328 replies to this topic

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Blue Eyes
I can't find any mention of Phillip Noyce's 2004 plans.

Check out the news archive of Coming Soon!. There you'll find the following information I posted earlier: Noyce is planning an adaptation of the Australian novel 'Dirt Music' starring Nicole Kidman. Noyce also has a major adventure flick in development, the dramatization of Thor Heyerdahl's true-life Peru-to-Tahiti raft journey, 'Kon-Tiki', has come aboard to develop with an eye to direct Columbia Pictures and producer Mace Neufeld's project revolving around a real-life U.S. takeover of an Afghanistan city that was accomplished with a cavalry. He won't do the projects back-to-back, however, so we'll have to see when "Music" will start up.

[kevrichardson]

With the "Quite American" under his belt . Would Phillip Noyce be interested in Directing a James Bond film ? May be during his Jack Ryan period . But now i doubt it .

[crashdrive]

Both 'The Core' directed by Jon Amiel & 'Basic' directed by John McTiernan were released this weekend and did so-so business in third and fourth place, respectively. Neither films were able to make a significant impact. They lost the top spot to the Chris Rock film 'Head of State'.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Both 'The Core' directed by Jon Amiel & 'Basic' directed by John McTiernan were released this weekend and did so-so business in third and fourth place, respectively. Neither films were able to make a significant impact. They lost the top spot to the Chris Rock film 'Head of State'.

This is a relatively weak point of time for new film releases . The garbage films or release on unknowing film audiences . If both films were good then their release would have come at a better time.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
If both films were good then their release would have come at a better time.

I'm not sure this is true. Last year both 'Panic Room' and 'The Rookie' starring Dennis Quaid, were released in the same weekend. The year prior both 'The Tailor of Panama' (one of your favorites) and 'Spy Kids' premiered. I enjoyed all of the mentioned films, so I don't agree the quality of the films have anything to do with their release date.

[kevrichardson]

Disney films like "The Rookie" do well year round especially in America . Blockbuster Action films like those directed by McTiernan , Amiel or push towards spring and summer releases . Look CrashDrive the two (McTiernan and Amiel ) have hit a wall . With a string of flops . McTiernan especially , since who came forgiven him for "RollerBall" .

[crashdrive]

Amiel has hit a wall? What are you talking about? Amiel's previous film 'Entrapment' was a big hit. With a budget of $66m it earned more then double. I'm sure 'The Core' will do decent enough business world wide. That movie did not have stars like Travolta and Jackson to attract the attention of audiences, but Aaron Eckhart as the star (who I love by the way). As for McTiernan, well, I never considered him to be a serious candidate anyway. But I still think Amiel is one of the most likely candidates.

[kevrichardson]

"Entrapment" ! It was a big hit due to Sean Connery and Catherine Zeat-Jones . And she was the whole film.

[crashdrive]

Doesn't matter, it was still a hit. It proves Amiel can direct hit films, so I don't see a reason for EON not to hire him.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Doesn't matter, it was still a hit. It proves Amiel can direct hit films, so I don't see a reason for EON not to hire him.

Look CrashDrive it will all depend on what type of Bond film Bond 21 will be . If it 's epic in scale to "Die Another Day" , which is similar to "ThunderBall" then it will go for a Director would can handle that kind of Large Scale film project . The reason Lewis Gilbert directed "The Spy Who Loved Me" . Was base on his ability to deal with such complex shoots . If it's a Personal Bond Drama like "TWINE" or "LTK" then the director will chose for that type of film.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
Look CrashDrive it will all depend on what type of Bond film Bond 21 will be .

Again not true. Tamahori's most expensive film prior to 'Die Another Day' (which costed $142 million) was 'Along Came a Spider' which cost only $28 million to make.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Again not true. Tamahori's most expensive film prior to 'Die Another Day' (which costed $142 million) was 'Along Came a Spider' which cost only $28 million to make.

I take it that you pont is since Bond's are more complex and cost more . That a Director does not have to be grounded inn the area of large blockbuster films . Then that leave the field wide open for a director. Clearly no one is acceptble to you . Other than Roger Donaldson , who in my mind is not . Any alternate candidates . Since i will not lower my self and plea the case for a John Boorman or Neil Jordan . Who are more than able as film Directors . Yet fall in the the "Autuer" column . So by a fluke the Gun-for-hire (aka Hacks) . Will reign supreme over Bond . Again let 's just solve this by offering the job to Guy Hamilton .

[crashdrive]

No, the point I was trying to make was that your point ("EON will hire a director who fits the storyline") is false. Of course, it could work out that way (Apted was hired, because they wanted more drama), but it's not a rule. But I do think the director should have experience with Hollywood filmmaking with at least $20 million budgets, preferably more. It definately helps if they have directed a commercially succesfull film.
Don't get angry at me just because you have not been able to find one director who fits EON's criteria. I had a tough time looking for the group we have now which consists of no less than ten directors of likely candidates and probably five who are less likely possibilities (not just Roger Donaldson who isn't my personal first choice I may add, but my favorite out of the group realistic candidates), so it's not a surprise you were not able to find one.
These directors are just the type of filmmakers who were responsible for the last twenty Bond films, so you're not making sense by saying guns-for-hire are automatically hacks. Either you don't want to admitt that the realistic candidates are indeed good filmmakers, or you are under the impression the last 20 Bond films were badly directed.

[kevrichardson]

I am not angry regarding my choices as Directorial candidates for Bond 21 . As i have stated in a earlier post . Why must "Hacks" or as you refer to them "Guns-For-Hire" reign supreme in the world of Bond . Just because there is a established tradition of hiring crappy Directors ( Guy Hamliton ) . Not all of the last 20 Bond film were directed badly . In fact the best of the bunch have been by the type of Filmmaker you scoff at . The second unit directors/Editors . Peter Hunt and John Glen. I Will not count the films directed by Terence Young . Since he had as much a role in creating James Bond on film as Maibaum , Broccoli , Saltzman , John Barry and Sean Connery. Yet Hunt /Glen directed 2 of the best films of the series . And your creatia for selection of a Director for Bond 21 would certainly discount them today .

[crashdrive]

That's not true. 2nd unit directors do have a shot, but Glen and Hunt were in their fourties when they started directing their first Bond films. Vic Armstrong is one of the potential candidates, but it seems like EON is no longer interested in promoting their 2nd unit directors. Or else they would have given him the job sooner (he's 47 at the moment). But like I said, I do consider him a possibility. He is still young enough. That means he's part of a very select group of directors. This fact should please you.
Yet, I have the distinct feeling you are too stubborn to listen to what I've got to say. I've explained countless times why EON prefer seasoned professionals, yet you are still quick to call them hacks and dismiss them. And I'm on the verge of calling it a night and quit discussing this issue with you. What's the point if I have to repeat myself endlessly and you still don't listen to my arguments? That's why our discussion go on and on and on, whereas a discussion with Loomis is far more interesting, since I think about his arguments and he thinks about mine before we start typing a reply. Most of the time you don't even have arguments or you start talking about something that is totally besides the point. Wake up and smell the coffee kev, these so-called hacks were responsible for several amazing films. And the numbers are on their side that one of them will get the job. And you can whine all you want, but in the end, you'll love the movie just like you loved the other Bond movies that were also directed by 'hacks'. Swallow your pride and just accept.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Wake up and smell the coffee kev, these so-called hacks were responsible for several amazing films. And the numbers are on their side that one of them will get the job. And you can whine all you want, but in the end, you'll love the movie just like you loved the other Bond movies that were also directed by 'hacks'. Swallow your pride and just accept.

Thanks for the heads up regard my love for James Bond . Yes i have enjoyed the films directed by the "So Called Hacks" or as you call them "Hired -Guns" . Look i am entitled to my outlook . I dont' attack you on your choices for either directors ( Donaldson ) or who you promote as Brosnan replacement ( Dominic West). My point is EON can engage directors of a higher quality that in the past . I am sure the reason a John Glen Type has not been engaged is the fact the Barbara Broccoli wants to take the character (James Bond ) as far as the "winning formula" will allow . So that why we have had directors who despite it all . Have brought a personal stamp on the films that they directed . I hope that one of your preferred candidates is chosen . Just too show you that i am a good sport . Because as important as the director is to a Bond . It's the material that he is give to work with . I.E. the screenplay ! It will be too bad it Brosnan is not given a quaility director and a screenplay to match . Since this might be his and Bond's last go round . Either why you look at it . It's not a decision that any of us will make . Again as i have posted EON can ill afford to make mistakes this time . Given the overwhelmn financial cashcow James Bond has become for MGM.

[crashdrive]

Of course you are entitled to your own outlook. All I expect is that you put some weight to your arguments. All you do is complain that EON should not employ "hacks", which doesn't make sense given past precedent. Yet you do attack a director like Donaldson without giving valid arguments as to why he should not direct a Bond film (strange since you do like Mick Jackson, whose resume is not of the same quality of Donaldsons). You are absolutely right however that the material is probably even more important than the director.
Again, the realistic choices I've mentioned repeatedly are not my preferred candidates. Personally I would not like someone like Stuart Baird to direct a Bond film, but there is no denying he is a realistic candidate. If someone thinks a director is realistic who is not on the list, I will always consider the notion. but if I can not find proof that the choice is indeed realistic, I always mention this. If you want to call this 'attacking', fine, but I don't see it that way.
And as I have mentioned before, a 'quality director' does not always guarantee a successfull box office run. Why should EON employ one if their history proves that a cheaper director, who is more willing to accomodate EON needs, just as easily translates into big box office numbers? Brosnan worked with directors like Boorman and McTiernan outside of the Bond films, I don't see the need to hire one just to make Brosnan happy. They got a world wide audience to worry about who expect to see stunts, action, women, cars and exotic locations. The Bond beast is bigger than any director.

[kevrichardson]

Look this thread has run it's course . The only thing that we can agree on is the Bond 21 will be film within the next 9 months . Which ever person chosen will have to contend with the screenplay from Purvis /Wade . The standard complaint about Brosnan tenure as Bond is that he has yet to make the definitive Bond . Like Connery has "Goldfinger" for you and "From Russia With Love" for me. My personal favorites (Tony Scott , Mick Jackson , Michael Caton-Jones , Vic Armstrong ) with either Campbell or Apted (never will happen) Tamahori returning . Are about it for me .

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Why should EON employ one if their history proves that a cheaper director, who is more willing to accomodate EON needs, just as easily translates into big box office numbers? Brosnan worked with directors like Boorman and McTiernan outside of the Bond films, I don't see the need to hire one just to make Brosnan happy. They got a world wide audience to worry about who expect to see stunts, action, women, cars and exotic locations. The Bond beast is bigger than any director.

You forget my young friend about the dark days of "Lisence To Kill" . Directed by John Glen . A film that many here fine distasteful . Brosnan reminds me a lot of Roger Moore . During Moore's active period of filmmaking . From 1974 - 1980 he make several films in which he gave Bond like performances . Brosnan also does the same . In each film that is a non -Bond film . He give better account of himself than in the Bond film in starred in . I love "The World Is Not Enough" more so than "DAD" . Yet i feel you and i would agree that his work in "The Thomas Crown Affair" was just a notch better . No i realize that EON will not hire a John Boorman /John McTiernan just to please Brosnan .

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
You forget my young friend about the dark days of "Lisence To Kill" .

Those days are long gone. So far every Brosnan Bond film has been a worldwide smash. I doubt the next one will bomb at the boxoffice.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Those days are long gone. So far every Brosnan Bond film has been a worldwide smash. I doubt the next one will bomb at the boxoffice.

Since Brosnan is the Billion Bond ( i would guess it's closer to $1.5 billion dollars now) . It would interesting for Bond Fans too have a Higher caliber Director at the helm of one . The only thing we can do now is just wait unitl july/august for the announcement of the cast /Director .

[kevrichardson]

Simon West very funny !!! My heart skipped a beat . Never saw TombRaider . Was afraid that i might have to go out and get a copy ( are any left ) . Just to see what we would be dealing with in 2004 .

[Loomis]

So, McTiernan's in the lead, with 13 votes (interesting that he seems to have such a following), with Martin Campbell coming second, with 12. Apart from those two names, it seems that fans don't really care who directs BOND 21.

[Velasco]

For the guys on the list, I'd say McTierman, Baird, or Donaldson.

For Not on the list, maybe Boaz Yakin, or Fred Zinneman (Is he even alive?)

[DLibrasnow]

I simply don't get the following for John McTiernan....did these people seriously like "The 13th Warrior", "Nomads", "Rollerball" or "The Last Action Hero".....I thought that all four of these movies were stinkers and sucked.

To be honest McTiernan has only been good when he has had good source material (the Clancy Red October book and the Steve McQueen Thomas Crown movie)...

I voted for Donaldson....I loved "Thirteen Days" and "No Way Out".

[ChandlerBing]

After the spectacular success Martin Brest has had, why not get him?

(quickly runs to hide behind the couch)

[clarkjamesclark]

I do agree that roger Donaldson would be a great director for bond 21 after his work with brosnan on the brilliant Dante's Peak and i think John Glen would do well still - For your eyes only and TLD are superbly directed bonds, but I've been thinking about John Woo. Yeah, granted, his action style is very rough and tumble (refer to Mission Impossible 2 and the all empowering motorbike and knife stunts with Tom cruise and Dougray Scott) but i think Woo could give Bond an excellent steer towards reality, like the harder edged bond of Living Daylights, FYEO and TSWLM. Bond 21 has the potential to really be brosnans best after some sickening displays in die another day. Brosnan has said that he likes John Woo's work too and would love to work under his direction.

[CommanderBond]

I go for john woo because id think hed make bond more human and show different sides to bond and i also like him because if he directs the stunts are going to be awesome

[H.M.Servant]

I never liked John Glen I think Martin Campbell (GE) should do another one

[CommanderBond]

welcome H.M. Servant to ComanderBond.net!