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Film Discussion => The Vault => Topic started by: MacGuffin on June 12, 2009, 08:08:14 PM

Title: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on June 12, 2009, 08:08:14 PM
Bond begins anew with scribe trio
Morgan, Purvis and Wade to write the script
Source: Variety

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions and MGM are moving forward on the next 007 installment, hiring "Frost/Nixon" scribe Peter Morgan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade to write the script for the 23rd James Bond film.

Purvis and Wade most recently worked on "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale."

Daniel Craig is already set to reprise his role as 007, and Wilson and Broccoli are producing. No start date has yet been set, but sources said EON and MGM are eyeing a 2011 release.

"Peter, Neal and Robert are extraordinarily talented and we're looking forward to working with the three of them," Wilson and Broccoli said in a statement.

Both "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale" were co-productions between MGM and Sony, with the latter distributing. The new film will be the first to return as a full MGM release. The first 20 pictures in the franchise were distributed by MGM.

Morgan, who wrote both the play and film "Frost/Nixon" and "The Last King of Scotland" and "The Queen," has most recently been working on "The Special Relationship" for HBO, and "Hereafter" for DreamWorks. He'll begin writing on the Bond film after completing those projects.

Aside from the Bond films, Purvis and Wade have been working on "The Brazilian Job," the sequel to "The Italian Job," on which they were also writers.

Morgan's repped by UTA and ITG, Purvis and Wade by WME and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on June 16, 2009, 03:59:04 PM
Michael Sheen 'In Talks' For 'Bond' Villain Blofeld
Source: MTV

British actor Michael Sheen, who will be seen by millions this fall in "New Moon," is reportedly in talks to join the James Bond franchise for yet another iconic role. According to an anonymous source, Sheen is up for the villainous part of Blofeld in the 23rd installment of the 007 series, which is currently being co-scripted by two-time Oscar-nominated writer Peter Morgan.

Morgan and Sheen have collaborated many times before, most memorably for "Frost/Nixon" and "The Queen," in which he portrayed former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. It's possible that this link between writer and actor has led to speculative rumors of Sheen's interest and involvement in the Bond film, but we're hoping that it's true. Apparently Sheen has been a fan of the 007 series since his youth, so he is likely crossing his fingers, as well.

Though Sheen is a well-respected actor, he is no stranger to mainstream franchises. In addition to playing Tony Blair on more than one occasion, he's had a recurring part as the werewolf Lucian in the "Underworld" movies. His role as the vampire Aro in "New Moon" may well carry over into the subsequent "Twilight" sequels.

The skinny actor doesn't quite fit Ian Fleming's original description of evil mastermind Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is supposed to be a former muscle man who let himself go, physically. But the character has been previously portrayed by a mixed array of actors, including Donald Pleasance ("You Only Live Twice"), Telly Savalas ("On Her Majesty's Secret Service"), Charles Gray ("Diamonds Are Forever") and Max von Sydow (the unofficial Bond installment "Never Say Never Again"), so there's certainly room for artistic license with the villain's appearance.

After Mike Myers' spoof of Blofeld in the form of Dr. Evil in the "Austin Powers" movies, it's probably for the best that he's not represented in the "Quantum of Solace" follow-up as a bald, facially scarred man costumed in a gray suit. He must still be accompanied by his trademark white cat though, regardless of how silly it might look.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on June 16, 2009, 04:48:12 PM
Quote from: Madonna is a stupid bitch on June 16, 2009, 03:59:04 PM
Michael Sheen 'In Talks' For 'Bond' Villain Blofeld
Source: MTV

Total bullshit. Speculation started because fans wanted it to happen after the Froxt/Nixon scribe was signed. A UK tabloid made their outcry look legitimate by publishing it as fact and now other media outlets are carrying it. Producers don't even have rights to the villian Blofeld anymore so it can't happen.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on December 20, 2009, 10:38:27 PM
Very excited because 1.) Morgan is involved in writing from the start. He may even be heading it. Haggis was more of a contributor to the scripts, trying make the original scripts just look better. 2.) because Bond needs this continuing change of pace. Modern franchise revivals are intent in finding new lead ins to the same old stories, but the possibilities of Bond being the new Bond is hinging on the next film.


Morgan Says "Bond 23" Is 'Shocking'
Source: Dark Horizons
By Garth Franklin
Sunday December 20th 2009 09:28PM  


While he couldn't discuss a great deal about the film, scribe Peter Morgan said we can expect 'a shocking story' for the next James Bond feature reports MI6.

Currently in Vienna, Morgan was at work on the first draft of the "Bond 23" script from July to October of this year. He's known for his scripts for "The Queen," "The Last King of Scotland," "Frost/Nixon" and "The Damned United",

Pre-production work on the film however has now been put on hold until February as the heavily in debt MGM, through which EON Productions release the 007 pictures, is up for sale.

Despite the issues it's expected that filming will commence at the end of 2010 for a release November 2011.


Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: picolas on December 20, 2009, 11:46:35 PM
he dies? ages? has sex with a man?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on December 21, 2009, 12:55:38 AM
Quote from: picolas on December 20, 2009, 11:46:35 PM
he dies? ages? has sex with a man?

Months ago, rumors said that Bond 23 would be the story they were going to use for Timothy Dalton's planned third Bond movie (during the early 90s) where M is kidnapped and Bond sets about to rescuing him. It would be more pertinent to Craig's Bond because he's bonded to his M much more. She is mother figure to him so the kidnapping could be a reason to look into how her death (if they killed her off) could impact him emotionally.

That's one possibility. There are many reasonable ways to make a Bond story shocking.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: picolas on December 21, 2009, 01:15:11 AM
touché.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Derek on December 21, 2009, 12:29:56 PM
I don't know if I'd want to see the M killed off storyline. That would just send him on another Quantum style revenge story. I hope they go a little bit lighter and a little bit sexier with this story. Not too far in the Roger Moore direction though.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on December 21, 2009, 12:41:01 PM
Quote from: Derek on December 21, 2009, 12:29:56 PM
I don't know if I'd want to see the M killed off storyline. That would just send him on another Quantum style revenge story. I hope they go a little bit lighter and a little bit sexier with this story. Not too far in the Roger Moore direction though.

The death could happen in many ways that wouldn't spark a new revenge storyline. She could be kidnapped, but mistakes by Bond himself could lead to her death which only spawns remorse for Bond. Or she is killed, but is killed by the organization who already killed Vesper so it's a continuation of the same storyline, but adding new dimensions to it. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Bond's wife is killed by Spectre but Bond's dealings with them isn't resolved until a few film's later.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pubrick on December 22, 2009, 09:04:11 AM
bet you a million dollars he pees on the audience at some point.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on January 05, 2010, 01:39:48 PM
James Bond Delayed Due to MGM Woes
by Elisabeth Rappe; Cinematical

It's going to be a little longer before 007 steps in front of cameras again. According to Total Film (and passed along via MI6), Bond's 23rd adventure has been delayed by MGM's financial woes. After all, someone has to pay for all those new gadgets and when the home office is on the block, where do the new ones come from? While both Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench have hinted that the film will begin filming in late 2010, and will aim for a 2011 release, Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli hinted that the shooting schedule can only be decided once MGM settles its accounts. "Well, our timeline's a little up in the air what with the situation at MGM, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain."

And if you've been sitting here since Peter Morgan took the screenwriting job last summer, dreaming of a script that's at least a draft or two in, guess again. Wilson said it was far too early to start talking about where Bond will end up after he found his solace. "Well ... we've hired the writers and we've been working with them but it's just too early to say anything. You know, often at this stage, I find myself saying, 'Oh, we're gonna do this and that', then six months from now you'll say, 'That isn't in the film at all - you told me it was ...' I think we're at the stage where a lot of ideas are floating around that sound very good, but whether they make the final cut, who knows?"

Well, at least they're taking their time. Meanwhile, there's nothing for Bond fans to do but spend their time dreaming of him in those tight blue trunks (surely he spends his hiatus in them), or fantasizing about who they'd like to see as a Bond girl. If neither is your cup of tea, maybe you can say where you'd like to see Bond go in the comments below. Morgan, Broccoli, and Wilson might be listening.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 02:00:48 PM
"Bond 23" On Hold Due To MGM Sale
By Garth Franklin

Unsurprisingly it seems that due to issues with MGM Studios' impending sale, production on the 23rd James Bond film has been put on hold reports MI6.

Producer Michael G. Wilson tells Total Film Magazine that "our timeline's a little up in the air what with the situation at MGM, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain."

The news comes not long after comments by writer Peter Morgan, who is working on the film's script, indicated that a delay was inevitable. MGM expects the first takeover bids to be submitted within the next few weeks.

The concern here is a repetition of the legal mess back in 1989 which ended up putting the franchise on ice for six years before the Pierce Brosnan-led "Goldeneye" in 1995 revived the series both critically and commercially.



The highlighted portion is why I don't think the delay will be very long. Everyone wants the next Bond film to be made on schedule. It isn't like with Bond being delayed in the early 90s because the Timothy Dalton efforts put the franchise on the outs with the public. Bond couldn't be more popular today. Bids will come in and serious suitors will be set up very soon and it will be a discussion between MGM negotiating with a few proposals and that shouldn't take too long, especially since the buyers themselves will want certain productions to stay on track.

What's more news worthy is all the in between movie projects that will be killed off because of MGM's finances. There are projects that aren't immediate sellers that are depending on whether MGM sells to favorable buyers. Bond isn't part of that group.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: modage on January 05, 2010, 03:42:04 PM
Sam Mendes to Direct 23rd James Bond Movie!
Source: ComingSoon

Sam Mendes is in negotations to direct James Bond 23, reports Heat Vision.

The Hollywood Reporter Blog says that production is being fast-tracked and could begin as early as June with an eye toward a 2011 release.

Plans for the film, again starring Daniel Craig, are moving forward despite a possible sale of MGM.

Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are writing, along with Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon). Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are producing.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 03:48:02 PM
Oh man, I hope that's true, but I'll wait for my normal Bond filters to verify its legitimacy. Normally I want talented directors to avvoid big production movies that take up a lot of their time, but Sam Mendes can help the franchise in every way it needs help - more focus on story and character. That's all on the premise that Mendes would be allowed to do anything with the script.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 03:52:29 PM
Also, this could mean Kate Winslet finally becoming a Bond girl. She's always wanted to but she says producers may be afraid of casting her because she would refuse to dress raunchily, but Mendes directing would obviously change things.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: polkablues on January 05, 2010, 04:16:25 PM
Quote from: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 03:52:29 PM
Also, this could mean Kate Winslet finally becoming a Bond girl. She's always wanted to but she says producers may be afraid of casting her because she would refuse to dress raunchily, but Mendes directing would obviously change things.

If anyone can talk her into dressing raunchily, it would be her husband.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 04:54:18 PM
I was thinking Mendes' involvement would mean they would let her stay demure for the role. The standard sexiness then would be saved for the second Bond girl in the film.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Stefen on January 05, 2010, 05:11:29 PM
I want Mendes to do the Preacher movie, not Bond. Although Kate Winslet as a Bond babe would be the best.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: picolas on January 05, 2010, 06:25:08 PM
i'm really curious about this. i hate mendes but only because he's so obvious with everything (aside from american beauty). a bond movie DEMANDS obviousness. this could be a great match.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: ©brad on January 05, 2010, 07:11:17 PM
American Beauty wasn't obvious?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 05, 2010, 07:25:23 PM
Quote from: ©brad on January 05, 2010, 07:11:17 PM
American Beauty wasn't obvious?

My thoughts exactly, but essentially, Picolas is right because I'm not the biggest Mendes fan either, but he could have the right pedigree to make the Bond franchise a lot better. It needs fundamental changes to improve its films in the way Pixar has improved the typical children's story. I also like that indepedent filmmakers are more stepping into these roles. Steven Soderbergh says to be just an art house filmmaker or a studio filmmaker is a trap and you need to operate between both realms. The benefit of this acceptance amongst more filmmakers has been better entertainment all around, but I still wish for better art house entrees. It's still lagging.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: picolas on January 05, 2010, 09:21:03 PM
Quote from: ©brad on January 05, 2010, 07:11:17 PM
American Beauty wasn't obvious?
i think it's more obvious in retrospect. i guess i'm just saying American Beauty is a great movie, making it a big Sam Mendes exception.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Stefen on January 05, 2010, 09:27:50 PM
Away We Go is good.

I think I like Road To Perdition more than American Beauty. It actually kind of bothers me that out of all the great movies of 1999, American Beauty is the one that seems to get mentioned the most. Probably in the minority there. 

I like anything more than Jarhead, though.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on January 05, 2010, 10:00:52 PM
this is a real bad trend.  it sounds good on paper but really a good director can barely elevate a studio drama - how is he going to insert soul into the Bond franchise?  It's part of the strategy to market the movies as "good movies" - but the last one was as crappy as any subpar bond - only it's trendier so most people haven't seen through the new bullshit.  Sam Mendes doesn't know how to make things look cool - neither does the producer or the editor, though Dan Bradley the second unit may or may not be a genius - I'll be able to tell when incoherent editing isn't the trend again.  all that "real drama" in Bond's character isn't what makes Bond interesting - this "update" approach really is just a more palpable version of Phantom Menace.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pas on January 06, 2010, 02:27:35 PM
also, sorry but Kate Winslet has the ugliest boobs.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Stefen on January 06, 2010, 02:40:52 PM
Quote from: Pas Rap on January 06, 2010, 02:27:35 PM
also, sorry but Kate Winslet has the ugliest boobs.

haha. They're alright. She needs to show more dolled up boob and not so much down in the dumps boob. Titanic boob = MOAR! Little Children boob = Seeing your babysitters side-boob. EXCITING. The Reader boob = I'll take a peak, but come on.

The fact that she's always so eager to show them (despite how she always says she's never going to show them again) is kind of a turn-on. She's such a proper and classy film slut.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pas on January 06, 2010, 02:56:02 PM
haha good analysis!

Mia Kirshner could do a great villain/crazy bond girl à la Famke Jenssen in Goldeneye. I find her very hot especially for a 35 yo (wtf whe looks 24)
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: polkablues on January 06, 2010, 03:28:12 PM
I'd be all for Mia Kirshner. She's always been one of my favorites, and really an underrated actress (I just rewatched Exotica recently). She's even played a sort of Bond-villain type of role, in the early seasons of 24. Also, she shares my birthday, which I really think the producers should take into account.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 06, 2010, 03:38:13 PM
Confirmed that Mendes is in talks, but as article nicely spells out, things are far from complete. I am enjoying the idea that Craig is taking steps to controlling the direction of the franchise more and he's now trying to hinder any critical backlash with the next film even though (for my money) Quantum of Solace is a superior Bond affair.  


Publicist for Sam Mendes confirms Bond 23 talks, not finalised yet

Seasoned James Bond fans may have greeted yesterday's news of Sam Mendes boarding Bond 23 with their usual soupçon of suspicion, but any fog surrounding the fast-moving developments is clearing quickly.

Sara Keene, Mendes' British publicist, confirmed today that the director had met with EON Productions to discuss the 23rd film in the series, but said nothing had been finalised.

"I can confirm that he has had a meeting, but Sam always has lots of projects on the table that he might direct next," Keene said. "Sam's method is to have a number of projects as possible next films and at some point to confirm which film he's going to do."

But the reason the ink is not dry yet may have more to do with MGM's terrible financial status than anything else.

Reputable insider news source Deadline Hollywood revealed yesterday that EON are unlikely to sign a director yet as it will trigger a contractual payment from MGM, thereby giving the cash-strapped studio a stake in the movie, even if EON gain the right to move it to a safer home. Bringing Mendes on board as a 'consultant' keeps the lion away from 007 for the time being.

MGM expects to receive take-over bids in the next couple of weeks.

Sources say Daniel Craig, who was reportedly unhappy with the critical reception of "Quantum of Solace", is the driving force behind Mendes joining the Bond team. Craig previously starred in Mendes' 2002 film "Road To Perdition".

For the record, "Quantum of Solace" ranked only 64% fresh on the critics aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, compared to an astonishing 94% for "Casino Royale". Mendes' "Road To Perdition" scored 82%.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on January 06, 2010, 10:50:55 PM
that has almost nothing to do with the directors.  that's the mission impossible franchise where tom cruise just hands the movie to each director (which, for better or worse, is cool on his part).  Bond's always been at the mercy of the producers.  like GT's assessment of Wes Anderson (that I contest), the movies are now more about the particular brand of action or filmmaking than any substance.  and that brand still has to deliver.  taking out the fun out of something that is inherently over the top does not constitute as "deliver."  and taking out the ridiculousness is not the same as taking out the fun.
I also just hope this pseudo verite style action is on its way out, I'm seriously annoyed by all the bad editing.

woh woh woh I know.  fuck you.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Stefen on January 06, 2010, 11:44:11 PM
Haha.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on January 07, 2010, 12:35:31 AM
Quote from: pete on January 06, 2010, 10:50:55 PM
that has almost nothing to do with the directors.  that's the mission impossible franchise where tom cruise just hands the movie to each director (which, for better or worse, is cool on his part).  Bond's always been at the mercy of the producers.

Yes, and now the producers are saying they want to introduce new blood and inspiration into the franchise. Quantum of Solace couldn't have been made twenty years ago, but the producers allowed Marc Forster to explore his visual concepts and have it impact the story. Forster says when he entered the project, the script wasn't fully developed so he was given a lot of room to work with the story, filmmaking and characterization.

It doesn't mean that future Bonds will copycat Quantum, but that the series now has a chance to be ever changing. Even though the stories will still be about a spy in danger and doing exciting things, they could look like a lot a different things. Considering of how much Pixar has advanced typical children's stories and Harry Potter the fantasy story, the range of variety could be pretty great.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on January 07, 2010, 02:06:18 AM
what visual concept?  and the script that he finished was boring as hell.  the gimmick is a dud because what does the guy who directed Monster's Ball know about making an exciting movie?  it's a gimmick, in my opinion, that started with Ang Lee doing Crouching Tiger.  Then China started a long trend of financing action and fantasy films by recognized arthouse directors.  most of which ended up like The Hulk.
in the US too, visionary indie directors have been tapped by well-intentioned producers that result in movies as mediocre as the first feature by any studio lackey.  Pineapple Express comes to mind.
The people that are tapped for Harry Potter, Bourne, and the MI series are directors that have been given more control (or deailng with fewer people) and also have had more of a track record with the material.  but who knows, maybe mendes will do fine.  maybe QofS would be like the second bourne which was weak and incoherent and mendes will be bourne ultimatum.
respect the genre.  not everyone can defy it.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Derek on April 19, 2010, 03:42:45 PM
Delayed indefinitely, officially.


http://chud.com/articles/articles/23428/1/JAMES-BOND-FINALLY-DEFEATED/Page1.html
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Gold Trumpet on April 19, 2010, 03:55:43 PM
Disappointing. The hope was that they had suitors who would try to outmatch each other early on to get hold of MGM and make sure projects like Bond would still be on schedule. Even Miramax is being fought over where a deal could be imminent.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: modage on July 06, 2010, 01:42:39 PM
'Bond 23' Directed By Sam Mendes & Written By Peter Morgan Officially Canned
Source: ThePlaylist

We can't really say we're all too surprised, but the news is circulating that EON Productions have officially axed "Bond 23."

News for "Bond 23" certainly didn't look good when earlier this year EON announced that they had "suspended development" on the film due to the financial woes at MGM. However, the latest news is that the next installment, which was originally slated to be directed by Sam Mendes and based on a script by Peter Morgan has been canned.

While Harry Knowles has an aneurysm over the news, really it's not all that shocking. Keeping a movie in active development costs money, and it was only a matter of time before EON would be forced to completely halt movement on the film. With MGM still seeking debt relief and sorting out their next steps, it seems all their eggs are in "The Hobbit" basket with a presumed January start being eyed. We doubt they have enough money in their already empty purse to try and navigate bringing Bond back to the big screen too.

EON grimly states "We do not know when development will resume and cannot comment further at this stage" and really, until the MGM situation is resolved, Bond won't be back. The studio owns partial rights to the franchise and EON will have to wait until MGM gets bought out or miraculously sorts out their situation and gets back in business. But either scenario will not happen any time soon, and certainly, their major priority is get to the camera ready "The Hobbit" rolling first.

It's not known yet if when making a Bond movie becomes viable again if any of the talent will be back but it will be a shame if Daniel Craig, an absolutely cracking Bond, will only get two films as 007 under his belt.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on July 28, 2010, 03:37:52 PM
Fate of James Bond hangs in the balance
Barbara Broccoli doesn't want to work with "assholes"
Source: Hollywood Reporter

The "James Bond 007: Blood Stone" video game event in London this month had all the class and splash one would expect from the world's most elegant spy.

Guests sipped champagne in the historic former church venue One Marylebone and inspected pieces of Bond memorabilia including Oddjob's hat from "Goldfinger" and Jaws' famous teeth. The event even featured a video game Bond girl in a stunning black evening dress, the Brit songstress Joss Stone who belts out the game's theme song.

However impressive the Activision launch, big questions about the historic franchise loomed. Longtime Bond producer Michael G. Wilson touched on these unspoken questions from the podium.

"I wish we were launching a movie," he quipped, bringing laughter from the audience.

It was a rare public comment and an even rarer moment of mirth in the drawn-out James Bond-MGM saga, which has left the faithful feeling shaken. In April, Wilson and his half sister and fellow Bond producer, Barbara Broccoli, announced that development of the next 007 feature, known as "Bond 23," was suspended "indefinitely."

The baddie who finally managed to knock Bond out of commission? Financial woes at MGM, which owns rights to Bond but is saddled with a crushing $4 billion in debt. Although no one doubts that Bond will be back, questions remain about where the next pic will find its financing and whether the open-ended delay will slow the momentum the franchise had rediscovered on the rugged shoulders of Daniel Craig.

The topic fascinates the legions of Bond fans as well as industry insiders.

"It's a business problem that will be solved, and then Bond will be back," said director Phillip Noyce, whose Bond-esque thriller "Salt" took in $36 million domestically during the weekend. "There's still a lot of hunger out there for the Bond story."

But Bond appears to be left out in the cold as MGM debtholders extended a deadline to get the studio's financial house in order to Sept. 15. Broccoli and Wilson declined comment but are said to be deeply concerned about the effect of an indefinite delay.

"They're completely panicked that if they go five, six years without a Bond movie, it'll be over," a former MGM insider said. "They don't want to kill the golden goose."

According to the source, Broccoli is hoping for a sale to Time Warner. But TW's $1.5 billion bid for the studio in May, though the highest fielded, is well below what MGM expected. And potential companies still in the hunt -- Spyglass Entertainment, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate -- apparently are not on the scale that would satisfy the Bond producers.

"Bond's the entire yearly production budget for Lionsgate, and you've got Carl Icahn saying they're spending too much money," the former MGM insider said. "These (prospective MGM buyers) freak them out. (But) all they can do is work behind the scenes to get what they want."

Broccoli and Wilson also continue to push for Sony Pictures Entertainment to be involved. That company was behind the production, marketing and distribution of 2008's "Quantum of Solace."

"They want to continue with Sony since Sony spends," the source said.

Naturally, Broccoli and Wilson have long been protective of the family legacy. Broccoli set the tone during her first meeting with Sony's top brass at a London club before they moved forward with "Quantum." At a dinner also attended by Howard Stringer and Michael Lynton, Sony Pictures chief Amy Pascal asked Broccoli to describe traits she liked and disliked in studio executives.

"Barbara said, 'We generally like studio executives, but we don't like assholes like John Calley,' " the source said. "Howard Stringer finally cut her off. It was the most awkward moment. ... (But) it was her way of firing a shot across the bow."

Bond himself would have been impressed.

Although a delay might be worrisome, the nearly 50-year-old movie franchise not only has kept its mojo through a steady stream of reinventions but also has rebounded despite similar previous pauses. Bruce Feirstein, a frequent 007 screenwriter who recently completed the complex video story behind "Blood Stone," recalls that there was a six-year wait before switching Bonds from Timothy Dalton to Pierce Brosnan for 1995's "GoldenEye," a film whose screenplay he worked on. The film went on to gross $352 million worldwide.

"The franchise never lost its luster during that period," Feirstein noted.

"GoldenEye" casting director Pam Dixon recalled excitedly telling director Martin Campbell that her young son didn't know who Bond was. To her, that meant a chance to give the franchise a real reboot. "The long break was a plus in that instance," she says.

"Bond 23" was moving forward on the heels of more than $1 billion in worldwide grosses from "Casino Royale" (2006) and "Quantum of Solace." Craig's addition to the team was a stroke of genius that came after Broccoli viewed Matthew Vaughn's "Layer Cake." MGM had asked her to watch the film because Vaughn was under consideration to direct, but Broccoli noticed another talent.

"Barbara said, 'I really like this guy, Daniel Craig,' " the source said. "We were horrified. We liked Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman. To her credit, she thought (Craig) was a great actor, had this magnetism. We wanted to do one more with Pierce (Brosnan). ... (The producers) are generally cautious, but they are capable of doing bold strokes."

Craig was ready to roll into action again with "Bond 23," and Sam Mendes was in discussions to helm the project, which was due out next year.

Craig has been the good soldier during the delay, standing behind his April statement in which he said he was looking "forward to production resuming as quickly as possible."

As 007 sits on the sidelines, Bond hardly is the only game in town. The spy marketplace is filled with competing secret agents crowding multiplexes, and those are in competition with the slew of comic book characters seeking a big slice of Bond's audience.

Tellingly, Dixon and Campbell teamed on the upcoming DC Comics creation "Green Lantern."

"Right now, comic book franchises are so popular," Dixon says. "Who knows where we are going to be when we see the next Bond? These are very uncertain times."

Said Feirstein: "I'm not worried about 007. There's a line at the end of every movie which we used in the video game: It's that James Bond will return. ... It's been true for 50 years. A hiccup like what's going on at MGM is not going to change that."
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on November 06, 2010, 02:27:59 PM
'James Bond 23' Release Date Set For November 2012
Source: MTV

By now, you've probably heard all about how the woeful financial struggles of once-powerful studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have been holding up the works on future James Bond movies (it owns the rights to the 007 franchise). Well, good news -- on Wednesday, MGM rejected a takeover bid by Lionsgate and billionaire Carl Icahn... and instead filed for bankruptcy! That may not sound like the peachiest news, but in doing so MGM has effectively wiped $4 billion in debt off its plate and set in motion a complicated financial restructuring that will allow it to continue to make movies, including the soon-to-be-in-production "The Hobbit"... and more James Bond flicks!

According to Bloomberg, in submitting the bankruptcy claim, MGM charted its plans for the coming years, and chief among them was assigning a release date to the long-awaited follow-up to 2008's "Quantum of Solace." The next 007 film -- for now let's call it "James Bond 23" -- is slated to hit theaters in November 2012.

But before you go hopping in your Aston Martin for a victory lap, be warned that the good news doesn't stop there. MGM also stated that it plans to release a new Bond flick every second year thereafter.

What's more, the fact that "Bond 23" has its Goldeneye on a November 2012 release means that Daniel Craig will likely return to the role he gave a new, darker edge to in 2006's "Casino Royale" and '08's "Quantum of Solace." There had been concerns that MGM's financial problems could leave the James Bond franchise to wallow in limbo for years, making the now 42-year-old Craig too old to return. Whether he'll be back for more than the next installment remains to be seen, though he does have a five-Bond-picture deal in his back pocket. Also up in the air is whether "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition" helmer Sam Mendes, who had been attached to direct "Bond 23," is still on board. Either way, there are (fingers crossed) only two more years until the next Bond flick... and we can take a quantum of solace in that.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on April 16, 2011, 02:07:17 AM
Date is set for 007 film return
Source: Los Angeles Times

James Bond fans holding their breath about the fate of the superspy franchise can exhale a little. MGM and Sony have announced a deal under which the companies will co-finance and release the next two Bond pictures. After numerous false starts, the deal will return Daniel Craig to the screen as the suave if tortured hero on Nov. 9, 2012. (Sam Mendes will direct the new picture, which could also star Javier Bardem in the villain role.) The companies will share financing costs, and Sony will release the movie in all but a few select worldwide territories; MGM will release the film in the remaining territories. A second film, known informally as Bond 24, will also fall under the new deal. Details of that are still a ways off, but the deal announced Wednesday offers hope that there will be fewer snags and delays than have afflicted Bond 23. MGM financial issues and other obstacles have led to a long gap between films. The last Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace," was released in 2008.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on June 06, 2011, 08:18:54 PM
Is Naomie Harris Headed To 'James Bond 23'?
Source: The Playlist

After breaking through in 2002 in Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later," Naomie Harris seems poised for big things. She's landed roles in a number of Hollywood movies including a couple "Pirates Of The Caribbean" films, "Miami Vice," "Street Kings," "Ninja Assassin" and most recently (and notably), had a role in the critically acclaimed "The First Grader." Earlier this year, she was briefly rumored for a part in the currently delayed "The Dark Tower" mega franchise but another blockbuster series appears to be interested in the actress. Shadow & Act has revealed that an item first dropped in the Brit tabloid rag News Of The World may actually have some substance behind it. The paper reported that Harris "will be Daniel Craig's sexy sidekick in the soon-to-be filmed new 007 movie" but the actress herself is playing the cards a bit more close to the chest. In UK interviews for "The First Grader," she has confirmed she has been talking with "James Bond 23" producers but wouldn't reveal for which role or even if she will take it or if she's been offered the part. Harris is a great talent and we'd hate to see her kind of wasted in a rote Bond girl role, but if it's a meatier female character she'd be a great addition to the cast. But, as it usually goes with Bond franchise, more names will start being tossed around as casting gears up. Filming is expected to start this fall with Sam Mendes directing. The still untitled "James Bond 23" will hit U.K. cinemas first on October 26, 2012 with a U.S. release following on November 9, 2012.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on July 08, 2011, 08:31:59 AM
Naomie Harris Will Play Moneypenny In 'Bond 23,' Javier Bardem & Ralph Fiennes Locked In
Source: Playlist

For the most part, the Daniel Craig-era of Bond has left behind many of the franchise's most familiar tropes: aside from Judi Dench as MI6 head honcho M, and the CIA agent Felix Leiter played by Jeffrey Wright, it's a been a fresh start: no Q, no Blofeld, no SPECTRE, no gadgets. It worked out nicely in "Casino Royale," not so well in "Quantum of Solace," and now it appears that at least one classic Ian Fleming-created character is going to appear in the latest, Sam Mendes-directed entry in the series, currently known only as "Bond 23."

It's been rumored for some weeks now that actress Naomie Harris, who came to fame in Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later" before going on to "Miami Vice" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and its sequel, was circling a role in Mendes' film, and the actress confirmed that discussions had taken place. Now, Baz Bamigboye reports that Harris is in the very final stages of talks, and that she'll be playing a familiar figure: Moneypenny, M's assistant at MI6, who's flirted with Bond across twenty separate films. Lois Maxwell, Caroline Bliss and Samantha Bond have all officially played Moneypenny over the years (with Barbara Bouchet and Pamela Salem taking the mantle on in unofficial Bond flicks, 1967's "Casino Royale" and 1983's "Never Say Never Again"), but Harris is certainly a strong choice—indeed, we hope that casting such a terrific actress means that the character will have more to do than sit behind a desk and drop innuendo. Considering that the character tends to span multiple films, it's likely that Harris will be tied to a multi-film contract: perhaps the reason negotiations have been so protracted.

Bamigboye also suggests that the film has locked two other top actors in: both Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes were said to be circling parts earlier in the year, Bardem confirming that his was the villain, and Fiennes' said to be "darkly complex," and Bamigboye suggests that the pair are both officially set. It presumably helps matters that Bardem's other big-budget suitor, "The Dark Tower," collapsed, as there likely would have been a scheduling conflict. All in all, things are shaping up nicely here: it's certainly the starriest, most credible Bond flick in years. We'll find out if Mendes can handle the thrills as well as the actors when the film, which will shoot later in the year, hits theaters on November 9th, 2012.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on August 30, 2011, 01:59:23 AM
Is 'James Bond 23' Titled 'Carte Blanche'?
Source: Playlist

Granted, this is pulling a few disparate pieces together and making them stick and it could all amount to a big coincidence or red herring of sorts, but the guys over at Bleeding Cool have put together a compelling case nonetheless that the still untitled "James Bond 23" may in fact be named "Carte Blache." So, let's so through the evidence shall we?

Exhibit A: Serbian paper Blic recently revealed that homegrown cellist Jelena Mihailovic will write the opening score to the forthcoming "James Bond 23." How did she get the gig? According to paper, she performed at Cannes in May and blew away the producers and director Sam Mendes who immediately gave her "a chance to write the opening score for the new James Bond film, entitled Carte Blanche.'" Wait. Maybe that's just a bad translation. Maybe they meant she would have carte blance to come up with the music for the movie. Maybe...but let's go to the next clue shall we?

Exhibit B: Author Jeffrey Deaver has penned the 37th Bond book which just hit shelves in June and it's called, you guessed it, "Carte Blanche." But wait, there's even more. In the midst of the extensive plot summary on Wikipedia is this juicy bit: "[Bond] starts his assignment on the outskirts of Novi Sad in Serbia where an Irish sapper-turned-enforcer named Niall Dunne is planning to derail a train carrying three hundred kilograms of methyl isocyanate, dumping it into the Danube. Bond is able to prevent the catastrophe by derailing the train himself at a much safer place along the line. He is unable to detain Dunne, who kills Bond's Serbian contacts in the course of his escape."

Exhibit C: Just last week, reports surfaced out of the India—one of the proposed shooting locations (though that may change to South Africa)—that filmmakers were looking to film a massive train sequence. So do all of these dots connect?

Maybe. Certainly, the James Bond franchise isn't shy of terrible names for their movies (seriously, "Quantum Of Solace" was an awful—we still don't know what that means) and this all seems to make a pretty good case for "Carte Blanche" (not exactly the greatest title, though we suppose there is some kind of French elegance to it). We probably won't know for sure until the tightlipped producers decide to spill the beans when they're good and ready, but will filming set to begin this fall, official news should be forthcoming in a torrent.

Of course, if this is true, we reckon Deaver was likely working in tandem with screenwriter Patrick Marber ("Closer," "Notes on a Scandal") as the script and story was being developed. So far, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Judi Dench are set to star in the in the film that will theaters on on November 9th, 2012.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pubrick on August 30, 2011, 02:06:44 AM
most of the people who watch these movies had a hard enough time pronouncing Quantum of Solace correctly (Quantum of Solaris was a popular one).

they're gonna call this one Cate Blanchett.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Sleepless on August 30, 2011, 09:07:05 AM
Quote from: Playlist
Granted, this is pulling a few disparate pieces together and making them stick

Isn't every Playlist article?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on October 13, 2011, 03:00:07 PM
Javier Bardem inked as new villain to Daniel Craig's James Bond
Source: LA Times

Now that Javier Bardem has had time off to be a new dad, he's headed back to work being bad: The actor has been cast as Daniel Craig's nemesis in the new James Bond film.

Bardem, last seen in "Eat Pray Love" with Julia Roberts, will join Craig and director Sam Mendes for the next flick in the spy franchise. With the working title "Bond 23," the movie is set for a November 2012 release. Judi Dench will be back as M, with Naomie Harris on board as Moneypenny.

"I am very excited. My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them," Bardem said recently on "Nightline" (see the interview, below). "So to play that is going to be fun."

Sadly, the fact that he's been cast was about all he could reveal, despite having had his eye on the role since earlier this year. "They chose me to play this man, but I cannot give you many details," he said.

But never fear -- the Internet is forever! "They're changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic," Bardem told Awards Tracker in February. "I'd be playing Bond's nemesis, yes, but it's not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It's very intriguing."

Bardem is of course pretty good at playing the bad guy -- so much so that his turn as Anton Chigurh in 2007's "No Country for Old Men" scored him a supporting actor Oscar. He and Penélope Cruz -- who got married in July 2010, with her rep denying at the time that the actress was pregnant -- welcomed a baby boy in January.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on November 03, 2011, 07:53:57 AM
Sam Mendes' James Bond Film Officially Titled 'Skyfall,' Movie Is A Stand-Alone Story
Source: Playlist

After years of MGM bankruptcy-induced delays, the twenty-third entry in the longest-running franchise in cinema history, Ian Fleming's James Bond series, finally starts shooting today. And while we've known for a while that Academy Award-winner Sam Mendes is directing—perhaps the most prestigious name to take on a film in the series to date—and that Daniel Craig would return for his third go-round (along with franchise veteran Dame Judi Dench, playing M for the seventh time), official details of the project have been thin on the ground.

Oh, sure, there's been plenty of rumors, about the title, about location, some unofficial casting reports. But for the most part, things have been kept pretty much under wraps by Sony and Eon. Until this morning, where the start of filming was celebrated by a press conference in London, where most of the reported details have been set in stone.

Not much was revealed to those who haven't been paying attention, but probably the biggest confirmation is that of the title: the film, as strongly suggested by some website registrations, is entitled "Skyfall," a name unrelated to any Ian Fleming book or story, for the first time in Craig's tenure—a title that apparently "has emotional context which will be revealed in the film," according to producer Michael Wilson. And most of the reported cast have been confirmed: joining Craig and Dench in the film are Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, French newcomer Berenice Malohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Albert Finney (still unconfirmed, at least until the press release arrives; Helen McCrory and the returning Rory Kinnear). 

Bardem, a Bond fan since childhood, confirmed he'll be playing the villain, but hinted at a degree of complexity in the character, telling the assembled press "Who told you a villain is a bad person? For me, it's an honour to be at this table for many reasons. It will be fun to do." Malohe, meanwhile, will be what she described as a "glamorous, enigmatic character called Severin," while Harris, who was reported by Baz Bamigboye, who's been on top of the film's casting from the start, to be playing franchise favorite Moneypenny, said she's playing a field agent named Eve, and suggested she's been training up for some heavy action sequences. Does that mean the Moneypenny reports were wrong? Or is there a reveal being kept under wraps here? Mendes does, after all, promise a host of surprises on the project.

Lips were being kept sealed on the nature of the characters played by Fiennes, Whishaw and Finney, although the latter was said by Bamigboye last week to be playing a senior civil servant, and superior to Dench's M. Mendes teased that the names are being kept under wraps because franchise fans might recognize the characters, which lends a little fuel to the fire to rumors that Fiennes might play long-time adversary Blofeld (which we sincerely doubt), and that Whishaw is playing gadget-meister Q (which is more plausible). Contrary to rumors that freshly-minted megastar Adele would be singing the theme, producers said that no one is currently in mind, meaning there's plenty of room for our pick Anna Calvi to get involved.

Despite ludicrous British tabloid rumors that Mendes had stripped down the action to aim for an Oscar with the film, it seems that they'll be, in the words of Wilson, "plenty of action." The director said that it won't just be set-pieces for the sake of set-pieces, however; "The action is part of the main body of the film. Every decision is mine. The action needs to co-exist with the drama." Filming is taking place in Shanghai, Istanbul and the Scottish highlands, as well as Whitehall in London (where the press conference was held), and traditional home to the series Pinewood Studios.

The biggest surprise of the conference was that, despite the loose ends left at the end of disappointing last film "Quantum of Solace," which continued directly with the story of its predecessor, "Casino Royale," the film will be its own stand-alone story, with the director saying "It's its own story. It doesn't connect with the last two films." So, Bond will have to wait for another installment to vanquish the secret organization QUANTUM, and we can't say we're too sorry about that.

All in all, the pieces are in place for the most eagerly anticipated Bond film since, well "Casino Royale," but this one certainly trumps that in terms of its cast. The great Roger Deakins is lensing the film, excitingly, and production begins today. "Skyfall" hits theaters in Europe on October 26th, 2012, with a U.S. release following on November 9th.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on May 17, 2012, 04:02:04 PM
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.007.com%2Fwp-content%2Fthemes%2Fbond%2Fthumb.php%3Fsrc%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.007.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F05%2FSKY_DIGI_ONLN_TSR_1762D363.jpg%26amp%3Bw%3D637%26amp%3Bh%3D873%26amp%3Bzc%3D1%26amp%3Bq%3D100&hash=09c7f7a72dc4a9df35e80ab897c8eaf808c55651)
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pubrick on May 17, 2012, 08:58:58 PM
Fake or skysnore.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on May 21, 2012, 07:54:08 AM
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on May 21, 2012, 02:24:21 PM
the new bond doesn't seem to be having any fun.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: RegularKarate on May 21, 2012, 03:17:38 PM
I was pretty surprised at how much I liked this trailer.  Very exciting and visually intriguing.   Here's to hoping...
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Neil on May 23, 2012, 02:40:02 PM
Lazy trailer.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on May 23, 2012, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: I am Schmi on May 23, 2012, 01:20:04 AM
Eh, the trailer disappointed me. Why did Roger Deakins switch to digital? I can tell it's digital, what the hell? I was really expecting some incredible cinematography with a stunning picture for this. That's part of what made me so excited about this picture.

But still can't wait for the film. I love Sam Mendes, really expecting a lot.

roger deakins wrote a very eloquent essay on American Cinematographers some years back about his feelings towards digital.

http://www.deakinsonline.com/articles/di.php
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Pwaybloe on May 24, 2012, 11:24:06 AM
Quote from: pete on May 21, 2012, 02:24:21 PM
the new bond doesn't seem to be having any fun.

No kidding.  This Bond is turning into a "me too" of all modern action movies. 

Quote from: I am Schmi on May 23, 2012, 01:20:04 AM
Why did Roger Deakins switch to digital? I can tell it's digital, what the hell?

I'm not exactly sure how you can tell it's digital from a low quality video on YouTube.  Well, I guess I can't. 
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: BB on May 25, 2012, 10:59:14 AM
This comes courtesy of IMDB, so take it with a grain of salt, but it appears the film was shot on Alexas and the Red Epic. So, digital.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on May 25, 2012, 09:32:19 PM
Daniel Craig calls James Bond's Heineken deal 'unfortunate'

Daniel Craig has spoken out about James Bond switching from his signature "shaken, not stirred" martini to Heineken in the upcoming movie "Skyfall." The actor has called the move "unfortunate."

"It's unfortunate but that's how it is," Craig told Moviefone.com when asked about his film franchise's newly announced partnership with Heineken USA. The deal, reportedly worth $45 million, has Craig starring in a commercial for the beer, appearing on packaging for brand, and reaching for a Heineken in a scene in the film rather than for his trademark martini.

Still, Craig explains that this is simply business.

"We have relationships with a number of companies so that we can make this movie. The simple fact is that, without them, we couldn't do it," Craig says. "This movie costs a lot of money to make, it costs as nearly as much again if not more to promote, so we go where we can."

While the deal has been widely criticized, Craig isn't so sure that Bond is beer adverse.

He explains, "The great thing is that Bond is a drinker, he always has been, it's part of who he is, rightly or wrongly, you can make your own judgement about it, having a beer is no bad thing, in the movie it just happens to be Heineken."
Craig is currently filming "Skyfall," directed by Sam Mendes, in London. The movie will arrive in theaters on November 9.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Jeremy Blackman on May 25, 2012, 11:30:53 PM
A James Bond movie couldn't get funding without a beer endorsement? I find that logic unfortunate.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on July 31, 2012, 10:04:12 AM
New Trailer


Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: I am Schmi on July 31, 2012, 01:38:56 PM
Second trailer is better. The first trailer was underwhelming and disappointing to me.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on September 17, 2012, 05:37:11 PM
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoviesblog.mtv.com%2F%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fmovies%2F2012%2F09%2FSkyfall-Poster.jpg&hash=a271cf17c628c72db80121f149f3ec67513b3b57)


Adele to provide theme tune for Skyfall
Single will be called, er, Skyfall
Source: Total Film

James Bond returns to UK cinemas next month in Skyfall, Sam Mendes' first crack at directing 007, and now we know who will be crooning over the opening credits, with Adele confirmed as having recorded an official theme song.

The multi-award-winning star had long been rumoured to be taking on the prestigious accolade, and had been spotted at an MGM recording studio a couple of weeks ago. Those rumours can now be confirmed as fact, with the singer having penned the imaginatively named Skyfall.

The single will be the first release from the star since her much-feted 21 album, and can surely only be an improvement on Jack White and Alicia Keys' poorly received Another Way To Die, the theme tune to Quantum Of Solace.

Adele will likely prove a popular choice, given her success on both sides of the Atlantic, and she certainly boasts the kind of heavyweight, soulful voice usually required to do 007 justice.

Co-starring Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw, Skyfall will open in the UK on 26 October 2012.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Sleepless on September 21, 2012, 09:23:39 AM
Figured I'd pose this question here rather than create a new thread for it, but feel to split if you want...

I haven't seen very many of the James Bond films (just half a dozen or so). I know that whenever they're discussed, they're almost always treated as a genre unto themselves. But I was wondering if there was any one of them which stood out as being a singularly great film which could stand alone, apart from the rest of the series, in company with other respected classics of similar genres? Anyone?

EDIT: I guess not. Okay, then, try this one on for size: which JB film is the definitive JB film? Go.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: MacGuffin on October 08, 2012, 08:20:37 PM
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: RegularKarate on October 09, 2012, 10:35:39 AM
I feel like Adele is the most obvious choice for a Bond theme, but sometimes the most obvious choice is the best choice.

Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on October 30, 2012, 08:15:59 PM
has any of our Europen brethrens caught this yet?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Drenk on October 31, 2012, 03:12:45 AM
Yep. I'm not confortable enough with english in order to write a good review, but I loved the film a lot. Sam Mendes is Sam Mendes: some shots are just breathtaking. It's atmospheric. Casino Royal was a reboot, Skyfall is a resurrection. It's an homage of the saga, but it also brings something new. It's not trying to be Jason Bourne anymore, it's what I mean. Oh, and Javier Bardem is great. A really good Bond.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: max from fearless on October 31, 2012, 04:09:16 AM
Saw it last night. It's good. Very entertaining. Roger Deakins makes it look great, especially the lighting, it feels less glossy and more grounded, which works well with this particular Bond story. It's a bit too long though, nearly three hours (and you feel it) and it doesn't have the nerve to push all the buttons it should do, in relation to the relationships at the core of the movie. (certain relationships just weren't tested enough) Bardem steals the film, along with another great actor who turns up for the film's climax. Daniel Craig is strong, especially in the first half. Judi Dench is Judi Dench. A cool movie but I still think Casino Royale is the better Daniel Craig Bond movie.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on October 31, 2012, 05:05:56 AM
were the action sequences all overedited and and over-moved like the last one?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: max from fearless on October 31, 2012, 05:45:34 AM
The action sequences are shot really simply and not over edited. There's one really good fight, one shot, camera pushing in on the action, reminded me a lot of the Kill Bill silhouette fight. The visual style of the movie is a lot more grounded.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Drenk on October 31, 2012, 11:22:46 AM
Yes, Sam Mendes takes its time with the action sequences.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: samsong on November 08, 2012, 05:33:01 AM
very satisfying.  i'm not very well versed in the bond universe but from what i'm able to infer, skyfall a greatest hits that doesn't play like one that then breaches what as far as i can tell is new ground for the franchise... by basically turning him into bruce wayne for a while.  it's a huge, expertly crafted movie that teems with love and reverence for the tradition of bond movies, and i'm more than happy with it.  i did feel the length at times but i'm not sure that i minded after all was said and done.  especially after the shitfest that was quantum of solace it seemed appropriate to have this one stupid expansive and overcompensate.  deakins is a god among men.  sam mendes, whodda thunk.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on November 10, 2012, 04:47:34 AM
this is a beautiful action movie, probably the most beautifully shot action film I've seen. ballsy too - it dares to let characters just fall into the dark, and it dares to let the camera linger.
it's a script with a lot of ballsy choices that come together well enough that the choices don't stick out. for example, it's actually one of the most clearly conservative films I've seen in some time, but the message is succinct, in-character without being jingoistic, so you just go with it. this is also a bond that had to take the london subway at one point, as a part of a chase, not as a joke (like the avengers eating shwrama). and everything's just structured in a way that, when the classic elements of a bond film is introduced, you don't take them for granted, and you're appreciative of the payoff. for example - heineken has paid bond to drink beer instead of his classic drink, and how the film gets around that was very clever and satisfying. you'll see.

also - I was actually very pleased spotting hipsters throughout the movie - from Q to that background bad guy wearing red levis jeans.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: ©brad on November 10, 2012, 08:00:19 AM
Mendes, Deakins, Pete-approved action sequences, 4 great xixax reviews in a row... Okay I'm really excited now.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on November 10, 2012, 02:21:05 PM
the action sequence in the first scene was as outstanding as any in recent memories - and though there are a lot of running and shooting and explosion in the subsequent scenes, they weren't going for the kinetics, but instead, they were more about the shots - from the smoke-and-fire-backlit explosion to the silhouettes of people clumsily fighting (atop a skyscraper or underwater) - but they're so well shot and so captured the essence of whatever you were looking at, that you didn't care necessarily care for the stunts - not in the same way that quantum of solace or casino royale were movies that belonged to the second unit, and if you read the interview with the cinematographer for casino royale, you'd be bored to death 'cause he just kept talking about lighting the gambling scenes while admitting all the effects and the chases were filmed by somebody else.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: RegularKarate on November 12, 2012, 01:09:35 PM
I dove in with a Bond weekend... rewatched Goldfinger to get that nice "third film for a Bond" flavor then rewatched Casino Royale.

I know it's probably controversial amongst true Bond fans to say, but Skyfall was absolutely the best of these three. It's the right balance of ridiculous fun and playing it real.

It also felt like it was wrapping up the idea of the reboot (which is a silly thing to call a franchise that has had as many cycles as this one has). Like it was saying "don't worry, you're getting your old Bond back".
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: ©brad on November 12, 2012, 02:16:53 PM
Quote from: max from fearless on October 31, 2012, 04:09:16 AMIt's a bit too long though, nearly three hours (and you feel it)...

Hmm not sure which version you saw but the movie is barely 2 hours and 20 minutes. My showing was at 9:40, and even with one mercifully short trailer and some IMAX logo porn, the end credits were rolling by 12:05.

Anyway, I agree with you boys.This was a lot of fun. Definitely my favorite of the Craig series. One thing I found silly though...



SPOILS

That was a horrible plan at the end there. "Yeah let's just go to my old secluded house just the two of us and booby-trap it to fuck and wait for Javier and his army to attack us." I get the whole 'sometimes the old ways are best' theme but come on, how was that ever going to work.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Cloudy on November 12, 2012, 04:43:09 PM
SHPOIL

Was anyone curious how the film just moved on with 007 surviving that ridiculous fall in the beginning of the film? I mean, I know he's James Bond and all...but? I tried to just ignore it.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: samsong on November 12, 2012, 07:04:00 PM
Quote from: Cloudy on November 12, 2012, 04:43:09 PM
SHPOIL

Was anyone curious how the film just moved on with 007 surviving that ridiculous fall in the beginning of the film? I mean, I know he's James Bond and all...but? I tried to just ignore it.

a giant hand plucked him out of the water and resuscitated him for the opening credits.  what's curious about that?
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Tortuga on November 13, 2012, 05:57:01 AM
S P O I L E R S I suppose


I kept hoping that at some point Bond and the villain would enter CYBERSPACE and continue their battle virtually. I'm talking minimalistic neon-green-on-pitch-black-grid environments here. And laser gun shootouts! And a chase sequence through a microchip city. The last half hour of the film would be entirely cgi. It would be perfect. It would perfectly pay off the "Bond isn't what he used to be physically" and "I can do more damage form behind my computer than you with your gun" set-ups. This sort of visual style is even hinted at in the opening title sequence!
Really, if they're going for the whole 90's hacker nonsense (while still trying to be an action film) why not go all the way?

Would have been no more ridiculous than the whole A-team-/home alone-style building traps and bombs bullshit they pulled now.

And fuck hipster Q.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: pete on November 13, 2012, 01:53:29 PM
vague spoilers

I just realized that Bond failed every single mission in this film. good guys kept dying and properties kept getting destructed because he's just not that good.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: polkablues on November 13, 2012, 09:18:53 PM
Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace were the Jason Bourne versions of James Bond, and Skyfall is the Dark Knight version.  Never have 007's personal demons been so integral to the story being told, and never have the stakes felt so personal.  Not only that, but the film actually raised the question of whether the model of the James Bond-style spy even makes sense in the modern world, and as Pete pointed out above, kind of subtly comes down on the side that it doesn't.

All in all, the best Bond since Goldeneye, and probably the best we'll get until Idris Elba takes over.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Cloudy on November 14, 2012, 05:09:25 AM
Those shots of 007 on top of a building overseeing his city always just took me back to TDK. A lot of people say that TDK took it's style from OO7 anyways, so I can see how it all relates.

Did anyone pay critical attention to the cinematography? I've never seen digital cinematography in this way. I'm not sure if I really enjoyed the aesthetic completely. Sometimes even the real photography (non-CGI) felt like digital renderings. At other points the aesthetic fit really beautifully as well. It was interesting to see where digital is going with Deakins in charge. Maybe it was this film, but it felt "too real". I always thought that phrase was stupid, but I think I get it now.

Overall, i thought it was a fun ride. Enjoyed it. Once Bardem comes in, the film really starts to move.
Quote from: samsong on November 12, 2012, 07:04:00 PM
Quote from: Cloudy on November 12, 2012, 04:43:09 PM
SHPOIL

Was anyone curious how the film just moved on with 007 surviving that ridiculous fall in the beginning of the film? I mean, I know he's James Bond and all...but? I tried to just ignore it.

a giant hand plucked him out of the water and resuscitated him for the opening credits.  what's curious about that?

OHHHH. :bravo:
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Sleepless on March 18, 2013, 10:43:22 AM
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy < Skyfall < Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Very nicely shot though.
Title: Re: Skyfall - Bond 23
Post by: Lottery on March 18, 2013, 11:27:23 PM
Quote from: Cloudy on November 14, 2012, 05:09:25 AM
Those shots of 007 on top of a building overseeing his city always just took me back to TDK. A lot of people say that TDK took it's style from OO7 anyways, so I can see how it all relates.

And Mann's Heat.