LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I like Matthew Vaughan, but Kingsman was idiotic, IMO. He's capable of better...and needs to be, if he's given a shot.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
My issue with Nolan is that his pictures tend to use characters to make a point rather than injecting them with warmth. Which is why his films can be described as sexless. His characters serve a purpose to the other arching story rather than the story be fed by the characters. My personal choice would be Matthew Vaughn but Kingsman may be a little close for comfort.
Not to defend Nolan because I'm ambivalent about him helming a Bond movie...I'm not sure if I'm being simplistic, but in his movies I found myself caring for the characters, their frustrations, aspirations, prospects, etc. and maybe with what some may consider sexless, I find his characters' dialogue and interactions sufficiently "enough" to drive the plot. For example in Inception, yes the relationships among the crew can sometimes be on the friendlier side of cordial, but I think it works to accentuate the simultaneous intensity and tragic void between Cobb and Mal, the central conflict of the movie.
In Interstellar, the focus is on the tenuous relationship between father and daughter who were so alike, that it literally took a lifetime to resolve that conflict not only for their own benefit, but also for the rest of humanity. What can I add about the Batman trilogy? It was the most successful interpretation of the character and many other superhero origins stories in that it draws you in and genuinely makes you feel for Bruce Wayne as the true tragic figure that he's supposed to be, to the extent that the Bond franchise heavily borrowed from this. So, maybe it's that, in which the crux of a story is so vitally grounded with people and how they connect with one another that it may be interpreted as heavy handed contrivance, hence "sexless," but to me it just drips with humanity, so much so that when I walk out of the theater I feel personally validated )
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
That's totally fair; re: Nolan and relationships, etc. I've honestly not ever expended any energy imagining Nolan would be in the mix for Bond...they could (and perhaps might ), do worse, but it's just such a potential clash of brands, styles and egos that it seems, well, not worth giving a great deal of consideration to {:) It would definitely require this particular auteur to stretch beyond his comfort zone, haha.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
My issue with Nolan is that his pictures tend to use characters to make a point rather than injecting them with warmth. Which is why his films can be described as sexless. His characters serve a purpose to the other arching story rather than the story be fed by the characters. My personal choice would be Matthew Vaughn but Kingsman may be a little close for comfort.
Not to defend Nolan because I'm ambivalent about him helming a Bond movie...I'm not sure if I'm being simplistic, but in his movies I found myself caring for the characters, their frustrations, aspirations, prospects, etc. and maybe with what some may consider sexless, I find his characters' dialogue and interactions sufficiently "enough" to drive the plot. For example in Inception, yes the relationships among the crew can sometimes be on the friendlier side of cordial, but I think it works to accentuate the simultaneous intensity and tragic void between Cobb and Mal, the central conflict of the movie.
In Interstellar, the focus is on the tenuous relationship between father and daughter who were so alike, that it literally took a lifetime to resolve that conflict not only for their own benefit, but also for the rest of humanity. What can I add about the Batman trilogy? It was the most successful interpretation of the character and many other superhero origins stories in that it draws you in and genuinely makes you feel for Bruce Wayne as the true tragic figure that he's supposed to be, to the extent that the Bond franchise heavily borrowed from this. So, maybe it's that, in which the crux of a story is so vitally grounded with people and how they connect with one another that it may be interpreted as heavy handed contrivance, hence "sexless," but to me it just drips with humanity, so much so that when I walk out of the theater I feel personally validated )
well said, I've never been more emotionally invested or touched by film characters then by the father/daughter relationship in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. I don't think ill be as emotionally drained or moved as I was by that film for a long time if ever.
Nicolas Winding Refn has said many times that he'd love to take a brief departure from independent filmmaking and helm a big-budget franchise or superhero film. Right now he's collaborating with Purvis & Wade on a script for his next film, a spy picture set in tokyo. Perhaps the next step for Refn is Bond. I'm a big fan of Refn's visual ouvre, and would love to see it applied to Bond. He'd be a great director to introduce a new Bond as well, start a new era with a unique visual style.
Nicolas Winding Refn has said many times that he'd love to take a brief departure from independent filmmaking and helm a big-budget franchise or superhero film. Right now he's collaborating with Purvis & Wade on a script for his next film, a spy picture set in tokyo. Perhaps the next step for Refn is Bond. I'm a big fan of Refn's visual ouvre, and would love to see it applied to Bond. He'd be a great director to introduce a new Bond as well, start a new era with a unique visual style.
Can't believe I said this mere days before it came out that Refn was offered the chance to helm Spectre, but turned it down. I guess that takes care 'o that. It is exciting, though, that Refn is teaming up with Purvis & Wade to write a Tokyo spy thriller.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'd love Purvis & Wade to keep extremely busy, on numerous projects outside of Bond...as many outside projects as possible; say twenty or thirty.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Nicolas Winding Refn has said many times that he'd love to take a brief departure from independent filmmaking and helm a big-budget franchise or superhero film. Right now he's collaborating with Purvis & Wade on a script for his next film, a spy picture set in tokyo. Perhaps the next step for Refn is Bond. I'm a big fan of Refn's visual ouvre, and would love to see it applied to Bond. He'd be a great director to introduce a new Bond as well, start a new era with a unique visual style.
Well in the current edition of London's weekly freebie for blokes, Shortlist, he is interviewed and the subject of Bond is tentatively raised by the journalist - he responds with genuine enthusiasm and says he'd love to do a Bond film, what's more it's the one area where he'd be prepared to give up final creative say on it (a prerequisite as we know of the producers and studio). It also went on to mention that he is working on a spy film.
If you say it's Wade and Purvis, who is to say this isn't Bond?
And if Tom Hiddlestone was Bond, surely the director having done Drive would make him the perfect Ryan Gosling type, sort of cool and enigmatic. Because Tom would stink in many a Bond film, just as Craig would (can't picture him in most Moore films, with Craig you have to base the film about him). So the film could be crafted around Tom's persona.
You would definately want an actor who could comfortably fit into and convey the Bond that EON, et al want portrayed or vice versa. Hiddleston would certainly be different than Craig but not "Roger Moore" different. Refn would be an interesting choice as director. Refn's approach to violence in "Drive"(which was quite jarring) could work very well with Hiddleston as Bond. Hiddleston's Bond should be smooth, controlled, refined with a nice touch of wit and charm until called upon to inflict violence which should be delivered in a jarring, explosive, efficient but cold blooded manner and sometimes followed by a cruel but humerous comment by 007. Refn would just have to find a way to work within the constraints of a PG-13 rating.
That's the thing isn't it. It's easy with a New Bond to think, okay, how would he fit into the best of the series? Could it have worked with him in Goldfinger, LALD, TSWLM? And Brosnan could have fitted in all the Moore films, and most of the Connery, even if he might not have been as good. So surely Brosnan would be a great Bond? But then you could never have Craig in MR or TSWLM, and not really in GF either, you can't see it. That's to miss the point: you craft the film around the actor with the actor in mind.
So Craig's films are totally Craig, the films are a reinvention based around him. They are not trying to shoehorn the actor into the role, stick a square peg in a round hole.
So Hiddlestone's Bond would be for a Hiddlestone Bond movie. Still can't see it mind, but I haven't seen The Night Manager.
"This is where we leave you Mr Bond."
Roger Moore 1927-2017
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
So Hiddlestone's Bond would be for a Hiddlestone Bond movie. Still can't see it mind, but I haven't seen The Night Manager.
I do recommend it...and I look forward to Hiddleston's interpretation of Bond with happy anticipation :007)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Hmm, that new film of Rein has mixed reviews not universally bad but he also did Only God Believes, a stinker, plus some of his unPC quotes I can imagine would rile B Broccoli.
Only God Forgives is pretty bad. His latest, The Neon Demon has been receiving good reviews but is not my cup of tea. Other than Drive his stuff is pretty offbeat to say the least. His films are generally pretty bleak affairs....that wouldn't work so well for Bond IMO.
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
Only God Forgives is pretty bad. His latest, The Neon Demon has been receiving good reviews but is not my cup of tea. Other than Drive his stuff is pretty offbeat to say the least. His films are generally pretty bleak affairs....that wouldn't work so well for Bond IMO.
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
Only God Forgives is pretty bad. His latest, The Neon Demon has been receiving good reviews but is not my cup of tea. Other than Drive his stuff is pretty offbeat to say the least. His films are generally pretty bleak affairs....that wouldn't work so well for Bond IMO.
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
I would add that SF is one of the bleakest Bond films!
Only God Forgives is pretty bad. His latest, The Neon Demon has been receiving good reviews but is not my cup of tea. Other than Drive his stuff is pretty offbeat to say the least. His films are generally pretty bleak affairs....that wouldn't work so well for Bond IMO.
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
I would add that SF is one of the bleakest Bond films!
Well...with the revenue it raked in, 'bleak' isn't how Eon remembers it
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
I think the tradition of using British (and Australian/NZ) directors should continue. There are after all many directors who are more than capable.
Good observation, which I think is a practical as well as artistic consideration. Unlike with the theory that Bond actors should be of British/UK Commonwealth origin which I think is more of an audience perception though a real and valid one, the use of British/UK Commonwealth directors vs. let's say that of an American or (Continental) European origin, are the subtle sensibilities that would be hard for an American to mimic but would mean a world of difference in the look and feel of the film. It's just a theory on my part, but in the books as a comparison a distinctly different cultural feel registered with Raymond Benson's entries vs. Fleming and the other continuation authors.
The funny thing is, I can't as easily discern the cultural stamp or feel when it's reversed, like in Sam Mendes' films that depicted settings in the USA, or Guy Ritchie's The Man From Uncle that's depicting an American security agency.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,656MI6 Agent
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
I would add that SF is one of the bleakest Bond films!
Well...with the revenue it raked in, 'bleak' isn't how Eon remembers it
Just checked, there's only one Mendes directed film that I haven't seen, "Away We Go," though for the other pre-Bond movies I can confidently confirm that they're indeed bleak ) Creds to Sam that he didn't drag most of that baggage to his Bonds! In mental retrospect, his non-Bonds were pretty similar to Nolan in feel save for the extraordinary subject matter in the Nolan movies, e.g., "bleak," lol; maybe that's what some meant as "sexless"?
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
Only God Forgives is pretty bad. His latest, The Neon Demon has been receiving good reviews but is not my cup of tea. Other than Drive his stuff is pretty offbeat to say the least. His films are generally pretty bleak affairs....that wouldn't work so well for Bond IMO.
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
I would add that SF is one of the bleakest Bond films!
After watching Kingsman, I hope that Matthew Vaughn not only directs, but also writes. Yes Kingsman was an adolescent fantasy and almost a spoof, but the Colin Firth character was unapologetic and lacked the Craig-Bond era hand wringing about what Bond did and why Bond was still relevant.
"And if I told you that I'm from the Ministry of Defence?" James Bond - The Property of a Lady
Vaughn would probably do a real good job. Kingsman was good for what it was, a fun, over the top, CGI'ed, cartoonishly hyper violent and gory Bond take-off. I'm sure Vaughn would be more restrained doing an actual Bond film. IMO, the Colin Firth character had just as much Jonathan Steed DNA as Bond DNA.
Vaughn would probably do a real good job. Kingsman was good for what it was, a fun, over the top, CGI'ed, cartoonishly hyper violent and gory Bond take-off. I'm sure Vaughn would be more restrained doing an actual Bond film. IMO, the Colin Firth character had just as much Jonathan Steed DNA as Bond DNA.
Vaugh has done a great 12 rated film in a major franchise - he directed X-Men First Class.
I think he definately could work within the contraints of a PG-13 or 12 Cert. I bet his job would be alot easier if he had Michael Fassbender on board as Bond like he had him as younger Magneto in the X Men film. -{
I'm really hoping that whoever comes in to direct, looks towards Emmanuel Lubezki as cinematographer. I really want to see a bond film with his vision.
I'm really hoping that whoever comes in to direct, looks towards Emmanuel Lubezki as cinematographer. I really want to see a bond film with his vision.
Lubezki is a super talented guy. Bond films seem to have no problem attracting talented, A list DP's.
British director Sean Ellis, who directed and co-wrote Anthropoid, which was based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the WWII mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect behind the Final Solution and the Reich's third in command after Hitler and Himmler might be an interesting choice. The film, while shot on a relatively low budget is quite gripping and has a masterfully filmed climatic gun battle in a church. Another interesting name is French director Yann Demange who directed the critically acclaimed '71, the story of a young British soldier (Jake O'Connell) separated from his squad and on the run at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. It's a great film and features incredible suspense, very well done action and an intelligent script.
British director Sean Ellis, who directed and co-wrote Anthropoid, which was based on the true story of Operation Anthropoid, the WWII mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich, the main architect behind the Final Solution and the Reich's third in command after Hitler and Himmler might be an interesting choice. The film, while shot on a relatively low budget is quite gripping and has a masterfully filmed climatic gun battle in a church. Another interesting name is French director Yann Demange who directed the critically acclaimed '71, the story of a young British soldier (Jake O'Connell) separated from his squad and on the run at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. It's a great film and features incredible suspense, very well done action and an intelligent script.
Saw Anthropoid, the climatic gun battle was indeed masterfully done and very visceral, just wish Ellis didn't shoot in close-ups for most of the film.
Comments
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Not to defend Nolan because I'm ambivalent about him helming a Bond movie...I'm not sure if I'm being simplistic, but in his movies I found myself caring for the characters, their frustrations, aspirations, prospects, etc. and maybe with what some may consider sexless, I find his characters' dialogue and interactions sufficiently "enough" to drive the plot. For example in Inception, yes the relationships among the crew can sometimes be on the friendlier side of cordial, but I think it works to accentuate the simultaneous intensity and tragic void between Cobb and Mal, the central conflict of the movie.
In Interstellar, the focus is on the tenuous relationship between father and daughter who were so alike, that it literally took a lifetime to resolve that conflict not only for their own benefit, but also for the rest of humanity. What can I add about the Batman trilogy? It was the most successful interpretation of the character and many other superhero origins stories in that it draws you in and genuinely makes you feel for Bruce Wayne as the true tragic figure that he's supposed to be, to the extent that the Bond franchise heavily borrowed from this. So, maybe it's that, in which the crux of a story is so vitally grounded with people and how they connect with one another that it may be interpreted as heavy handed contrivance, hence "sexless," but to me it just drips with humanity, so much so that when I walk out of the theater I feel personally validated
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
Can't believe I said this mere days before it came out that Refn was offered the chance to helm Spectre, but turned it down. I guess that takes care 'o that. It is exciting, though, that Refn is teaming up with Purvis & Wade to write a Tokyo spy thriller.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Well in the current edition of London's weekly freebie for blokes, Shortlist, he is interviewed and the subject of Bond is tentatively raised by the journalist - he responds with genuine enthusiasm and says he'd love to do a Bond film, what's more it's the one area where he'd be prepared to give up final creative say on it (a prerequisite as we know of the producers and studio). It also went on to mention that he is working on a spy film.
If you say it's Wade and Purvis, who is to say this isn't Bond?
And if Tom Hiddlestone was Bond, surely the director having done Drive would make him the perfect Ryan Gosling type, sort of cool and enigmatic. Because Tom would stink in many a Bond film, just as Craig would (can't picture him in most Moore films, with Craig you have to base the film about him). So the film could be crafted around Tom's persona.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
So Craig's films are totally Craig, the films are a reinvention based around him. They are not trying to shoehorn the actor into the role, stick a square peg in a round hole.
So Hiddlestone's Bond would be for a Hiddlestone Bond movie. Still can't see it mind, but I haven't seen The Night Manager.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I do recommend it...and I look forward to Hiddleston's interpretation of Bond with happy anticipation :007)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Well, most of Sam Mendes' pre-Bond movies were pretty bleak too! Saying that however is not necessarily an endorsement for his Bond movies as if there's a remarkable contrast between his bleak vs. vibrant periods.
Well...with the revenue it raked in, 'bleak' isn't how Eon remembers it
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Good observation, which I think is a practical as well as artistic consideration. Unlike with the theory that Bond actors should be of British/UK Commonwealth origin which I think is more of an audience perception though a real and valid one, the use of British/UK Commonwealth directors vs. let's say that of an American or (Continental) European origin, are the subtle sensibilities that would be hard for an American to mimic but would mean a world of difference in the look and feel of the film. It's just a theory on my part, but in the books as a comparison a distinctly different cultural feel registered with Raymond Benson's entries vs. Fleming and the other continuation authors.
The funny thing is, I can't as easily discern the cultural stamp or feel when it's reversed, like in Sam Mendes' films that depicted settings in the USA, or Guy Ritchie's The Man From Uncle that's depicting an American security agency.
Just checked, there's only one Mendes directed film that I haven't seen, "Away We Go," though for the other pre-Bond movies I can confidently confirm that they're indeed bleak
After watching Kingsman, I hope that Matthew Vaughn not only directs, but also writes. Yes Kingsman was an adolescent fantasy and almost a spoof, but the Colin Firth character was unapologetic and lacked the Craig-Bond era hand wringing about what Bond did and why Bond was still relevant.
Vaugh has done a great 12 rated film in a major franchise - he directed X-Men First Class.
Lubezki is a super talented guy. Bond films seem to have no problem attracting talented, A list DP's.