
Who should direct Bond 21?
#31
Posted 11 March 2003 - 05:57 PM
I still basically agree with you that "star" directors are out, for all the reasons we've gone over a number of times, but I don't see the harm in allowing for the slight (I repeat, slight) possibility that EON will change its mind one day and hire an American director. Assuming they will hire an American at some point, it would be logical for us to wonder what sort of American director they'd go for. Obviously, mega-celebs like Cameron and Spielberg are out of the question, but quite possibly the likes of McTiernan and Leder would have a shot.
That said, unlike zencat, I don't see that change is in the air at this particular point. I've argued on other threads that I think there were two recent "windows" that might have permitted the hiring of a "star" director: the making of GOLDENEYE and the making of DIE ANOTHER DAY. But since The Powers That Be didn't get a McTiernan or a Tony Scott to direct the 20th Bond adventure and 40th anniversary film, as well as the first Bond movie of the 21st century, and DAD still did brilliantly, why would they want an A-list or "star" auteur for BOND 21, "just another Bond film"?
To put it more bluntly, why would they pay $10 million for a McTiernan when they can get a Tamahori for $2.5 million AND boss him around a lot more?
#32
Posted 11 March 2003 - 06:39 PM
I don't mind allowing the possibility that some day an American director could be hired. But I'm just affraid that people will vote John McTiernan, because they are already familiar with him. I really would like people to think for a second what one of these lesser known directors could bring to a Bond picture. Also, I think McTiernan is practically an auteur filmmaker. He's no James Cameron of course, but he's no Mimi Leder either. To use your words; "why would they pay $10 million for a McTiernan when they can get a Tamahori for $2.5 million AND boss him around a lot more?" The fact that a director is paid $10 million to direct a film I think says enough. And after the 'Rollerball' debacle, the last thing McTiernan is going to allow is that the studio's will take control over his picture. In other words, if an American would be hired, I doubt it would be someone of McTiernan's stature.Originally posted by Loomis
I don't see the harm in allowing for the slight (I repeat, slight) possibility that EON will change its mind one day and hire an American director. Assuming they will hire an American at some point, it would be logical for us to wonder what sort of American director they'd go for. Obviously, mega-celebs like Cameron and Spielberg are out of the question, but quite possibly the likes of McTiernan and Leder would have a shot.
#33
Posted 11 March 2003 - 08:08 PM
Originally posted by crashdrive
I don't mind allowing the possibility that some day an American director could be hired. But I'm just affraid that people will vote John McTiernan, because they are already familiar with him. I really would like people to think for a second what one of these lesser known directors could bring to a Bond picture.
The thing is, though, McTiernan has long been a fan favourite to do a Bond film. His name has for quite some time been dominating threads on these forums about who should direct BOND 21, so it's not as though zencat has picked him from nowhere, as would have been the case if he'd put Michael Mann's name on the list. We've been discussing McTiernan for many months now.
Which is not to say that he's a frontrunner in "real life". Nonetheless, rightly or wrongly, he's the director a great many Bond fans would love to see make a Bond movie, and I don't believe one could make the same claim for, say, James Cameron or Steven Spielberg.
Besides, we still don't know which candidate will grab the largest share of the votes in this poll. As I write this, McTiernan has a joint lead with Martin Campbell, while Roger Donaldson has two votes and Michael Caton-Jones one. One member has "abstained".
#34
Posted 11 March 2003 - 10:48 PM
That's exactly the reason why I think McTiernan will steal a lot of the votes. If this was a poll where we vote for fan favorites, McTiernan would be on the top of the list, but I don't think there is proof McTiernan is a realistic choice. Even if EON would go for Americans, I don't think McTiernan would be the first person they would approach. They would probably hire a director who is cheaper and more willing to cooperate.Originally posted by Loomis
Which is not to say that he's a frontrunner in "real life". Nonetheless, rightly or wrongly, he's the director a great many Bond fans would love to see make a Bond movie
I'm sure McTiernan will win the poll by a long shot. Just look at the Next Bond poll. The first week, Owen was in the lead, because the regulars voted, but after a while, people who only visit this site once a week or every two weeks started voting and now Hugh Jackman is in the lead. I predict the same thing will happen here.Originally posted by Loomis
As I write this, McTiernan has a joint lead with Martin Campbell, while Roger Donaldson has two votes and Michael Caton-Jones one. One member has "abstained".
#35
Posted 12 March 2003 - 12:17 AM
Originally posted by crashdrive
I think McTiernan will steal a lot of the votes. If this was a poll where we vote for fan favorites, McTiernan would be on the top of the list, but I don't think there is proof McTiernan is a realistic choice.
I don't think it does any harm for a poll of this sort to include one or two "unrealistic" choices, and in any poll there will always be candidates who are more "realistic" than others. Think back, crashdrive, to our original list. Of those people, I think you'd agree that Phillip Noyce is far less likely than anyone else to direct a Bond film, and the same goes, IMO, for Roger Donaldson and Antonia Bird.
Think of the recent poll on this site to determine who should be the next James Bond. Robbie Williams was on the list, an absolutely ludicrous choice whom no one (I think) voted for. Did his presence damage the poll or queer the pitch for the other candidates?
Ah, I'm sure you're thinking, but McTiernan is an established "fan favourite", whereas no one in his or her right mind would really want Williams as part of the Bond series. Okay, I'll address that point in a moment.
Originally posted by crashdrive
Even if EON would go for Americans, I don't think McTiernan would be the first person they would approach. They would probably hire a director who is cheaper and more willing to cooperate.
True. Unless, of course, The Powers That Be made a decision to go for a "star" director. Which is unlikely, for reasons that you and I have both gone into numerous times. But not impossible.
Originally posted by crashdrive
I'm sure McTiernan will win the poll by a long shot. Just look at the Next Bond poll. The first week, Owen was in the lead, because the regulars voted, but after a while, people who only visit this site once a week or every two weeks started voting and now Hugh Jackman is in the lead. I predict the same thing will happen here.
I think that with virtually any poll, it's easy to immediately pick one or two candidates who are likely to win running away. If our original list had been posted by zencat as the poll we have here (and remember that it didn't include the likes of Campbell and Tamahori), then I think it's safe to say that Noyce and Donaldson would have grabbed all the votes the way Hugh Jackman and Clive Owen immediately proved to be overwhelmingly the most popular choices on the next Bond poll.
I won't deny that McTiernan is likely to do well, but I certainly wouldn't bet money on his winning. Right now he and Martin Campbell are neck-and-neck (clearly a lot of people like GOLDENEYE). Donaldson is doing well. I'm surprised Noyce isn't doing better, but then he had my vote before I asked zencat to give it to McTiernan.
I know that Vic Armstrong has his supporters (I imagine Xenobia will vote for him), while the "pro-DIE ANOTHER CROWD" may well get behind Tamahori.
Although I've already conceded that McTiernan is a fan favourite, I don't believe he's got victory sewn up here. I doubt that his name means all that much to younger members (his glory days of PREDATOR, DIE HARD and THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER were a while ago).
And let's face it, crashdrive, this poll is nothing more nor less than a bit of fun. Have you considered the fact that for a lot of CBners none of the names is going to arouse much excitement? What about voters just making mindless mouse clicks before moving on to the next thread?
I'm not sure that all that many of us care a jot about directors. Those who do are a small and obvious bunch. This poll has no fewer than THREE "abstain" options! I've made this point before, but I think few members care to play "what if?" other than with famous names. Even on a site for hardcore Bond fans, you're being optimistic if you think you're going to get an enthusiastic debate going about people like Jon Amiel and Michael Caton-Jones.
Anyway, as for that point I promised I'd be getting back to:
Originally posted by Loomis
Ah, I'm sure you're thinking, but McTiernan is an established "fan favourite", whereas no one in his or her right mind would really want Williams as part of the Bond series. Okay, I'll address that point in a moment.
Regardless of whether he's a realistic candidate to direct BOND 21, if McTiernan wins by a mile, that will say something, just as the huge lead of Jackman and Owen in the Bond poll says something. And what it says, pretty obviously, is that this is the guy the fans want. Regardless of what MGM or EON thinks, this is how WE, the people who keep this whole darn crazy Bond phenomenon going, want the series to develop.
And that's ultimately a lot more meaningful than deciding the point of precedence between candidates we believe are "correct" or "official", the only choices. It's the difference between deciding what you want, and deciding what would be the best option among those you believe others are prepared to give you.
#36
Posted 12 March 2003 - 12:23 AM
Originally posted by Loomis
I don't think that was an order or request, zencat, merely M_Balje's attempt to state what you did (no past tense, so it's all a bit confusing).
Confirmd
#37
Posted 12 March 2003 - 12:34 AM
Done!Originally posted by crashdrive
You think it's possible to delete our last couple of messages, so we could just stick to voting. I'm afraid a lot of people will be scared off by our anxiety attacks![]()

#38
Posted 12 March 2003 - 01:06 AM
#39
Posted 12 March 2003 - 01:17 AM
Oh absolutely, but I do think Noyce is more likely to direct a Bond film than McTiernan.Originally posted by Loomis
I think you'd agree that Phillip Noyce is far less likely than anyone else to direct a Bond film, and the same goes, IMO, for Roger Donaldson and Antonia Bird.
No, but I doubt anyone in his right mind would vote for Robbie. Also, most fans realise that he doesn't have a chance ever to get the part. McTiernan however is anything but a ludicrous choice. But since a lot of people don't realize that his chances aren't good, they will vote for him since he's the best known director on the list.Originally posted by Loomis
Robbie Williams was on the list, an absolutely ludicrous choice. Did his presence damage the poll or queer the pitch for the other candidates?
Ok, but I just like playing the odds.Originally posted by Loomis
Which is unlikely. But not impossible.
We already know McTiernan is the fan favorite. What I really want to know is who fans would pick if they were looking at the same list EON probably is looking at right now. But if this poll was designed only to reflect the opinions of fans, I think we can remove directors like Hopkins, Amiel & Caton-Jones and add directors like Cameron, Spielberg and Jackson, because Loomis, you must know a majority of the fans don't really know what they want. They vote for a director they are familiar with. I really would like to educate people on how EON has worked in the past and probably will continue on working (hope I don't sound too arrogant, that's definately not my intention).Originally posted by Loomis
If McTiernan wins by a mile, that will say something. What it says is that this is the guy the fans want.
I added Campbell because he is a possible candidate. But again, the numbers are not on his side. Still he is getting a lot of votes, because people know who he is. I'm also surprised Noyce isn't doing better, but I guess this will change with time.Originally posted by Loomis
Right now he and Martin Campbell are neck-and-neck. Donaldson is doing well. I'm surprised Noyce isn't doing better, but then he had my vote before I asked zencat to give it to McTiernan.
Well, maybe not, but even if there is only one Cbn member who looks at poll and thinks twice before voting, I will have achieved my goal. I hear a lot of people saying; "EON always hires someone completely unexpected", which is not true. Maybe after this poll Bond fans for once will not be surprised by EON's choice.Originally posted by Loomis
Have you considered the fact that for a lot of CBners none of the names is going to arouse much excitement?
Yeah, what's with that? I think one "abstain" option is more than enoughOriginally posted by Loomis
This poll has no fewer than THREE "abstain" options!

Well, what can I say; I'm an enthusiastic kind of guyOriginally posted by Loomis
Even on a site for hardcore Bond fans, you're being optimistic if you think you're going to get an enthusiastic debate going about people like Jon Amiel and Michael Caton-Jones.

But I'm already thrilled there are a small number of people, including you, who love to discuss directors. It makes my registration here all worth while.
#40
Posted 12 March 2003 - 04:23 AM
#41
Posted 12 March 2003 - 08:52 AM
Originally posted by crashdrive
Oh absolutely, but I do think Noyce is more likely to direct a Bond film than McTiernan.
That's the reasen i put Mc Tierman on number 5.
No, but I doubt anyone in his right mind would vote for Robbie. Also, most fans realise that he doesn't have a chance ever to get the part. McTiernan however is anything but a ludicrous choice. But since a lot of people don't realize that his chances aren't good, they will vote for him since he's the best known director on the list.
For you here come with names of directers,i think that people don't know who are those directers are and what for movie's there make.
I 'still don't know who the re be besides Tamahori and Campbell,but i know now what for movie's there made now.
Ok, but I just like playing the odds.
We already know McTiernan is the fan favorite. What I really want to know is who fans would pick if they were looking at the same list EON probably is looking at right now. But if this poll was designed only to reflect the opinions of fans, I think we can remove directors like Hopkins, Amiel & Caton-Jones and add directors like Cameron, Spielberg and Jackson, because Loomis, you must know a majority of the fans don't really know what they want. They vote for a director they are familiar with. I really would like to educate people on how EON has worked in the past and probably will continue on working (hope I don't sound too arrogant, that's definately not my intention)>
I vote for Martin Campbell,i know what he did for Goldeneye and Vertical limit.
For the other directers i look to the movie's i have seen of them and that's not much.
For Some directer's like Tamahori and Stephen Hopkins i look to what i have seen of thoise 2 directers and my conclusion are that there made dificult movie's. (Thrillers)
As i look to directers like Amiel,Noyce Mc Tierman, i look to the action,spy and the Comedy things what i like of them.
As you look to A view to a kill vs Dad,there have the same feeling for me but dad have a litle lesser dificult in it.
But as you look to Goldeneye vs DAD are Goldeneye better for me.
Its a litle bit lesser dificult story than Dad and Twine are.
Goldeneye and Tomorrow never dies have more Comedy.
Tomorrow never dies have i think mabey to much Comedy in it for some people here.
That's i think the same reasen with the other movie's i have hi on my list.
As i look to the people here we wil seen an movie between Goldeneye vs Dad.
I added Campbell because he is a possible candidate. But again, the numbers are not on his side. Still he is getting a lot of votes, because people know who he is. I'm also surprised Noyce isn't doing better, but I guess this will change with time.
Too much people don't like The Saint with Val Kilmer in 1997.
As you look to some points of that movie you seen Goldeneye in it.
Well, maybe not, but even if there is only one Cbn member who looks at poll and thinks twice before voting, I will have achieved my goal. I hear a lot of people saying; "EON always hires someone completely unexpected", which is not true. Maybe after this poll Bond fans for once will not be surprised by EON's choice.
Tamahori whas an surprise for me.But i think that we have that with all the directers.
Yeah, what's with that? I think one "abstain" option is more than enough
Well, what can I say; I'm an enthusiastic kind of guy
But I'm already thrilled there are a small number of people, including you, who love to discuss directors. It makes my registration here all worth while.
Talk about things like this,The new Bond and my Location Search and Shaken thing's thread (No much people look there or Know what i mean) is good for an discussion for the next Bond movie's.
As Mgm and Eon look here,mabey there have some ideas.
And i Know Mgm look here for the :eek: Copyright rules.
Mabey is the new release of December 2004 an idea of us that Mgm have seen here an talk to Eon.![]()
#42
Posted 12 March 2003 - 11:26 AM
#43
Posted 12 March 2003 - 01:37 PM
He did an awesome job on "Goldeneye". With the exception of the opening "flying into the dropping airplane" bit, the action sequences were exciting, tense and well-conceived. The fights were very physical and had me wincing as some of the punches and strikes were delivered. He also brought out the REAL human side Bond in Brosnan that Dalton did his best to capture in "License to Kill".
I'd like him to take a shot at a second Bond film and see if he could duplicate his success.
#44
Posted 12 March 2003 - 02:24 PM
#45
Posted 12 March 2003 - 03:02 PM
Originally posted by Loomis
I agree.I'm sure zencat will step in to edit or remove posts if he feels this thread is becoming too clogged up or otherwise getting out of hand. I don't mind if he trims or deletes any of my posts to streamline this thread.
Then again, none of us is exactly going off-topic (we're all discussing directors), so....
Originally posted by kevrichardson
Would you be in favor of Caton-Jones given the films that he has directed.
I know your question was directed at crashdrive, kevrichardson, but I for one am pleased to see Caton-Jones doing so well in this poll. I loved THE JACKAL.
And Campbell's in the lead! I'd be happy if he returned to the series for BOND 21, and I wouldn't mind Tamahori doing another Bond film too. In fact, there's not a single director on this list I'd be against doing a Bond, which is why I found it hard to make up my mind even though I've long pushed for McTiernan.
However, I'm beginning to feel crashdrive may be right on McTiernan, after all. As several members have argued on other threads, and as I've argued myself, McTiernan has an excellent CV (or "resume", for American readers - I don't know, you people aren't familiar with words like "revoked", talk about two nations separated by a common language;)) and in many ways might seem absolutely ideal for a Bond film. And then you look deeper and realise that he may be one of those people who on the face of it appears a perfect choice but isn't.
As crashdrive points out, McTiernan verges on being an auteur, and perhaps his style isn't anonymous enough for a Bond film. If he did make a Bond, many of us would probably end up complaining that it had a feel that was too American, too DIE HARD-ish, or similar flaws.
On the other hand, sitting through DIE ANOTHER DAY, I was reminded of McTiernan at various points, and I have the strange feeling that he might well have been attracted to the project if he'd been given the script to read (I doubt that he'd've wanted to do TOMORROW NEVER DIES or THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH). Of course, DAD was not intended as just another run-of-the-mill Bond film, and it had a good enough story to enable the producers to interest a "star" director if they were looking to hire one. As we all know, though, they weren't looking to hire such a director.
#46
Posted 12 March 2003 - 03:05 PM
Oh absolutely. I think the series demands a Scottish director to take charge.Originally posted by kevrichardson
Would you be in favor of Caton-Jones given the films that he has directed.

He's an incredible director who could give the series that harder edge a lot of fans demand nowadays. I think 'The Jackal' proves he can direct an excellent Bond film in his sleep, but films like 'This Boys Life' and 'Scandal' also prove the fact that he's a great actor's director. If Brosnan thinks he's good enough to direct his pet project 'Laws of Attraction', I think he'd be a terrific Bond director.
#47
Posted 12 March 2003 - 03:11 PM
Originally posted by crashdrive
If Brosnan thinks he's good enough to direct his pet project 'Laws of Attraction', I think he'd be a terrific Bond director.
Let's hope Brosnan and Caton-Jones get on really well during the shooting of LAWS OF ATTRACTION and decide to keep the chemistry and momentum going by moving straight on to BOND 21 together, starting filming early 2004 for a November/December release.
#48
Posted 12 March 2003 - 04:01 PM
*Ahum* according to Variety, director Michael Caton-Jones has dropped out of Laws of Attraction, the romantic comedy that is to star Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore. Creative differences were cited as the reason for Caton-Jones' departure. Maybe Caton-Jones is too strong minded to direct Bond. But since Brosnan didn't get on well with Spottiswoode and Tamahori, maybe there is a chance Caton-jones could direct a Bond film. I do think Caton-Jones is not one of the most likely candidates anymore. Shame.Originally posted by Loomis
Let's hope Brosnan and Caton-Jones get on really well.
#49
Posted 12 March 2003 - 04:10 PM
Not at all. I think this is a good thread. There are some very well made points here.Originally posted by Loomis
I agree.I'm sure zencat will step in to edit or remove posts if he feels this thread is becoming too clogged up or otherwise getting out of hand. I don't mind if he trims or deletes any of my posts to streamline this thread.
#50
Posted 12 March 2003 - 04:16 PM

#51
Posted 12 March 2003 - 07:43 PM
#52
Posted 12 March 2003 - 11:10 PM
#53
Posted 13 March 2003 - 01:28 AM

I voted for Vic. I think he has more than earned the right to be the main director. If you want a return to the classic Bond, no one can do that better than Vic Armstrong, who has been there in one way or another since OHMSS.
My heart wouldn't be broken if LT returns, or if Mimi Leder gets her chance. (Especially if she can then appoint a screenwriter to clean up the mess P&W will undoubtedly make!)
I also wouldn't mind if Martin Campbell or Michael Apted (who I know is not on the list) would return. But I can't really see there being any repeat offenders.
I will however offer this long shot: John Boorman, director of "Excalibur" and a little movie called "Tailor of Panama." ToP is often viewed as Brosnan's best attempt at Bond.
-- Xenobia
#54
Posted 13 March 2003 - 02:02 AM
Michael Apted is held for what some consider the mess of TWINE . I feel that "TWINE" is to this date Brosnan best Bond effort .And if Bond 21 is not special . It will remaiin so . Martin Campbell might be free and would reconsider . Since i am told he is directing a American TV series .
I am told that John Boorman is too old (over 60's closer to 70's) . Too independent , would fit into EON creative peocess . And yes Brosnan gave his best Bond like performance under him .
#55
Posted 13 March 2003 - 08:29 AM
I agree about Noyce and Bird, but why do you think Donaldson is not a likely choice? Don't forget; Donaldson replaced Phil Alden Robinson for 'Thirteen Days' and 'The Recruit' earned less than 'Along Came a Spider'(Tamahori's film before he directed 'DAD') in it's opening weekend. He's definately not an auteur filmmaker and also not too successfull.Originally posted by Loomis
Phillip Noyce is far less likely than anyone else to direct a Bond film, and the same goes, IMO, for Roger Donaldson and Antonia Bird.
#56
Posted 13 March 2003 - 11:34 AM
Looks like Donaldson's still in the game, then. I hope so, since I'd love to see him do a Bond movie. Thanks for setting me straight, crashdrive.

#57
Posted 13 March 2003 - 12:14 PM
Anytime.Originally posted by Loomis
Thanks for setting me straight, crashdrive.

The only other director who seems to be more the auteur type is Michael Caton-Jones, who, according to Variety, has dropped out of 'Laws of Attraction' due to creative differences. This could be the reason why he declined an offer to direct 'GoldenEye'.
I think the top five most realistic options now are: Jon Amiel, Stephen Hopkins, Roger Donaldson, Stuart Baird & Lee Tamahori.
#58
Posted 14 March 2003 - 04:07 PM
As for Michael Caton-Jones and Lee Tamahori; I think it's great Caton-Jones was able to get a couple of votes. He's definately one of my favorites for the job. But due to current developments, I think his chances also are pretty slim. Tamahori's pricetag should have risen immensely after the $400 million take of 'Die Another Day'. I have a feeling EON will prefer a director who is cheaper, like Hopkins, Amiel, Baird & Donaldson. All my humble opinion of course.
#59
Posted 14 March 2003 - 07:31 PM
#60
Posted 14 March 2003 - 10:06 PM
Not Glen, because he was old (63) and old fashioned. But any of the Brosnan directors including the directors I listed earlier could have made 'GoldenEye' equally succesfull. I don't think Campbell is that interesting. People tend to overestimate the influence Bond directors have nowadays. I mean, come on, what has Campbell done besides 'GE' that would justify all this support? Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't mind seeing Campbell return, but I don't think he's a better choice than the other directors from the list.Originally posted by kevrichardson
CrashDrive are you saying that John Glen could have directed "GoldenEye".
Don't forget EON wants a director who is both experienced, but also has some fresh idea's. That's why EON has never hired a director older than 59 (Lewis Gilbert - 'Moonraker' - 1979). Also, when you're 60 or older, it's a lot harder to be responsible for a multi million dollar film like Bond. That's a lot of pressure for an old man. EON can't have a director who could drop dead any second.Originally posted by kevrichardson
Your answer to the Why not "Mick Jackson" question was a excuse not a reason.
Anyway, Jackson is still listed in my personal list and he was included in the list I send to Zencat. He got replaced by McTiernan, Leder or Armstrong.
Don't come crying to me
