179 replies to this topic

[007jamesbond]

Sam Mendes wanted to spring a surprise on his high-calibre cast gathered at Pinewood studios for a script reading of the latest 007 adventure.

As the likes of Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes sat leafing through their scripts, each stamped ‘Highly Confidential’, with every page watermarked and coded, they must all have been wondering: who on earth could the Oscar-winning director be bringing in who might leave them shaken and (pleasantly) stirred?

Try Albert Finney, a legendary actor, revered by his peers and about to make his Bond debut at the age of 75.
n executive close to the production told me: ‘It was one of those fabulous “This can’t get any better!” moments because Mendes has upped the game by bringing in Bardem and Fiennes — and they’ve already got Dame Judi Dench.

‘So you think, well, who else can they get to make this any classier?’

Finney, who has been in remission from cancer of the prostate for several years, will play a Foreign Office mandarin with powers over the Secret Intelligence Service, described to me as a reasonably big role and full of class.

The part probably makes him M’s boss, though she — as played by Judi — might not see it that way.

Interestingly, I thought Judi and Albert must surely have worked together before, because they were at the Old Vic in the late Fifties and early Sixties, but I could find no record of them ever having trodden the boards on the same stage or appearing in the same movie.

(If I’m wrong, I’m sure I’ll be set straight!) The thespians were joined at the studio by Naomie Harris who, as revealed here, will play Miss Moneypenny; Berenice Marlohe as the requisite femme fatale (are we past using the term ‘Bond girl’ in the 21st century?) and Rory Kinnear, who will play M’s chief of staff, Bill Tanner.

He will have more to do in this movie than when he played Tanner in Quantum Of Solace.

Ben Whishaw and Helen McCrory have as yet unspecified roles.

John LOGAN, who wrote Gladiator and who has been winning acclaim for his sublime script for the forthcoming film Coriolanus, has long toiled over the Bond 23 script.

And now Barbara Broccoli and John G. Wilson, keepers of the Bond movie flame, have asked him to be involved in writing other screenplays based on Ian Fleming’s famous espionage officer.

Rehearsals and camera tests continue this week, and next week shooting will begin on Bond 23, which will be released next autumn on the 50th anniversary of the first Bond film, Dr No.

Read more: http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1c3EDYW8G

[Captain Tightpants]

According to Baz Bamigboye, Albert Finney - who you probably know as Albert Hirsch in THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (the guy who pronounced "Jason" as "Jey Senn") - is in BOND 23, supposedly as a Foreign Office adminsitrator who is effectively M's boss.

Bamigboye also reckons that Rory Kinnear will be back as Tanner, and that he will have "more to do" this time, and that EON have been so impressed with Peter Morgan John Logan's script that they want him around for future installments.

Of course, I remain sceptical. Bamigboye's "work" is filled with the usual tabloid guff - executives who are as enthusiastic as they are annoymous; references to a script that is "high confidential", with watermarks and codes on every page (if it's so secret, Baz, how did a tabloid bottom-feeder like you see it?); and sentences that are written in such a way that they never actually commit to anything.

PS - this story was posted while I was posting. However, I took the time to do something clever with the title, so this thread should stay open.

[The Dove]

Sam Mendes wanted to spring a surprise on his high-calibre cast gathered at Pinewood studios for a script reading of the latest 007 adventure.

As the likes of Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes sat leafing through their scripts, each stamped ‘Highly Confidential’, with every page watermarked and coded, they must all have been wondering: who on earth could the Oscar-winning director be bringing in who might leave them shaken and (pleasantly) stirred?

Try Albert Finney, a legendary actor, revered by his peers and about to make his Bond debut at the age of 75.
n executive close to the production told me: ‘It was one of those fabulous “This can’t get any better!” moments because Mendes has upped the game by bringing in Bardem and Fiennes — and they’ve already got Dame Judi Dench.

‘So you think, well, who else can they get to make this any classier?’

Finney, who has been in remission from cancer of the prostate for several years, will play a Foreign Office mandarin with powers over the Secret Intelligence Service, described to me as a reasonably big role and full of class.

The part probably makes him M’s boss, though she — as played by Judi — might not see it that way.

Interestingly, I thought Judi and Albert must surely have worked together before, because they were at the Old Vic in the late Fifties and early Sixties, but I could find no record of them ever having trodden the boards on the same stage or appearing in the same movie.

(If I’m wrong, I’m sure I’ll be set straight!) The thespians were joined at the studio by Naomie Harris who, as revealed here, will play Miss Moneypenny; Berenice Marlohe as the requisite femme fatale (are we past using the term ‘Bond girl’ in the 21st century?) and Rory Kinnear, who will play M’s chief of staff, Bill Tanner.

He will have more to do in this movie than when he played Tanner in Quantum Of Solace.

Ben Whishaw and Helen McCrory have as yet unspecified roles.

John LOGAN, who wrote Gladiator and who has been winning acclaim for his sublime script for the forthcoming film Coriolanus, has long toiled over the Bond 23 script.

And now Barbara Broccoli and John G. Wilson, keepers of the Bond movie flame, have asked him to be involved in writing other screenplays based on Ian Fleming’s famous espionage officer.

Rehearsals and camera tests continue this week, and next week shooting will begin on Bond 23, which will be released next autumn on the 50th anniversary of the first Bond film, Dr No.

Read more: http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1c3EDYW8G

Borrow this from Mi6 site....take it for what it is worth

Interesting that this article blatantly screws up Michael G. Wilson's name as John G. Wilson...Lol!! Secondly, Albert Finney is busy reprising his role as Dr. Albert Hirsch in The Bourne Legacy..which is currently filming..though it's possible his schedule may allow him to do both Bourne and Bond.

[Shrublands]

According to Baz Bamigboye, Albert Finney - who you probably know as Albert Hirsch in THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (the guy who pronounced "Jason" as "Jey Senn")

Well… that’s not what I know acting legend Albert Finney for.

[Captain Tightpants]

I confess that I haven't seen too many of his films. Although I think he was in ERIN BROVOVICH.

[Jim]

According to Baz Bamigboye, Albert Finney - who you probably know as Albert Hirsch in THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (the guy who pronounced "Jason" as "Jey Senn")

Bit more of a career than that, old freckle.

PS - this story was posted while I was posting. However, I took the time to do something clever with the title, so this thread should stay open.

Not time well spent.

[Captain Tightpants]

My title was funnier, Jim. I can't introduce humour and character and wit to the forums?

[Jim]

My title was funnier, Jim. I can't introduce humour and character and wit to the forums?

I don't know; can you? Do try. It's nice to set targets.

[Captain Tightpants]

*slap*

Challenge!

[dinovelvet]

According to Baz Bamigboye, Albert Finney - who you probably know as Albert Hirsch in THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

Yes, that's what everyone knows Albert Finney as

-Oh I'm about the tenth person to say that. Nevermind.

Interesting that this article blatantly screws up Michael G. Wilson's name as John G. Wilson...Lol!! Secondly, Albert Finney is busy reprising his role as Dr. Albert Hirsch in The Bourne Legacy..which is currently filming..though it's possible his schedule may allow him to do both Bourne and Bond.

Well Mrs. Craig is on that set so she can probably help out!

I confess that I haven't seen too many of his films. Although I think he was in ERIN BROVOVICH.

OK please stop. The answer you're looking for is Tom Jones. And not that Tom Jones, either.

Finney... will play a Foreign Office mandarin

As opposed to a Foreign Office satsuma?

[Captain Tightpants]

Yes, that's what everyone knows Albert Finney as

Hey, can you fault me for listing one of his most-recent high-profile film credits? I'm not just catering to the film buffs among us, but the younger demographics, too. If my experiences as a high school teacher have taught me anything, it is that if a film was not made before about 2005, teenagers are not interested. So, while I could list all his award-winning/nominated credits - TOM JONES, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, THE DRESSER and UNDER THE VOLCANO (thank you, Wikipedia), I expect that if I did so, a lot of younger forum members would react with a "who?" or a "huh?".

OK please stop. The answer you're looking for is Tom Jones. And not that Tom Jones, either.

Clearly the same guy. I'm sure modern audiences - read: sixteen year-olds - will have absolutely no problem identifying an actor based on a photo taken forty-eight years ago.

[/sarcasm]

[Shrublands]

If my experiences as a high school teacher have taught me anything, it is that if a film was not made before about 2005, teenagers are not interested.

Hasn’t it taught you anything about double negatives?

[Captain Tightpants]

Hasn’t it taught you anything about double negatives?

Okay, let me put it this way: if I was teaching a unit on film, and I wanted to show my students an example of a film with an excellent use of sound, then my first choice would be Francis Ford Coppola's THE CONVERSATION (not only does it use and intentionally mis-use sound very well, it's a damn good film). However, I also know that my students would not be interested in a film from 1974, and would be perennially bored by it. So I wouldn't expect them to know who Albert Finney is, based on a film made in 1963. I would, however, expect them to know who Albert Finney is, based on a film made in 2007.

[Jim]

[Daily Mail]Young people today, eh? I blame the teachers.[/Daily Mail]

[Jim]

So I wouldn't expect them to know who Albert Finney is, based on a film made in 1963. I would, however, expect them to know who Albert Finney is, based on a film made in 2007.

As was once observed of Laurence Olivier - ...some of you may have seen him in the Polaroid commercial; or as Zeus in Clash of the Titans.

[univex]

Oh how I would love this to be true. Finney is a brilliant actor. The Gathering Storm, in which he plays Churchill is fantastic! He has that awesome voice. Big fish, A Good year, and many films from the 50s up are wonderful. What on earth is a Foreign Office mandarin?

[Shrublands]

Oh how I would love this to be true. Finney is a brilliant actor. The Gathering Storm, in which he plays Churchill is fantastic! He has that awesome voice. Big fish, A Good year, and many films from the 50s up are wonderful. What on earth is a Foreign Office mandarin?

Yes, I'd love this one to be true too.

Apparently, Foreign Office mandarin or Whitehall mandarin are terms used for a senior official in the civil service who has acquired too much power.

[Captain Tightpants]

Apparently, Foreign Office mandarin or Whitehall mandarin are terms used for a senior official in the civil service who has acquired too much power.

It's just another one of Bamigboye's little nuances, like his "joke" about how he had to swallow a special pill to forget Ralph Fiennes' role (which begs the question of remembering how he swallowed the pill ... no, not the point, Jason). They're carefully-constructed sentences designed in such a way that Bamigboye can publish something without actually committing to it, so that if (more like when) he is proven wrong, he has an out, an escape hatch so to speak - he can publish it but it can't be pinned to him. He words it to make things sound outrageous, almost as if he doesn't believe it himself, so that if it's proven wrong, the person at fault is the reader for believing something Bamigboye himself didn't "believe".

[Shrublands]

Apparently, Foreign Office mandarin or Whitehall mandarin are terms used for a senior official in the civil service who has acquired too much power.

It's just another one of Bamigboye's little nuances, like his "joke" about how he had to swallow a special pill to forget Ralph Fiennes' role (which begs the question of remembering how he swallowed the pill ... no, not the point, Jason). They're carefully-constructed sentences designed in such a way that Bamigboye can publish something without actually committing to it, so that if (more like when) he is proven wrong, he has an out, an escape hatch so to speak - he can publish it but it can't be pinned to him. He words it to make things sound outrageous, almost as if he doesn't believe it himself, so that if it's proven wrong, the person at fault is the reader for believing something Bamigboye himself didn't "believe".

I wasn’t commenting on Baz’s journalistic style/ethics or whatever. Simply saying what is generally understood by the term Foreign Office Mandarin.

[marktmurphy]

This'd be good if it were true, but it's in the Mail so I find it quite hard to believe it.

If it were in The Sun I'd actually believe it more! Still, fingers crossed.

[Wade]

When he was younger, I thought Finney would've made an excellent Bond. A few years ago, when someone asked me who could play the traditional role of a male M, I immediately replied, "Albert Finney."

Perhaps this is the twist we've been hinted to expect. Dench's M is a double. And the new M, Messervy, comes in, played by Finney.

Just a thought.

[MajorB]

IF it's true (big if, but...), it suggests that political matters will be even more front and center than in QoS. Possibly meaning that we'll be dealing with Quantum's infiltration of the British government, among other plot threads. Just speculation, but you don't put Finney in a part like that unless it figures importantly into the story.

[univex]

Oh how I would love this to be true. Finney is a brilliant actor. The Gathering Storm, in which he plays Churchill is fantastic! He has that awesome voice. Big fish, A Good year, and many films from the 50s up are wonderful. What on earth is a Foreign Office mandarin?

Yes, I'd love this one to be true too.

Apparently, Foreign Office mandarin or Whitehall mandarin are terms used for a senior official in the civil service who has acquired too much power.

Thanks for the info Shrublands, I could definitely see Finney in a role like that. Here´s hoping it´s true. Can´t wait for next week!

[Germanlady]

I rather believe M's death then being a double agent and it would be chocking enough for me IMO, it would be a great way to go, using this to create a dramatic moment, where even those, who are not too fond of her, might shed a tear or two - after all. Dench M is part of the franchise for so long, that it might feel, like an old friend going.

[Matt_13]

"John G. Wilson." Not quite but fine.

So he represents class eh? All I know him from (and seemingly everyone else) is from Bourne. We shall see.

[Pushkin]

Would love to see cast like this but have my doubts for the reasons others have already pointed out. If it were true, and we had a good script, we could have the makings of the best Bond ever.

Cheers

[mattjoes]

Are the rumours always this good? I've never paid too much attention to them.

[Safari Suit]

Yes, that's what everyone knows Albert Finney as

Hey, can you fault me for listing one of his most-recent high-profile film credits? I'm not just catering to the film buffs among us, but the younger demographics, too. If my experiences as a high school teacher have taught me anything, it is that if a film was not made before about 2005, teenagers are not interested. So, while I could list all his award-winning/nominated credits - TOM JONES, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, THE DRESSER and UNDER THE VOLCANO (thank you, Wikipedia), I expect that if I did so, a lot of younger forum members would react with a "who?" or a "huh?".

But as a High School Teacher, you surely appreciate the value of trying to educate your audience, non?

[The Dove]

Oh that's right *snaps fingers* Albert Finney was also Daddy Warbucks in "Annie"..lol Granted that last time I actually watched that film was probably a year or so after it was released in '82..

[univex]

One can post youtube links, right? If not, please be free to take these down.





Both classical performances from on of the best thespians ever.

Also, do check out The Gathering Storm, brilliant film, awesome performance, best Churchill ever (apart from the original of course , although it´s so good you star to forget the diference )

Edited by univex, 28 October 2011 - 08:35 PM.