This topic is locked
A collection of observations.
A) These leaks are tremendously unfortunate. Those responsible should be prosecuted to the law's fullest extent.
B ) The content in the leaks ultimately isn't that revealing. Two of my favourite Bond films are Casino Royale and Skyfall. I basically knew them major beat for major beat before I ever saw them in a theatre - much of the information discussed in these emails is far more granular. I've read all of it and couldn't begin to tell you how it fits together in terms of a cohesive plot.
C) The major concern of the leak - "the overall plot and villain's identity/motivations," let's call it - aren't that surprising. Given details considered non-spoiler (title, character names) that we already know, I'd go so far as saying this outcome wasn't only guessable - it was likely. Personally, I can't say it would have been the direction I'd have taken it - quite not, in fact - but I also can't say I'm not interested to see it attempted.
There are Bond films that rock the boat and Bond films that don't. The best ones tend to be the most disruptive for the character himself. Few "boilerplate Bonds" tend to make it into the upper echelons of regard when the entire series is considered, save for perhaps Goldfinger (which is, in my opinion, severely underrated for its no-nonsense treatment of Bond's character. An utterly direct and unmasked portrayal of his core character, in fact).
If you'd asked me on December 4th what the worst possible angle they could take with "SPECTRE" was, I might have said "the angle I just read about in those leaks." Sitting here tonight, I don't feel the same way. We've had plenty of boilerplate Bonds. I'm relishing the opportunity to see true disruption from talented creators, performers, filmmakers who are actually (more than) capable of handling it properly.
DISCLAIMER (to be considered, November 2015): If it ends up stinking, I hereby revise the entirety of the above to read, "Great execution can't save a bad idea."
D) Sorry 'C' was so long.
E) RE: the validity of these leaks. I'm surprised it's a debate. The fact that they're (apparently) sourced from the same origins responsible for other masses of (seemingly) verified links aside, I can only consider my own instinctual response.
Having worked enough in the industry to understand how the script development process works, I can tell you there's absolutely nothing out of the ordinary about the style, tone, or construction of the feedback in these leaks. If they're fakes, they're excellent. They read almost suspiciously too well. They resemble countless script note emails I've seen, heard about, or - in several cases - received myself. All written by individuals at (minimum) a producer level.
One's title and stature in life in no way reflect one's capacity for using proper grammar or communicating professionally. The discrepancy between those two things can often be startling, actually. And that's a truth that extends far beyond the film business.
