A James Bond rival wouldn't be a bad thing...

TheMagus

For the past fifty-eight-years, one production company - EON - has been responsible for every James Bond film ever released, with the obvious exceptions of Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983). Naturally, as a James Bond fan I am very grateful for all the entertainment they have given me over the years. However, I cannot help but feel that EON might have gotten stale over the years. I feel that their success has made them complacent (as far as I know, no James Bond film has lost money at the box office). The result is a series which, sadly, has become something of a hit-and-miss since the early-seventies.

Part of the problem is arrogance. When the producers - Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli at present - claim that they "know Bond" what they really mean is that their interpretation of the character is the only one audiences will have access to. They know that if audiences want to get their dose of James Bond, they must see an EON Productions James Bond film.

Maybe its time that EON Productions relinquished some of the control of the James Bond franchise. I am not saying they should stop making Bond films entirely. Personally, I look forward to seeing a new official Bond film every few years. (In fact, it's really the only time I actually go to the cinema). What I am saying, however, is that it might be time to let another production company produce rival James Bond films.

This could have at least two advantages for the Bond series. The first is that it would keep EON Productions on their toes. If more people went to see a rival Bond film than an "official" one, they would be motivated to make their next film even better. Film-making is, after all, a business, and like in all businesses, competition tends to create better products. The second is that it would provide a different interpretation of James Bond. Speaking as a Bond fan, that would always be interesting to see.

Finally, creating an alternative to EON Productions wouldn't just have to be relegated to live action movies. It could include animation or even television.

What do you guys think?

Number24

Two James Bonds, two production companies, two Ms, Moneypenny etc?
That's confusion, not competition.
What keeps EON son their toes is competition from other franchises like MI and Jason Bourne.

chrisno1

EoN doesnt need competition so much as fresh blood. I believe MGW is going to retire after NTTD (plz correct me if I misheard this). He's been with Bond since the 60s. That 's certainly not fresh. BB hasnt been as obviously involved, but because of her Dad, she's lived and breathed the franchise. Both these very commendable individuals have maintained Bond's place in cinema history, but having relaunched 007 twice, I dont think a third attempt would bring anything groundbreaking. What EoN needs is new producers, writers, lead actor, a dynamic swift approach to filmmaking, a less introspective viewpoint. They could also do well to try and get on with IFP and utilise some of the better post-Fleming novels. I dont have suggestions, but like you, Magus, I do sense a hefty wave of sterility inhabiting 007 once more.

zaphod99

chrisno1 wrote:

EoN doesnt need competition so much as fresh blood. I believe MGW is going to retire after NTTD (plz correct me if I misheard this). He's been with Bond since the 60s. That 's certainly not fresh. BB hasnt been as obviously involved, but because of her Dad, she's lived and breathed the franchise. Both these very commendable individuals have maintained Bond's place in cinema history, but having relaunched 007 twice, I dont think a third attempt would bring anything groundbreaking. What EoN needs is new producers, writers, lead actor, a dynamic swift approach to filmmaking, a less introspective viewpoint. They could also do well to try and get on with IFP and utilise some of the better post-Fleming novels. I dont have suggestions, but like you, Magus, I do sense a hefty wave of sterility inhabiting 007 once more.

I agree re Sterility. When watching the Trailers for the new film (which look great BTW) I cant help the sense of De ja vu. I could easily imagine intercutting with clips from the last few movies even down to the light Fawn suit and them fitting in perfectly. In the one hand it's about consistency and identity which are defining characteristics of a Franchise. However another revenge motivated movie? Really ?
More Seydoux, more Waltz oh please give me strength. The upside is that DC looks in fine fettle and some of the art design and cinematography look good.

chrisno1

So sterile they've delayed again, right ? 8-) 8-)

IcePak

I like the idea of competition keeping EON on their toes because they have produced a couple of duds since Michael and Babs took over producing the films and I'd love to see more quality films in the franchise. But saying that, with more competition comes the urge to move away from what makes the series great at the moment and change up the character so he comes across as more interesting and entertaining than the rival film. It worked for Octopussy, but would it work on a continual level given producers in general seem to think that bigger is better?