Can Bond become lighter again?

MilleniumForce

Craig's films have been dark and serious, taking from Bourne and Nolan's Batman. However, can the next films after Craig go back to fun and light and still be accepted by today's audience?

I think yes. When you look at Marvel's films, they're light hearted and not serious, but are still popular with audiences even though we have darker films like Bourne, Bond and Batman. What I'm saying is that when Craig leaves, the films can go back to more light hearted films that combines some humour, gadgets, striking villains and beautiful locations, and still be accepted by audiences. What do you think?

DevilMayCare007

I'm hoping things will be lighter too after Craig leaves, but imo I think the dark tone will stay with Bond for the next 10 years

Absolutely_Cart

It's not just that they can get lighter. They will.

I suspect Craig's tenure will be much like Moore and Brosnan's. He'll leave with so many people praising him and respecting him, but the general public will also agree that it's time for a new direction.

Gassy Man

They could be lighter with Craig if they chose -- and I think they would wise to move a bit more in that direction.

Agent Lee

Absolutely_Cart wrote:

It's not just that they can get lighter. They will.

I suspect Craig's tenure will be much like Moore and Brosnan's. He'll leave with so many people praising him and respecting him, but the general public will also agree that it's time for a new direction.

Agreed. If the history of the series tells us anything it tells us that things will get progressively lighter, then back-to-basics again. It's the natural flow of the franchise.

That being said, I hope the series doesn't get lighter in the same way. I'd like to see the series move into a sort of "campier" phase while maintaining cathartic, Fleming-esque violence and a dark-ish but witty performance from the next Bond. Basically in the vein of the campier Fleming novels.

broadshoulder

Agent Lee wrote:

Absolutely_Cart wrote:

It's not just that they can get lighter. They will.

I suspect Craig's tenure will be much like Moore and Brosnan's. He'll leave with so many people praising him and respecting him, but the general public will also agree that it's time for a new direction.

Agreed. If the history of the series tells us anything it tells us that things will get progressively lighter, then back-to-basics again. It's the natural flow of the franchise.

That being said, I hope the series doesn't get lighter in the same way. I'd like to see the series move into a sort of "campier" phase while maintaining cathartic, Fleming-esque violence and a dark-ish but witty performance from the next Bond. Basically in the vein of the campier Fleming novels.

Which were the campier Fleming novels? Go on, was it "Dr No" with its cgi squid? Was it Goldfinger with its bowler hat throwing henchman? Which ones?

Why all this "go back to Bourne" nonsense. Casino Royale came at exacrly the right time. It was a good Fleming novel for Craig to enjoy doing. He read the script before committing. Youve actually got a proffessional actor in Craig - why waste him?

AlphaOmegaSin

Craig's fith Bond Outing be more lighthearted, Who knows?

Thunderpussy

In my opinion, I thought SF had a nice blend of serious and light comedy.
Very subtle, I'd hate to see more comedy forced in.

broadshoulder

Thunderpussy wrote:

In my opinion, I thought SF had a nice blend of serious and light comedy.
Very subtle, I'd hate to see more comedy forced in.

Skyfall got the balance right.

DEFIANT 74205

MilleniumForce wrote:

Craig's films have been dark and serious, taking from Bourne and Nolan's Batman. However, can the next films after Craig go back to fun and light and still be accepted by today's audience?

I think yes. When you look at Marvel's films, they're light hearted and not serious, but are still popular with audiences even though we have darker films like Bourne, Bond and Batman. What I'm saying is that when Craig leaves, the films can go back to more light hearted films that combines some humour, gadgets, striking villains and beautiful locations, and still be accepted by audiences. What do you think?

Perhaps you may be right, but I sincerely hope not. I don't want Bond to go back to what it was like back in the 1970s. Bond is meant to be played with a straight face. They have always been intended as adult adventures.

Thunderpussy wrote:

In my opinion, I thought SF had a nice blend of serious and light comedy.
Very subtle, I'd hate to see more comedy forced in.

Agreed.

AlphaOmegaSin

broadshoulder wrote:

Thunderpussy wrote:

In my opinion, I thought SF had a nice blend of serious and light comedy.
Very subtle, I'd hate to see more comedy forced in.

Skyfall got the balance right.

SF had everything balanced right -{

Charmed & Dangerous

I'd hate to see the series get 'campier'. By all means have some more fantastic elements but camp inevitably means you can't take the threat (to the hero or to the world or whatever) seriously, and that IMO sound be a retrograde step. By all means have a lair in a volcano, but don't have double- taking pigeons or play the Beach Boys as Bond escapes. Ever. Again. )

Blackleiter

DEFIANT 74205 wrote:

MilleniumForce wrote:

Craig's films have been dark and serious, taking from Bourne and Nolan's Batman. However, can the next films after Craig go back to fun and light and still be accepted by today's audience?

I think yes. When you look at Marvel's films, they're light hearted and not serious, but are still popular with audiences even though we have darker films like Bourne, Bond and Batman. What I'm saying is that when Craig leaves, the films can go back to more light hearted films that combines some humour, gadgets, striking villains and beautiful locations, and still be accepted by audiences. What do you think?

Perhaps you may be right, but I sincerely hope not. I don't want Bond to go back to what it was like back in the 1970s. Bond is meant to be played with a straight face. They have always been intended as adult adventures.

Thunderpussy wrote:

In my opinion, I thought SF had a nice blend of serious and light comedy.
Very subtle, I'd hate to see more comedy forced in.

Agreed.

Ditto! {[]

Lady Ice

It depends on what feels right for each actor. I don't think that Craig's Bond naturally suits light comedy; I think his sardonic humour works fine. The setting would also have to be ripe for humour and the general approach would have to be lighter to get away with light humour.

Jarvio

Can it get lighter? It can, and it will.

eric7064

Ehh I'm not sure the next Bond will be much lighter. I think somewhat yes just to have the next actor be different. But overall I think they'll stick to the more realistic darker tone. Especially if SPECTRE puts up SF like numbers. Then this type of tone won't be going anywhere.

chrisisall

eric7064 wrote:

Ehh I'm not sure the next Bond will be much lighter. I think somewhat yes just to have the next actor be different. But overall I think they'll stick to the more realistic darker tone. Especially if SPECTRE puts up SF like numbers. Then this type of tone won't be going anywhere.

During the next war (Iran-?) look for Bond to lighten up a bit...

Lady Ice

eric7064 wrote:

Ehh I'm not sure the next Bond will be much lighter. I think somewhat yes just to have the next actor be different. But overall I think they'll stick to the more realistic darker tone. Especially if SPECTRE puts up SF like numbers. Then this type of tone won't be going anywhere.

The 'seriousness' makes it more mainstream; people who wouldn't watch a Bond film would watch now because seriousness=worthiness in the eyes of some filmgoers.

eric7064

Lady Ice wrote:

eric7064 wrote:

Ehh I'm not sure the next Bond will be much lighter. I think somewhat yes just to have the next actor be different. But overall I think they'll stick to the more realistic darker tone. Especially if SPECTRE puts up SF like numbers. Then this type of tone won't be going anywhere.

The 'seriousness' makes it more mainstream; people who wouldn't watch a Bond film would watch now because seriousness=worthiness in the eyes of some filmgoers.

Exactly. You hit that right on the head.

HowardB

The problem with Bond going "campier" is that it risks becoming a self parody, especially in the post-Austin Powers age. That being said, SPECTRE has the ingrediants for a contemporary spin on classic Bond. Christopher Waltz is exceptional at portraying an evil supervillain with charm, humor and charisma, David Bautista has everything it takes to be the best #1 henchman since Oddjob, and DC as Bond has shown the ability to play very well off strong supporting cast members. Throw in the return of Jesper Christiansen as Mr. White along with the long overdue casting of Monica Bellucci, M, Moneypenny, and Q we could have the ultimate melding of classic Bond elements with the realism and "grittiness" of the re-boot.

Lady Ice

HowardB wrote:

The problem with Bond going "campier" is that it risks becoming a self parody, especially in the post-Austin Powers age.

Lighter doesn't necessarily mean campier; it could just mean a more straightforward adventure. However I do think that they are courting an audience which wouldn't go to see a Bond film because it's too 'silly' or 'outdated' so I think that they would retain a serious premise for the film but just add some moments of humour.

Thunderpussy

Only my opinion but so far I like the humour they have Craig doing. -{
Reminds me very much of the lines they had for Connery. Some very
Well observed " Put downs" for the villains {[]

Lady Ice

Thunderpussy wrote:

Only my opinion but so far I like the humour they have Craig doing. -{
Reminds me very much of the lines they had for Connery. Some very
Well observed " Put downs" for the villains {[]

Agreed; it works for him.

always shaken

I hope not ,after watching octopussy the other night , the Tarzan bit ,the sit to the tiger ,and hiss off ,very corny now

chrisisall

I was laughing out loud at a couple of Craig's lines in QOS last night. )

Lady Ice

chrisisall wrote:

I was laughing out loud at a couple of Craig's lines in QOS last night. )

I did as well. Loads of great lines in QoS

chrisisall

Lady Ice wrote:

chrisisall wrote:

I was laughing out loud at a couple of Craig's lines in QOS last night. )

I did as well. Loads of great lines in QoS

Plus: best final line of ANY Bond!

Thunderpussy

Keeping the British end up ? )

chrisisall

Thunderpussy wrote:

Keeping the British end up ? )

No. X-(

Dutchfinger

I have to say, after seeing "Kingsman: The Secret Service" I was convinced that "Lighter" were the new black again (in a very good way!) I am a huge fan of the more gritty and darker Bond movies. But seriously, that movie man, it's funny, witty and very clever! I honestly think it's the best Spy Spoof film I have ever seen. I think it can set an example of making Spy movies fun and a bit lighter again, in the same way that the Bourne movies did that around the beginning of the millenium.

eric7064

Dutchfinger wrote:

I have to say, after seeing "Kingsman: The Secret Service" I was convinced that "Lighter" were the new black again (in a very good way!) I am a huge fan of the more gritty and darker Bond movies. But seriously, that movie man, it's funny, witty and very clever! I honestly think it's the best Spy Spoof film I have ever seen. I think it can set an example of making Spy movies fun and a bit lighter again, in the same way that the Bourne movies did that around the beginning of the millenium.

Haven't seen kingsman yet. But Bourne light? Ive seen those plenty of times and there isn't much humor at all.