Campbell may return

zencat · March 2007

Looks like there's a chance Martin Campbell may be back (also, Campbell confirms new CR DVD with commentary, etc.)

http://commanderbond.net/article/4174

Hardyboy · March 2007

Thanks for the heads-up, Zencat; I even added the complete USA Today interview to our own news section. Personally, I think it would be great if Campbell returned for Bond 22: it's been a long, long time since there's been visual and stylistic continuity between films, and I'd like to see 22 flow naturally from CR.

Loeffelholz · March 2007

I think I'd rather see Campbell return (sorry, Cat

) than have Eon just go back to a series of apparently random, arbitrarily-chosen directors---simply on the basis that they haven't previously done a big action extravaganza like Bond. Better to have a stronger sense of stylistic cohesiveness with a direct sequel, IMRO...not that I'd want Campbell to do five in a row as Glen did, as that (obviously) leads to stagnation...

I do agree with Campbell that this Bond is more interesting than the traditional variety, and am gratified that he sees the value in going more 'literary' in terms of influence---good, also, that this approach has been rewarded with thunderous box office, which hopefully mitigates the possibility of Eon losing their nerve as they continue to develop #22.

highhopes · March 2007

Hardyboy wrote:

Thanks for the heads-up, Zencat; I even added the complete USA Today interview to our own news section. Personally, I think it would be great if Campbell returned for Bond 22: it's been a long, long time since there's been visual and stylistic continuity between films, and I'd like to see 22 flow naturally from CR.

Loeffelholz wrote:

I think I'd rather see Campbell return (sorry, Cat ) than have Eon just go back to a series of apparently random, arbitrarily-chosen directors---simply on the basis that they haven't previously done a big action extravaganza like Bond. Better to have a stronger sense of stylistic cohesiveness with a direct sequel, IMRO...not that I'd want Campbell to do five in a row as Glen did, as that (obviously) leads to stagnation...

I do agree with Campbell that this Bond is more interesting than the traditional variety, and am gratified that he sees the value in going more 'literary' in terms of influence---good, also, that this approach has been rewarded with thunderous box office, which hopefully mitigates the possibility of Eon losing their nerve as they continue to develop #22.

Count me in, guys. Campbell returning for Bond 22 would make my day, for all the reasons you guys mention. Campbell and the cast know each other, have had success with each other, and that can't help but be a plus for the followup. I'm crossing my fingers that he does. Babs, throw him a pile of Eon money. He deserves it and it's a good investment.

Solaris · March 2007

I'd love Campbell to return to Direct Bond 22, and 23 if it is also a sequel. At least that way we get similar choices with the style of the film.
it also helps that I like both the Bond films Campbell has directed. Like Highhopes said.
Just give him the money.

Napoleon Plural · March 2007

I don't even like Campbell and yet I agree; at least we know what we'd be getting. After the A+ reviews it would be a crime not to offer him another, and it would save time and energy trying out other directors and so on... Not sure that Campbell has any other great offers anyhow.

Moore Not Less · March 2007

Martin Campbell clearly knows his stuff when it comes to James Bond. He has directed two films in really fine style.

He brings considerable knowledge and experience along with real commitment, energy and enthusiasm. I would definitely welcome him back for Bond 22.

Barry Nelson · March 2007

Although I have seen Campbell movies I thought were poorly directed (The Legend of Zorro, Beyond Borders) I have seen Campbell movies I thought were well directed (GE, CR). Seeing as how he is two for two on Bond movies, I would have no problem seeing him return. He does create atmosphere and his direction of action scenes, which I thought was off in Legend of Zorro, was very good in CR.

Willie Garvin · March 2007

Eon would be foolish not to bring Campbell back for Bond 22(and possibly Bond 23,as well).Campbell's now receiving his rightful share of critical praise, so there's really no need for Wilson and Broccoli to go searching around for acclaimed directors of "Art" and/or "Important" films for the next group of motion pictures.With Sony as their partner,Eon can easily cut Campbell a paycheck.

Incidentally,I thought Campbell did a much better job on The Mask of Zorro than he did with GoldenEye--and he was also very good on Reilley:Ace of Spies.

Gassy Man · March 2007

Although I still think "Goldeneye" is rather pedestrian, "Casino Royale" changed my opinion of Campbell, whose first Zorro movie previously had been the only thing he'd done with anything resembling style. However, I've of late not been entirely convinced Campbell rises to the occasion unless there's a confluence of beneficial factors -- strong script, excellent actors, immense pressure, etc. Given his involvement with turkeys like the second Zorro film, I wonder if he has the chops to meet or exceed the success of "Casino Royale" versus simply towing the line. And if those two hacks Purvis and Wade are writing the script from their own idea, I'm more than doubly concerned.

Dan Same · March 2007

Napoleon Plural wrote:

I don't even like Campbell and yet I agree; at least we know what we'd be getting. After the A+ reviews it would be a crime not to offer him another, and it would save time and energy trying out other directors and so on... Not sure that Campbell has any other great offers anyhow.

I agree. I think that Campbell (and his work on CR in particular) is extremely overrated, and while I really liked his work on GE (much more so than his work on CR) he always has to wreck it due to his love of psychoanalyzing.

Nonetheless, we know what we are getting, and it would provide some stylistic consistency between CR and Bond 22. However, I would love it if Apted was given another go.

blueman · March 2007

Gassy Man wrote:

Although I still think "Goldeneye" is rather pedestrian, "Casino Royale" changed my opinion of Campbell, whose first Zorro movie previously had been the only thing he'd done with anything resembling style. However, I've of late not been entirely convinced Campbell rises to the occasion unless there's a confluence of beneficial factors -- strong script, excellent actors, immense pressure, etc. Given his involvement with turkeys like the second Zorro film, I wonder if he has the chops to meet or exceed the success of "Casino Royale" versus simply towing the line. And if those two hacks Purvis and Wade are writing the script from their own idea, I'm more than doubly concerned.

Gotta admit, I've got mixed feelings as well. CR had a flow to it that clicked with Campbell, obviously, Bond 22's script would need a similar...something, for Campbell to hang his hat on, I think. Could work, but I'd be as nervous as I was for CR.

And, just say no to Apted (sorry, Dan, he was hit-and-miss all through TWINE IMO).

Campbell may return

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