daniel Craig);

REALLY? Wow, insidepulse.com, you're obviously a top notch movie news site, dazzling us with amazing obscure facts like that!

[Dr.Fell]

I have quite liked the idea of Sam Mendes directing a Bond film; Road to Pedition was stellar.

Edited by Dr.Fell, 06 January 2010 - 01:14 AM.

[danslittlefinger]

(Fun Fact: Road of Perdition featured future James Bond Daniel Craig);

REALLY? Wow, insidepulse.com, you're obviously a top notch movie news site, dazzling us with amazing obscure facts like that!

Not that I'm defending any news outlet but there are people who may not know that fact and who are not particularly Craig fans.

[Dr.Fell]

Looking back it's amazing how that was Daniel Craig in Perdition.

Edited by Dr.Fell, 06 January 2010 - 01:25 AM.

[The Shark]

One of the things I love about Moonraker, is that (both book and film) Bond is more of a detective than a spy in the first half of both.

Hey, come on, Moonraker the book is one of the best, but while the movie was the first Bond i ever saw at the cinema and so i'm very fond of it, it has to be said that it's a poor effort. The most real detective work i remember Roger doing was deciding weather to go safari suit, or Gondola driver. Sorry, that's harsh - it had it's moments

I've always wondered what Oliver Stone could do with a Bond film. Forgive my musings, but I just thought of it again while typing.

You're forgiven, i'd love to see a Stoned Bond! He'd have real fun with the politics and wouldn't hold back on the violent action. Can't believe he sold out with 'World Trade Centre'! But i'm looking forward to Wall Street 2.

http://www.cigarafic...540,261,00.html

"Although he still enjoys the occasional cigar, he says he's thankful Casino Royale forced him to quit his pack-a-day cigarette habit. Rest assured, however, 007 hasn't gone completely politically correct. "The drinking is still there, that sort of 'Dutch courage,'" smiles Craig. "It's funny, but I remember reading Moonraker, and Bond goes out to play cards at a club with the bad guy and he orders from MI6 some Benzedrine, which is basically speed. Bond then mixes that in with Dom Pérignon and that's how he starts the night," Craig marvels. "He then talks about how, during the evening, how jagged he's getting because he didn't get the mix right." Craig laughs in disbelief. "But I absolutely love that, because it plays into the fact that the guy is flawed. He's not perfect. Sometimes he gets things wrong and there are weaknesses in him. And I think those are the kinds of interesting things to put into the movie."

Maybe we might see that flaw in Bond this time around?

Hopefully Bond comes back to his senses and lights the cigarette once again. The very fact that smoking is considered far more objectionable, inappropriate and un-healthy, than alcohol, makes it even more important that the character should smoke.

Fleming's Bond is fundamentally a flawed, often-unlikeable, Bryonic hero, and nothing highlights that more today than smoking a cigarette.

[danslittlefinger]

http://latimesblogs....ravy-train.html

Sam Mendes jumps onto the James Bond gravy train

No, this isn't an April Fool's prank. According to both the LAT's Hero Complex and the Hollywood Reporter, Sam Mendes, the wonderfully cerebral and cultured filmmaker who once upon a time won an Oscar for "American Beauty," is in discussions to make the new James Bond film, which could go into production as early as this June. Daniel Craig would be onboard, reprising his role as Mr. 007.

While I'm also happy to see filmmakers practicing their craft, this is a bad decision in oh, so many ways, not to mention a depressing example of how hard it is for filmmakers to find any good studio material to work with. Not that I'm letting Mendes off the hook here. His career has been in steep decline, both in terms of critical as well as commercial success. In fact, if you look at the grosses on his five feature films, they form a graph that goes in only one direction -- straight down.

Mendes' biggest-grossing film was "American Beauty," his splashy Hollywood debut that made $130 million. His second film, "Road to Perdition," made $104 million. His next, "Jarhead," topped out at $62 million. "Revolutionary Road" only grossed $22 million while his most recent film, last year's road-trip comedy, "Away We Go," struggled to earn $9.4 million. Many critics would say the quality index on Mendes' films has gone just as precipitously downhill, with "Revolutionary Road," adapted from a brilliant Richard Yates cult novel, being an especially chilly, claustrophobic letdown.

It seems obvious that Mendes -- or more likely, his CAA agents -- decided it was time to grab hold of a commercial piece of material that could not only offer a payday but an opportunity to put up some respectable box-office numbers. But a Bond movie is a Bond movie. There's really no way to put a personal stamp on a series whose fans demand all sorts of familiar fare, from buxom vixens to high-powered action scenes. It's almost by definition hack work, the equivalent of hiring Irving Penn to do a photo spread for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Even if Mendes does a solid, professional job, the resulting film will do little to change anyone's perception of his commercial touch (or lack of it).

I wish Mendes would go back to his roots and spend a year or two refreshing himself in the London theater, where he could work with great actors and regain some of his old bravado. Great directors thrive on challenges. When Martin Scorsese found himself in a rut years ago, he didn't look to Bond for salvation. He rejuvenated himself with a low-budget thriller called "After Hours," which led to "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "GoodFellas." When Darren Aronofsky flopped with "The Fountain," he didn't beg Warners to let him direct a Harry Potter sequel. He found just enough money to get "The Wrestler" made, which reminded everyone of his seemingly limitless filmmaking energy and intensity.

Say it ain't so, Sam. For someone of your talents, doing a James Bond movie is really the worst example of stooping to conquer.

[Dr.Fell]

One of the things I love about Moonraker, is that (both book and film) Bond is more of a detective than a spy in the first half of both.

Hey, come on, Moonraker the book is one of the best, but while the movie was the first Bond i ever saw at the cinema and so i'm very fond of it, it has to be said that it's a poor effort. The most real detective work i remember Roger doing was deciding weather to go safari suit, or Gondola driver. Sorry, that's harsh - it had it's moments

I've always wondered what Oliver Stone could do with a Bond film. Forgive my musings, but I just thought of it again while typing.

You're forgiven, i'd love to see a Stoned Bond! He'd have real fun with the politics and wouldn't hold back on the violent action. Can't believe he sold out with 'World Trade Centre'! But i'm looking forward to Wall Street 2.

http://www.cigarafic...540,261,00.html

"Although he still enjoys the occasional cigar, he says he's thankful Casino Royale forced him to quit his pack-a-day cigarette habit. Rest assured, however, 007 hasn't gone completely politically correct. "The drinking is still there, that sort of 'Dutch courage,'" smiles Craig. "It's funny, but I remember reading Moonraker, and Bond goes out to play cards at a club with the bad guy and he orders from MI6 some Benzedrine, which is basically speed. Bond then mixes that in with Dom Pérignon and that's how he starts the night," Craig marvels. "He then talks about how, during the evening, how jagged he's getting because he didn't get the mix right." Craig laughs in disbelief. "But I absolutely love that, because it plays into the fact that the guy is flawed. He's not perfect. Sometimes he gets things wrong and there are weaknesses in him. And I think those are the kinds of interesting things to put into the movie."

Maybe we might see that flaw in Bond this time around?

Hopefully Bond comes back to his senses and lights the cigarette once again. The very fact that smoking is considered far more objectionable, inappropriate and un-healthy, than alcohol, makes it even more important that the character should smoke.

Fleming's Bond is fundamentally a flawed, often-unlikeable, Bryonic hero, and nothing highlights that more today than smoking a cigarette.

I would have paid to see a smoke filled casino in Casino Royale.

[Royal Dalton]

Sam Mendes, eh? How dull. Not that there's likely to be any truth in this rumour, of course.

[Captain Tightpants]

So we've got Mendes directing, Morgan writing and Craig acting ... based on these credentials could BOND 23 have one of the most all-inclusive talent pools in the entire series? If David Arnold continues his run from QUANTUM OF SOLACE (easily his most diverse score to date), we could be onto a blinder here.

[Donovan Mayne-Nicholls]

If indeed it is Mendes, this would be the first time in quite a while that Bond has had an all-British creative team, with Morgan (and presumably Purvis & Wade) doing the writing.

You've said it! I could never ignore the fact that QOS was basically an American film shot in UK studios. Frantic editing to keep the short attention span audience distracted, superficial final shooting script with little character development, unimaginative set design, overdesaturated cinematography, etc. It never felt like a British film about a British character (thank God for Mr Arnold providing the proceedings with the semblance of what a Bond is supposed to be).
CR was a better GE, an even more back-to-basics approach with as much class as we hadn`t seen since TB.
QOS was a better TND. A shorter, tighter, snappier Hollywood approach with little time for the details which make Bond special.
Could 23 be a better TWINE? A darker approach than we've ever seen with a dirtier view of what espionage stands for? truly hope so.

[The Shark]

So we've got Mendes directing, Morgan writing and Craig acting ... based on these credentials could BOND 23 have one of the most all-inclusive talent pools in the entire series? If David Arnold continues his run from QUANTUM OF SOLACE (easily his most diverse score to date), we could be onto a blinder here.

Or far better - Thomas Newman scores the film.

Could 23 be a better TWINE? A darker approach than we've ever seen with a dirtier view of what espionage stands for? truly hope so.

TWINE - You meant the cinematic antithesis to Fleming's Bond, featuring generically ludicrous Brukenheimer action, more motherly psychobabble from M, sentimental Bond going through male-menopause, weak villains, terrible Bond girl and excessive gadgets?

Is that you what you really want?

[Dr.Fell]

Sam Mendes, eh? How dull. Not that there's likely to be any truth in this rumour, of course.

It has not been confirmed if he is actually taking the director's chair. Everyone is saying "in talks".

[jaguar007]

Not that there's likely to be any truth in this rumour, of course.

That is what I thought earlier today when I first read it, however now that so many major news sources are reporting it, there must be some truth to these negotiations.

[dinovelvet]

Sam Mendes, eh? How dull. Not that there's likely to be any truth in this rumour, of course.

But the article originated in The Hollywood Reporter, not a publication known for making things up.

[zencat]

Oh boy...

[Harmsway]

Sam Mendes, eh? How dull. Not that there's likely to be any truth in this rumour, of course.

But the article originated in The Hollywood Reporter, not a publication known for making things up.

Indeed. This isn't an Ain't it Cool News rumor. This is something more substantial.

Anyway, I can't say I'm too excited about Mendes as a choice--I don't love any of his films--but it's certainly impressive if EON can nab him.

[jamie00007]

A decade ago EON were hiring the likes of the guy who made Stop or my mom will shoot.

lol, well said.

And now suddenly Oscar winners arent good enough for a Bond movie?

I always thought Kate Winslet would make a good Moneypenny...

[Gt Munn]

So we've got Mendes directing, Morgan writing and Craig acting ... based on these credentials could BOND 23 have one of the most all-inclusive talent pools in the entire series? If David Arnold continues his run from QUANTUM OF SOLACE (easily his most diverse score to date), we could be onto a blinder here.

Or far better - Thomas Newman scores the film.

That crossed my mind immediately as well. Though, I do wish Arnold a chance to do another Bond where he would have the chance to fully employ the Bond theme.

One would think a Bond score would not suit Thomas Newman, but I feel that it would be very interesting. He just hasn't had the chance to do anything of that sort.

Edited by Gt Munn, 06 January 2010 - 02:06 AM.

[jaguar007]

I always thought Kate Winslet would make a good Moneypenny...

I think she would as well, the only problem is that she would probably only do it for 1 movie.

[The Shark]

So we've got Mendes directing, Morgan writing and Craig acting ... based on these credentials could BOND 23 have one of the most all-inclusive talent pools in the entire series? If David Arnold continues his run from QUANTUM OF SOLACE (easily his most diverse score to date), we could be onto a blinder here.

Or far better - Thomas Newman scores the film.

That crossed my mind immediately as well. Though, I do wish Arnold a chance to do another Bond where he would have the chance to fully employ the Bond theme.

One would think a Bond score would not suit Thomas Newman, but I feel that it would be very interesting. He just hasn't had the chance to do anything of that sort.

Exactly. He's already proven he can produce a tough, gritty, suspenseful Steiner-esque score for The Good German, something Arnold hasn't really been able to do, except provide overly-polished, dull, interchangeable, synth-laden scores for the last few Bond pictures.

[__7]

A great choice.

How exactly is Mendes a great choice?

This is the tail wagging the dog. Dench and Craig want Mendes, but what can he bring to Bond?

It's in Craig and Dench's best interest that these Bond films work. So why would they want to bring in someone who couldn't bring anything to Bond?

[The Dove]

...And so it begins!! Only 5 days into the new year and we already have our first bit of Bond 23 news/rumors to chew on!! Not familiar with Sam Mendes' work myself, but I'd be interested in checking out Road To Perdition. Til then I'm gonna reserve judgement and not rush to any expectations by jumping on the he's a terrible/great choice for director..

So the rumor is the film's being fast tracked to start in June...hmm does that mean actually filming or just the location scouting, casting ect? Any thoughts?

[Quantumofsolace007]

I'm happy and honestly hoping this is true.

Sam Mendes would be great addition for the craig era

[Joe Bond]

I think its an interesting choice that excites me if Eon can sign him. The problem with the argument that Mendes is another drama director and is another Forster which is perceived to be a bad thing due to Forster's Quantum of Solace. I like QoS but I recognize the flaws (quick editing, and shot too close) however I still think its a quality entry. However, for those who don't may I remind you that Forster has said before that he thought CR was too long and thats why Forster made sure there was a lot of action in QoS and shorter run time and it was his and the editor's decision to edit the film quickly not because he is a drama director with no action experience but because they thought it was a style they liked. I wouldn't be surprised if Mendes would have an entirely different vision on how to do a Bond film since the last time I checked his name is Sam Mendes not Marc Forster.

Edited by Joe Bond, 06 January 2010 - 03:06 AM.

[sharpshooter]

I love how Bond is attracting such top talent and is continuing to raise the bar of quality for the series. Road to Perdition is a great film so hiring Mendes to direct Bond 23 is a superb idea. However I would still prefer Martin Campbell who I feel is THE Bond director of the current series.

So do I. Mendes would be quite a coup. Like you, Martin Campbell is my top choice, but sadly I don’t feel he will be returning to the series.

[crashdrive]

Wow, just...wow. Not just the news that Mendes might direct (they are currently working on a deal to bring Sam on as a consultant with an eye to direct), but the way people react on this forum.

Like someone mentioned earlier, a decade ago EON talked to directors of such classics as 'No Escape', 'Stop or My Mom Will Shoot', 'Enough' & 'xXx: The Next Level' and now they are talking to the director of the modern classic (and - in my humble opinion - one of the few films that actually deserved an Academy Award for Best Picture) 'American Beauty'. Babs and Mike are miracle workers and yet some people are still complaining.

Sure Mendes hasn't made a film as good as 'American Beauty' since, but who has? It was a perfect film and every film Mendes has made since was at the very least stellar. My least favorite 'Revolutionary Road' was still brilliantly acted and looked amazing. And look at his other films 'Jarhead', 'Away We Go' & of course 'Road to Perdition'. I still can't believe there is a chance this man will walk into the world of Bond. Here's a director who can work in every genre (drama, gangster, war, period, roadmovie) and can adopt a completely different style with every movie he makes. A director who is a genius with actors and has a perfect aesthetic eye, yet some people are still complaining.

You have an Academy Award winning director, an Academy Award winning writer, an Academy Award winning actress, Daniel Craig as Bond, all Brits... yet some people are still complaining??

Wow, seriously... wow.

[danslittlefinger]

You think the jet pack might find its way back to Bond 23 bit with Craig wearing a cooler helmet?

http://www.rocketman...ncis/index.html

[The Shark]

You have an Academy Award winning director, an Academy Award winning writer, an Academy Award winning actress, Daniel Craig as Bond, all Brits... yet some people are still complaining??

Wow, seriously... wow.

Welcome.... To Cb.n!