194 replies to this topic

[booyeah_]

After reading the L.A. Times story, I think it is only a matter of time before it is official and announced that he has signed on to play in the film.

[Matt_13]

Wow. HUGE news. The fact that he's intrigued by what Mendes told him is a big deal. What does a "different dynamic" mean?

Sounds like the script isn't done yet, though it has to be close to completion. Very, very interesting news.

[Cody]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/02/the-new-bond-villain-javier-bardem-is-intrigued.html

He's intrigued, I'm intrigued. I like what he's saying, sounds very promising.

[The Shark]

Ok so Bardem is about 99% on board and they want to "change things up"

...by making him the Bond girl.

It all fits.

BOND DAY AFTERNOON.

[jsteed]

After reading the L.A. Times story, I think it is only a matter of time before it is official and announced that he has signed on to play in the film.

I would tend to agree. It seems that he is very interested in Bond 23 and I hope he decides to join the cast for Bond 23.

[Matt_13]

Guess if he takes on the role we can feel comfortable with the state of the script.

[Santa]

Ok so Bardem is about 99% on board and they want to "change things up"

...by making him the Bond girl.

It all fits.

He's a bit hairy.

[Mr. Arlington Beech]

“I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing.”
- Javier Bardem

This quote from the LA Times, makes me imagine that perhaps the story of Bond 23 is a little bit like Risico (or like the movie FYEO) regarding the villian- and in the best of the cases, Risico could be also the title of this new film-.

[jaguar007]

I like the idea of having Bond #23 based on Fleming's TMWTGG. A duel between Craig's Bond and Bardem "Pistols". One things for certain, if he does sign, we know it won't be another underdeveloped villain.

[Matt_13]

I wonder if by "new dynamic" they could mean Bond actually liking the villain. Imagine Bond getting along really well with his enemy. However, since Bardem specifically used the word "nemesis" I think we can rule it out. Ah well, intriguing...

[Loomis]

I wonder if by "new dynamic" they could mean Bond actually liking the villain. Imagine Bond getting along really well with his enemy. However, since Bardem specifically used the word "nemesis" I think we can rule it out. Ah well, intriguing...

Well, this goes back to my point about Pacino and De Niro in HEAT - they don't like each other, as such, but they definitely have a mutual respect thing going on. Neither wants to kill the other (although one of them does end up killing the other), but at the same time neither backs down from the looming confrontation between them.

If this were to happen in BOND 23, it would, I think, be something entirely fresh and new in the fifty-year history of the celluloid 007, for I don't believe that Bond has ever once demonstrated any respect (grudging or otherwise) for one of his adversaries (save perhaps for that jokey remark at the end of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME about underestimating Stromberg and approving of his taste in wine, and maybe also that "I trusted you, Alec" whinge in GOLDENEYE).

If BOND 23 were to go down the HEAT route with Craig and Bardem sharing equal screentime and striking sparks off each other in a character-driven and emotionally compelling story directed by an on-form Sam Mendes, then I think the fiftieth anniversary film may be something to greatly look forward to. And dare I say it, but I expect that that's precisely what we're going to get. I suspect that Eon has taken notes from THE DARK KNIGHT and realises the importance of a really striking and charismatic villain, something that the Bond series hasn't had since, well, ever (and despite the good performances of Mads Mikkelsen and Matthieu Amalric, neither of those guys really had the material or screentime to truly shine). For many, many years, Eon seems to have always emphasised the Bond girl over the villain, and perhaps it's time to switch focus, at least for one film.

Oh, and if I were a betting man I'd put money on Bardem's character being one Señor Risico, the head of Quantum. The title of the film? Well, have a guess.

[zencat]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

[MajorB]

Let's hope none of this is meant to surprise the audience. Bit late for a spoiler alert.

[Nicolas Suszczyk]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

I agree. That's be TRULY a 50th anniversary celebration .

[Matt_13]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

Nah, they tried that with "Die Another Day." Your review of it is the only redeeming aspect of that whole fiasco. With Craig in the role, they should certainly keep pushing the limits of the franchise and the character. After him, when they will no doubt revert back to a lighter toned actor, then we can go the Goldfinger route again. If Bardem signs on, I'll be genuinely excited because then I'll know we'll be looking at something with some emotional depth. When I go to a Craig-Bond film, I want to see some acting, not a few good looking celebs coasting on auto-pilot. World domination plots just don't fit in with Craig's mold. I want exceptional stuntwork, stunning action sequences, but emotional resonance and a contemporary edge as well. And I'll bet the locations will rock hard. Mendes' films are all gorgeous. I have a lot of faith.

[Tarl_Cabot]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

I like that...Hey, maybe you should go to Hollywood and become a screen writer!



Re: Bardem:

Bardem also talked about being a fan of the Bond series. “I’m a huge fan of the James Bond saga,” he says, “When I was little, I went watching Mr. Connery doing James Bond with my father. Who in the world would think I’d be in one of those movies?”

I'm taking that as an absolute YES, he's gonna do it.

[MattofSteel]

I have to admit I'm surprised. They really seem to be taking the time to do this properly. For an actor of Bardem's quality to award praise this early to a mere concept (let alone a finished script, which they can't be close to, albeit they're probably farther along than we think) is terrific. It's just odd. Recently, the villain has barely been cast by the time shooting begins. We're still almost a calendar year away from that.

Bodes well.

[Jim]

Ok so Bardem is about 99% on board and they want to "change things up"

...by making him the Bond girl.

It all fits.

He's a bit hairy.

Nobody's perfect.

[sharpshooter]

With Craig in the role, they should certainly keep pushing the limits of the franchise and the character. After him, when they will no doubt revert back to a lighter toned actor, then we can go the Goldfinger route again. If Bardem signs on, I'll be genuinely excited because then I'll know we'll be looking at something with some emotional depth. When I go to a Craig-Bond film, I want to see some acting, not a few good looking celebs coasting on auto-pilot. World domination plots just don't fit in with Craig's mold. I want exceptional stuntwork, stunning action sequences, but emotional resonance and a contemporary edge as well. And I'll bet the locations will rock hard. Mendes' films are all gorgeous. I have a lot of faith.

Full agreement, Matt. I want them continually changing things up and being fresh. I think all of that "classic" stuff has been well covered already, and the avante garde can have its time in the sun a bit longer yet. When I was watching QoS for the first time, I was taken aback at how far they took things. It might all seem tame now because we're used to it, but my initial response was how brave they were. How new it all felt. Sure, the formula was still evident in the film, but it was done in a different manner. It didn't cover old ground.

[Mr. Arlington Beech]

With Craig in the role, they should certainly keep pushing the limits of the franchise and the character. After him, when they will no doubt revert back to a lighter toned actor, then we can go the Goldfinger route again. If Bardem signs on, I'll be genuinely excited because then I'll know we'll be looking at something with some emotional depth. When I go to a Craig-Bond film, I want to see some acting, not a few good looking celebs coasting on auto-pilot. World domination plots just don't fit in with Craig's mold. I want exceptional stuntwork, stunning action sequences, but emotional resonance and a contemporary edge as well. And I'll bet the locations will rock hard. Mendes' films are all gorgeous. I have a lot of faith.

Full agreement, Matt. I want them continually changing things up and being fresh. I think all of that "classic" stuff has been well covered already, and the avante garde can have its time in the sun a bit longer yet. When I was watching QoS for the first time, I was taken aback at how far they took things. It might all seem tame now because we're used to it, but my initial response was how brave they were. How new it all felt. Sure, the formula was still evident in the film, but it was done in a different manner. It didn't cover old ground.

Why it always have to be one extreme or the other?

What about a good balance between the classic and the fresh approach, just like CR was, which proved to be a great success with critics, Bond fans and general moviegoers.

[SecretAgentFan]

Well, if they make the bad guy more interesting - not the Blofeld-type who comes across as Dr.Evil these days - they already are changing the dynamic. I believe that this is what Bardem alludes to. An actor like him, of course, has to protect his reputation. He wouldn´t just sign on as the Bond villain if that character were "just" the bad guy.

And quite frankly, to have a villain that is a fully dimensional human being is so much more interesting for Bond to fight. I can only applaud EON for staying true to their reboot ideas instead of reverting to the old clichés. And unless BOND 23 is a complete box office flop they surely will continue to make Bond fresh and interesting instead of just rehashing the old formula. And Craig IMO is not the reason why EON has chosen this path - he has been chosen for this path to succeed. And the next Bond actor will have fit in there, too.

[Marlowe]

For a Blofeld type villain as Fleming as describe the character in Thunderball, Bardem is a perfect choice...Very interesting.

[blueman]

Well, if they make the bad guy more interesting - not the Blofeld-type who comes across as Dr.Evil these days - they already are changing the dynamic. I believe that this is what Bardem alludes to. An actor like him, of course, has to protect his reputation. He wouldn´t just sign on as the Bond villain if that character were "just" the bad guy.

And quite frankly, to have a villain that is a fully dimensional human being is so much more interesting for Bond to fight. I can only applaud EON for staying true to their reboot ideas instead of reverting to the old clichés. And unless BOND 23 is a complete box office flop they surely will continue to make Bond fresh and interesting instead of just rehashing the old formula. And Craig IMO is not the reason why EON has chosen this path - he has been chosen for this path to succeed. And the next Bond actor will have fit in there, too.

Somewhere Ian Fleming is grinning about all this.

[delfloria]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

My feelings as well........ It's been years since we have seen a 007 film like that.

[Loomis]

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Oh, dear...

Here's what I want to hear:

"It's a classic Bond movie with a classic Bond villain role. Larger than life with a diabolical plan that's exactly what Ian Fleming would have dreamed up if he were alive today. He's Goldfinger for the 21st century, and the final confrontation with Bond, and where it takes place, will be the most amazing thing you've ever seen. The movie is huge, the woman are stunning, the locations are incredible, and the villain is very, very BAD. I'll be the biggest film I've ever done."

Too much to ask, I guess.

Yes, I know what you mean. "'Bond women', not 'Bond girls'" and all that. The difference is, though, that if the likes of Bardem and Mendes are onboard it might be done well this time.

Have faith: this is the actor who allegedly turned down TWINE.

[booyeah_]

What role did Bardem turn down in TWINE?

[Shrublands]

What role did Bardem turn down in TWINE?

Christmas Jones

[Loomis]

I thought it was R. John Cleese was Eon's second choice after Bardem.

Seriously, though, the role Bardem turned down was presumably that of Renard.

[DaveBond21]

BOND 23 could well be extremely traditional in a lot of ways anyway.

Oh Good. Best thing I've read from Zorin in a long time.

Still surprised that he didn't hint at Bardem earlier, despite the bet claims.

----

Anyway, Javier says in his reaction interview that the role is very "nuanced" and doesn't sound like an over-the-top villain, rather the bland shades of grey villain we had in CR and QOS. None of my work colleagues could name a Craig-Bond or Dalton-Bond villain in a straw poll today.

[Germanlady]

What I read out of this is, that the script is much further developped then we thought - because - JB has been offered "The Dark Towers" and surely lots of other scripts, he has to consider timewise. So - he will want to decide rather sooner then later, which means, they can hand over a script to him pretty soon.

Edited by Germanlady, 02 February 2011 - 10:46 AM.