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Martin Campbell remains open to 007 comeback

"I think I am done with it for now. But then never say never."

[Loomis]

You can bet your bottom dollar that Broccoli and Wilson will be (are?) trying everything they possibly can to get Campbell back for BOND 23 (regardless of whether Craig will return).

[Sir James Molony]

Classy interview. I like how he praised both actors and even supported the questionable Mendes decision.

Too bad he's not coming back. I just saw "Edge of Darkness" with Mel Gibson. Campbell knows how to direct an action film.

[Loomis]

Classy interview. I like how he praised both actors and even supported the questionable Mendes decision.

Too bad he's not coming back. I just saw "Edge of Darkness" with Mel Gibson. Campbell knows how to direct an action film.

The trouble is, how do you top CASINO ROYALE? In many ways, Campbell would be smart to quit Bond while he's still ahead and be remembered as the man who resurrected the franchise twice and the director of the best Bond film ever.

On the other hand, if the script for BOND 23 is exceptionally good, and if the money is absolutely amazing, it may be that Campbell will return for a final stab at 007. I certainly hope so.

[David Schofield]

Perhaps EON will be successful in getting Campbell to come back to direct Ashton Kutcher in his James Bond debut in the film of Jeffrey Deaver's Project X?

[Zorin Industries]

There are better directors for Bond out there.

[Judo chop]

The trouble is, how do you top CASINO ROYALE? In many ways, Campbell would be smart to quit Bond while he's still ahead and be remembered as the man who resurrected the franchise twice and the director of the best Bond film ever.

Nah. YOLT and DAF didn’t hurt Connery’s standing among fans. I think Campbell would retain his “credit” for his first two successes even if he came back and dropped a turd third.

There are better directors for Bond out there.

There are far worse ones too. Ones like Mendes, most likely.

[Zorin Industries]

At least Mendes can shoot a scene for cinema. I am not going to start knocking Campbell (and his work on ROYALE was leagues better than the really badly directed GOLDENEYE) but his camera choices alone are very basic. I would have no problems with him returning but there are better directors out there.

I think if BOND 23 ever gets out the starting blocks it won't matter a jot who directs it. Heck, I'd do it...if I hadn't already said no...

[zencat]

I'd love to see Martin Campbell come back. The man knows how to make a great Bond movie.

[Loomis]

There are better directors for Bond out there.

There are far worse ones too. Ones like Mendes, most likely.

Yeah, I hope Mendes doesn't end up doing BOND 23. The silly sod would be another Sebastian Faulks.

Honestly, I'd far rather see Lee Tamahori return to the series than the hiring of Mendes, who's just SO WRONG! for Bond it isn't funny.

I don't know why some of us wouldn't cut off our right arms to get Campbell back. The man's got better form than the Racing Post. One excellent Bond film (GOLDENEYE) and one mindblowing classic (CASINO ROYALE). Nobody does it better.

[Zorin Industries]

There are better directors for Bond out there.

There are far worse ones too. Ones like Mendes, most likely.

Yeah, I hope Mendes doesn't end up doing BOND 23. The silly sod would be another Sebastian Faulks.

Honestly, I'd far rather see Lee Tamahori return to the series than the hiring of Mendes, who's just SO WRONG! for Bond it isn't funny.

I don't know why some of us wouldn't cut off our right arms to get Campbell back. The man's got better form than the Racing Post. One excellent Bond film (GOLDENEYE) and one mindblowing classic (CASINO ROYALE). Nobody does it better.

Why the animosity to Mendes?

[Loomis]

I am not going to start knocking Campbell (and his work on ROYALE was leagues better than the really badly directed GOLDENEYE) but his camera choices alone are very basic.

But much of the time "basic" works just fine, especially when it comes to Bond movies. That said, I think CASINO ROYALE boasts some of the best cinematography in the series (and I also like a fair few of the shots in GOLDENEYE).

[Judo chop]

At least Mendes can shoot a scene for cinema. I am not going to start knocking Campbell (and his work on ROYALE was leagues better than the really badly directed GOLDENEYE) but his camera choices alone are very basic. I would have no problems with him returning but there are better directors out there.

Totally agree. There are better and worse than either. Sorry if my post came off a bit snide. My point is really that I think I’d prefer Campbell with all his strengths and flaws to Mendes with all his strengths and flaws*.

*Namely, his inability/refusal to inject his films with that most critical of Bondian elements... the element of Fun.

EDIT: Excuse me. I meant to say of course, the element of Fun™.

[Loomis]

Why the animosity to Mendes?

Well, I won't make the mistake of calling Mendes an "arthouse" director (because he isn't - he's hardly Greenaway or Jarman), but I suspect him of being a "serious" and "worthy" filmmaker who'd luvvie everything up and turn Bond into a vegetarian and a campaigner for fair trade while delivering a joyless and pretentious film with yet more self-regarding bluster about "peeling back the layers", "the man within" and "'Bond women', not 'Bond girls'".

I've never been impressed by him as a visual stylist, either.

I don't think Bond needs auteurs or "serious" directors. The series needs competent professionals - artisans rather than artists. Jobbing hacks like Glen and Spottiswoode served 007 just fine.

If I were in charge at Eon, I'd be looking at directors like Stuart Hazeldine, who did the pretty decent recent thriller EXAM. Or if we must have a "name" director, let's at least go for someone with an edge, like Michael Winterbottom. Or, for a female perspective, Andrea (FISH TANK) Arnold. Mendes just strikes me as a lazy, middle class, middle-of-the-road copout.

[Zorin Industries]

But AWAY WE GO is full of "fun"....?

I think Mendes will do a fine job and Bond is lucky to have him in the box marked 'speculation'. The fact that he is an ally of Forster and was an executive producer of THE KITE RUNNER will no doubt warm Mendes to all the QUANTUM OF SOLACE lovers out there thinking BOND 23 would be a different kettle of fish altogether.

[Zorin Industries]

Why the animosity to Mendes?

Well, I won't make the mistake of calling Mendes an "arthouse" director (because he isn't - he's hardly Greenaway or Jarman), but I suspect him of being a "serious" and "worthy" filmmaker who'd luvvie everything up and turn Bond into a vegetarian and a campaigner for fair trade while delivering a joyless and pretentious film with yet more self-regarding bluster about "peeling back the layers", "the man within" and "'Bond women', not 'Bond girls'".

I've never been impressed by him as a visual stylist, either.

I don't think Bond needs auteurs or "serious" directors. The series needs competent professionals - artisans rather than artists. Jobbing hacks like Glen and Spottiswoode served 007 just fine.

If I were in charge at Eon, I'd be looking at directors like Stuart Hazeldine, who did the pretty decent recent thriller EXAM. Or if we must have a "name" director, let's at least go for someone with an edge, like Michael Winterbottom. Or, for a female perspective, Andrea (FISH TANK) Arnold. Mendes just strikes me as a lazy, middle class, middle-of-the-road copout.

But Mendes is none of those - certainly not in his work.

Whether Bond needs or doesn't some serious directors is irrelevant when you remember that Bond HQ wants to move this show on. The very fact that Mendes produced THE KITE RUNNER - a Broccoli fave - says where we may be going. Yes, BOND 23 (if it ever happens) will be a tad less serious (or certainly AS serious with more mirth peppered for good measure), but Mendes is where Barbara Broccoli wants to be going. I think some people (not you Loomis) need to respect and realise that.

And why can't a more respected director do Bond?

Andrea Arnold is too wrong for Bond, but a great director. Her make or break will be WUTHERING HEIGHTS. I concur with Hazeldine and would throw in Paul Andrew Williams, Tom Ford (seriously... and look at Craig's tailoring) to the pot too.

[dodge]

I am not going to start knocking Campbell (and his work on ROYALE was leagues better than the really badly directed GOLDENEYE) but his camera choices alone are very basic.

But much of the time "basic" works just fine, especially when it comes to Bond movies. That said, I think CASINO ROYALE boasts some of the best cinematography in the series (and I also like a fair few of the shots in GOLDENEYE).

I agree with you completely. Campbell's style is subtly understated--never art for art's sake or an effect for an effect's sake. Tha said, CR did indeed, as you've said, contain some wonderful cinematography and some jim-dandy visual effects. I'd be thrilled to see him be the man who jumpstarted the franchise three times.

[Matt_13]

If we were to ever reach the day when Eon decided they only wanted to make one more film, he's the guy I'd want to do it.

[Loomis]

Whether Bond needs or doesn't some serious directors is irrelevant when you remember that Bond HQ wants to move this show on. The very fact that Mendes produced THE KITE RUNNER - a Broccoli fave - says where we may be going.

Well, I guess any and all of our suggestions or speculations about directors is irrelevant, insofar as it is Broccoli and co. who will make the decision and indeed have probably made it already.

Still, it does very much appear that Campbell isn't merely a fan favourite who draws no water at Eon HQ. On the contrary, he was offered TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, DIE ANOTHER DAY and QUANTUM OF SOLACE - indeed, I'm told that he's always given first refusal on a new Bond film. So it seems highly likely that Eon have already asked him back for BOND 23 and will ask him back again if Mendes falls through. Broccoli and Wilson appear to view Campbell as the modern Terence Young.

[The Shark]

Whether Bond needs or doesn't some serious directors is irrelevant when you remember that Bond HQ wants to move this show on. The very fact that Mendes produced THE KITE RUNNER - a Broccoli fave - says where we may be going. Yes, BOND 23 (if it ever happens) will be a tad less serious (or certainly AS serious with more mirth peppered for good measure), but Mendes is where Barbara Broccoli wants to be going. I think some people (not you Loomis) need to respect and realise that.

Surely some of us, can realise that without necessary respecting that choice? She's not infallible and in by means does she require our undue support.

[zencat]

Not to get into this too deep, but the reason I so like Campbell, aside from the fact that he made the two best Bond films of the last 20 years, is the guy can handle it. These film are HUGE. The other directors (of this modern era) have been overwhelmed and it's showed. I don't care about their dramatic pedigree, a James Bond movie should not be anyone's first large scale action movie -- it will fall down somewhere. Campbell is not only not overwhelmed, but he thrives on this scale. He keeps it all in his head and he brings in brilliant like-minded craftsman (like Stuart Baird). Add to that he has two Bond movies under his belt and, for me, he is clearly the best choice. I'll take what he brings over a guy with an Oscar any day.

BTW, I've heard conflicting things about Campbell and Eon. I've heard they've asked him back for every film. But I've also heard he's the one director they don't ask back.

[tdalton]

There are better directors for Bond out there.

Very much agreed.

But AWAY WE GO is full of "fun"....?

I think Mendes will do a fine job and Bond is lucky to have him in the box marked 'speculation'. The fact that he is an ally of Forster and was an executive producer of THE KITE RUNNER will no doubt warm Mendes to all the QUANTUM OF SOLACE lovers out there thinking BOND 23 would be a different kettle of fish altogether.

I wasn't aware of this, and it has me all the more excited for Mendes to be on board, if he ultimately ends up being the director of the film.

[Zorin Industries]

BTW, I've heard conflicting things about Campbell and Eon. I've heard they've asked him back for every film. But I've also heard he's the one director they don't ask back.

Ditto. In fact, the one I know they have asked is an odd choice considering...

[doublenoughtspy]

and the director of the best Bond film ever.

Um, Peter Hunt directed OHMSS, not Martin Campbell.

[dodge]

Not to get into this too deep, but the reason I so like Campbell, aside from the fact that he made the two best Bond films of the last 20 years, is the guy can handle it. These film are HUGE. The other directors (of this modern era) have been overwhelmed and it's showed. I don't care about their dramatic pedigree, a James Bond movie should not be anyone's first large scale action movie -- it will fall down somewhere. Campbell is not only not overwhelmed, but he thrives on this scale. He keeps it all in his head and he brings in brilliant like-minded craftsman (like Stuart Baird). Add to that he has two Bond movies under his belt and, for me, he is clearly the best choice. I'll take what he brings over a guy with an Oscar any day.

BTW, I've heard conflicting things about Campbell and Eon. I've heard they've asked him back for every film. But I've also heard he's the one director they don't ask back.

Well, you've certainly tweaked my curiosity here. Why in the world would they not ask him back?

[sharpshooter]

I don't know why some of us wouldn't cut off our right arms to get Campbell back. The man's got better form than the Racing Post. One excellent Bond film (GOLDENEYE) and one mindblowing classic (CASINO ROYALE). Nobody does it better.

Absolutely. He's the modern day Terence Young.

[Loomis]

But I've also heard he's the one director they don't ask back.

Surely the very fact that Campbell directed CASINO ROYALE proves this view to be false.

[Aris007]

He's open to 007 comeback, I'm open to his comeback.

If EON wants to go safe then Campbell is our man. After that QoS let-down I believe that they won't look for something risky that may be better than Campbells work in the end, but it won't be a safe choice.

If though, an actor could choose a director, then count him for Bond 23.

[Loomis]

I concur with Hazeldine and would throw in Paul Andrew Williams, Tom Ford (seriously... and look at Craig's tailoring) to the pot too.

Off-topic, I know, but is A SINGLE MAN worth seeing?

and the director of the best Bond film ever.

Um, Peter Hunt directed OHMSS, not Martin Campbell.

Erm, OHMSS is only the fifth or sixth best Bond film ever.

(Mind you, it's still a thousand times better than QUANTUM OF SOULLES. )

[zencat]

But I've also heard he's the one director they don't ask back.

Surely the very fact that Campbell directed CASINO ROYALE proves this view to be false.

I'm just telling you what I've heard. I also know Eon explored other directors for CR. They did not go right for Campbell. Not sure how big a roll Sony played in his selection, but Sony likes Campbell.

BTW, at the USC event, Babs was openly asking Forster to come back. She kept saying, "We would love to have you back" and "We're trying to talk him into coming back." Considering how insanely tight lipped they are about things, I thought this was pretty remarkable.