Bond 22...Now What?

Moore Not Less

I came across this article at bondmovies and thought that it may be of some interest to you.

Bond 22...Now What?

http://www.bondmovies.com/news/180.shtml

The Honeymoon Is Over

Really, as a Bond fan, the 'honeymoon' period after the release of the latest 007 movie, Casino Royale, is coming to an end: I saw the movie in theaters several (four) times, re-read the novel, picked apart scenes and dialog from the film, discussed Craig's character until my face turned blue, and listened to Chris Cornell's theme "You Know My Name" until I couldn't stand it anymore (it didn't take as many times as you think - more on that later). Now, with less than a week until the release of Bond 21 on DVD, I can say with some confidence that my obsession with Craig's first outing as 007 will subside by the middle or end of the summer. At least, I hope, for my social life's sake.

Soon enough, the focus of Bond fans and the mainstream media will shift from Royale to Bond 22. Slated for a November 2008 release, it is closer than even a hardcore Bond fan may realise.

610 Days

As of this writing, assuming that Bond 22 will be released on November 7, 2008 (yes, the date is already known, although it may change), there are a mere 610 days until I will be in a movie theater chair at a midnight showing of Bond 22. It may seem like a long time to some, but after we reach November of 2007, the movie might as well premiere. The less-than-365-days mark is key; only 12 months to release. In the days leading up to that milestone, I hope to hear some encouraging news about Bond 22's production. Here, in no particular order, are some of my 'keys to success' for Bond 22.

Call Royale's Bluff And Raise It All-In

Casino Royale really came out of left field. No one knew what to expect - a new Bond, no gadgets, no CGI, "Bond Begins." After its release and blockbuster success, it is safe to say that the franchise will 'live another day.' With that fact, however, the pressure is on for Bond 22. The next movie is a very delicate matter and thinking back on previous Bond movies, the franchise has never really been in this situation. Craig has catapulted the series back into the minds of many in a positive light. Browsing reviews of the film, I was hard pressed to find a completely negative review - something that was a lot easier to achieve in the Brosnan era (no offense, Pierce). Really, the only way to ensure that Bond 22 will at least improve the longevity of the franchise and Craig's Bond is by upping the stakes in the next movie.

I'm not suggesting that the franchise revert to CGI or even a bigger budget. In fact, the exact opposite is the optimal route. Keep it simple. Casino Royale was a great movie and a refreshing Bond movie because of its simplicity. Showing how Bond became Bond was a perfect way to invigorate the character and at the same time cleverly introduce a fresh plot line and a new criminal organization similar to S.P.E.C.T.R.E. of the past.

Evolve, Do Not Change

Of course, Bond 22 will have to be different than its predecessor. For one, Bond should not fall in love again. Craig has shown that his character was once vulnerable. The Bond that we know and love now should be the womanizing playboy that Fleming intended. Bond should sleep with many women in the next movie. I'll leave it up to your imagination (filthy or not) to how many he should 'bed,' but at a minimum, Craig's Bond should have the mission at the top of his priority list, not the girl(s).

Q should return in a small role. Although his screen time should be minimal, he should at least give Bond a small gadget (why not a simple gadget? Something like From Russia With Love's briefcase with hidden throwing knives?)

The title of the movie should be short and to the point. Rumors have surfaced that the working title of Bond 22 is Risico. Perfect. Remember, simple. Craig's Bond wouldn't fit in a movie whose title is a sweeping generalization about living another day or something lasting forever or never dying. Take a chance and make the title relevant only after watching the movie. Why not?

Another major selling point for 22 will be its theme song. This will be an important part of the movie. No more mainstream bands this time, please - the bass lines and guitar riffs were good one time around, but having them for another movie is overkill. Symphony, symphony, symphony. The theme doesn't even need to have lyrics. Why not just have the London Symphony Orchestra on board for a slow, eerie theme. That would be great!

Last Words (Sort of)

After the movie is finished, the producers and fans should also be aware of one thing that could leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Follow this rule after production on the film is complete:

Ignore The Media!

Let's be serious, even if Daniel Craig performs the role of his life and wins a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in 22, there is no way that it will live up to Casino Royale in the eyes of the media. I will be very surprised if I have a hard time finding negative reviews for Bond 22. Maybe its just the nature of a sequel, or a testament to how great Casino Royale really is, but I am calling it now, the media will not be satified no matter what.

Despite the media onslaught, the producers and everyone involved in Bond 22's production just have to act on their instincts and try to create a Bond film that the characters creator, Ian Fleming, would enjoy.

Nightshooter

I'm not sure if I agree with him that even if 22 is a better movie the critics won't be satisfied. I think it is very possible for them to be satisfied again.

blueman

Nice article. It'll be interesting to see what EON comes up with, how fans and media react, etc.

jamesbondagent007

Well said. Bond movies will always be huge bombastic blockbusters, but this one really does need to keep it simple. CR was the big, giant 2.5 hour reboot. 22 should be smaller, shorter, and more focused in a general location on a more specific plot. Many of my favorite Bond films are the down to earth ones.

Nightshooter

You know what would be cool? A TLD esque scene to tart the film, as in a sniper sequence with Bond trying to assassinate someone. Please, EON?

Dan Same

Fish1941 wrote:

I think that Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson simply need to acknowledge that "CASINO ROYALE" will be regarded as one of the best films in the Bond franchise

I don't think it is one of the best films in the Bond franchise with the major reason being the script. I would love to see an amazing script for Bond 22.

ToshTogo

I hope Bond 22 has a shock suprise in the movie ( like something i didnt see coming ), i prefer not to see gadgets, i really want to see bond be clever, and using his head. Being a chauvinistic womaniser will add plus points

Nightshooter

Fish1941 wrote:

Really, the only way to ensure that Bond 22 will at least improve the longevity of the franchise and Craig's Bond is by upping the stakes in the next movie.

I think this would be a serious mistake.


After the major success of "GONE WITH THE WIND" (which many had predicted would be a bomb), producer David Selznick spent the next ten years or so either trying to repeat the success of his blockbuster, or trying to outdo it. Instead, he made a series of increasingly bombastic films and ended up with egg on his face.

I think that Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson simply need to acknowledge that "CASINO ROYALE" will be regarded as one of the best films in the Bond franchise and simply continue making good movies . . . without trying to "up the stakes" or outdo "CR".

Daniel Craig has, on many occasions, said that 22 needs to be better than CR.

Barbel

There's no comparison to be made with Gone With The Wind or any other film- or even film series for that matter. The Bond films are in unprecedented territory. After well over forty years of entertaining millions of people, Bond can be judged by only one standard, and that's his own. EON have shown themselves time and again to be capable of taking influences from the zeitgeist and adapting them to their world. The films as they have come out have been well fitted to their times, with consequent financial rewards if not always critical acclaim- MNL is completely correct to say "Ignore The Media".

highhopes

Nightshooter wrote:

Fish1941 wrote:

Really, the only way to ensure that Bond 22 will at least improve the longevity of the franchise and Craig's Bond is by upping the stakes in the next movie.

I think this would be a serious mistake.


After the major success of "GONE WITH THE WIND" (which many had predicted would be a bomb), producer David Selznick spent the next ten years or so either trying to repeat the success of his blockbuster, or trying to outdo it. Instead, he made a series of increasingly bombastic films and ended up with egg on his face.

I think that Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson simply need to acknowledge that "CASINO ROYALE" will be regarded as one of the best films in the Bond franchise and simply continue making good movies . . . without trying to "up the stakes" or outdo "CR".

Daniel Craig has, on many occasions, said that 22 needs to be better than CR.

I think Fish has a point, though. I'm a little leery of attempts to "outdo" CR. Making it better is one thing. But when Hollywood tries to outdo a film in a sequel, especially an action film, that generally means little more than more spectacular explosions. I think trying to outdo GF is what sent the series in the wrong direction, the "more of everything" approach. On the other hand, sitting back and making as good a film as they can is certainly in order. I'm thinking Godfather, Part II. I'm not sure Coppola set out to "outdo" the original, but in the eyes of many, it's a superior film, or at least a worthy continuation of the story.

John Drake

Bought Ultimate DVD magazine which has a load of features about CR. There's a brief interview with Eva Green in which she offers this revealing quote. The mag has a website, but only brief extracts available. I'll just copy the quote here. It's from Issue 82 March Edition.

"Barbara Broccoli was very helpful. She talked me through the story. You will understand more of Vesper, why she behaves in the way she does, in the next film."

This suggests that what happens in CR will have a strong influence on what follows in Bond 22. In that respect it will essentially be a sequel. That is continuing a story rather than doing what the other films have done and creating standalone narratives that can be watched in any order. (Although there have been refences to earlier films, Bond standing at Tracy's grave in FYEO, Leiter mentioning Bond was married once in LTK).

highhopes

John Drake wrote:

Bought Ultimate DVD magazine which has a load of features about CR. There's a brief interview with Eva Green in which she offers this revealing quote. The mag has a website, but only brief extracts available. I'll just copy the quote here. It's from Issue 82 March Edition.

"Barbara Broccoli was very helpful. She talked me through the story. You will understand more of Vesper, why she behaves in the way she does, in the next film."

This suggests that what happens in CR will have a strong influence on what follows in Bond 22. In that respect it will essentially be a sequel. That is continuing a story rather than doing what the other films have done and creating standalone narratives that can be watched in any order. (Although there have been refences to earlier films, Bond standing at Tracy's grave in FYEO, Leiter mentioning Bond was married once in LTK).

That's certainly what I expect, given the loose ends deliberately left at the close of CR. I read somewhere recently that the third Craig film will make it a trilogy, so I think we can expect Bond 22 to lead directly into 23 also.

darenhat

The challenge with 22 is that it can't be CR, but it also can't be too original. And when I say that I mean too deviated from Fleming's source material. The Fleming character was supposedly the foundation for the Craig/Bond/CR plot, so how do you continue the character in an original fashion, but keep to the defined status of Bond in the Fleming novels? CR (the novel) launched the character who we see grow and change over the course of the series. The books lead into one another, but CR and Bond22 can't really do that. Is it possible for Bond22 to 'theoretically' take place after CR but before LALD (the novel)? If that's the case, are they risking originality at the cost of sacrificing the 'faithfulness' of a literary interpretatoin? Bond22 will be challenge, no matter what 'road' they tke (cinematic license versus literary adaptation).

Dan Same

Fish1941 wrote:

I think trying to outdo GF is what sent the series in the wrong direction, the "more of everything" approach.

Actually, I thought that EON Productions was very successful in outdoing GOLDFINGER. But that's just my personal opinion.

I agree and I disagree with Fish. I agree that EON Productions did a good job of trying to top GF; not because GF is so bad but because several of the post-GF films (TB, TSWLM) were so good.

IanT007

I would love to see all future Bond films follow on from the previous one as we are seeing between CR and 22.

I would also prefer for Bond to be less gadget orientated, more human, and more like Fleming's character.

Nice cars, yes - invisible, missile shooting cars - I don't think so. And that leads us up to Purvis and Wade - can they deliver a quality script without a base novel to work from this time? Fingers crossed.