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No Time To Die: Production Diary

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  • smittysmitty
    Posts: 725
    smitty wrote: »
    Comparing EON now to Cubby's output doesn't work. Cubby had the books, current EON doesn't. Cubby had no competition, current EON has tons of spy films stealing their every trope. cubby had smaller budgets with far less technology to deal with than current EON's huge budgets and vastly more complex films. The comparison doesn't work. Different times, vastly different circumstances.
    bondjames wrote: »
    smitty wrote: »
    Comparing EON now to Cubby's output doesn't work. Cubby had the books, current EON doesn't. Cubby had no competition, current EON has tons of spy films stealing their every trope. cubby had smaller budgets with far less technology to deal with than current EON's huge budgets and vastly more complex films.. Different times, vastly different circumstances.
    Indeed, they are different circumstances - that goes completely without saying.

    I still think, as the co-creator of the film behemoth, he had an innate feel for it. I don't think his successors really have shown such prowess, despite CR.

    I agree with that. He created screen Bond. Current EON is mostly just trying not to screw it up.

  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited February 2016 Posts: 23,883
    Also, I think he probably had a little more control over all the elements (writing, directer, score etc.). From what I've read, he was very hands on and kept things on a bit of a leash, within reason. I think the current team allows a little more freedom to their team, for good and bad. For example, I wonder if he would have allowed the brother connection? I doubt it.
  • smittysmitty
    edited February 2016 Posts: 725
    Cubby had the books for his films. That was a huge advantage. It's very likely why CR is Craig's best Bond of his 4. I just don't think you can underestimate what an advantage that was.
  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    I still say Craig will do 1 or 2 more. How could he not as an actor you are given the ability to play 007 but also the wide arrange emotions in bond 25 (pure blss to sorrowing pain and anger) honestly if whoever writes the script bases it off of On her majesties secret service and you only live twice the film will be such a power house of acting that it might be the most challenging film in Craig's Career.

    if he walked away on that he would have to be crazy.
  • ChampionAlonsoChampionAlonso
    edited February 2016 Posts: 389
    Sometimes we see Cubby as a kind of God (me too), but I don´t think the movies he made without Saltzman were better than the films produced by MGW and BB. In fact, the most praised Bond films since HS departure are (by far) CR and SF, both produced by MGW & BB. The best thing about Cubby was that we had 5 movies per decade, now we have only three. :-<
  • RC7RC7
    edited February 2016 Posts: 10,512
    Under Cubby's reign (particularly 77-89) the Bond films were primarily producer led endeavours. Under Barbara and Michael, particularly with the last three, they've allowed a level of directorial input that outstrips that which has gone before. For example, Forster was quite vocal about not being a fan of Bond pre-CR. That doesn't strike me as the sort of individual Cubby would hire. Was it a good decision? Some people here love that film. With Mendes we have a guy who proclaims he loves Bond, but at the same time wants to bring quite a different take. Was that a good decision? I think it's hard to call it a categorical failure.

    Cubby valued stability, where B+M have done their best to explore new avenues. I think there are pros and cons to each. It's easy to attack the direction they've taken and the time it has taken to put these Craig films together, but they will see plenty of validation in their decision making and after all it is their call ultimately.

    The one thing I do think people need to remind themselves of is that you don't just go and make a good movie. It isn't anywhere near that simple.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,399
    If they brought the budget down to around 150 million, which would mean going with a more workmanlike director, a more streamlined production and a shorter running time (somewhere around 2 hours), then EON could bang'em out on a two year schedule ad infinitum. That seem's like the way to go to me, if they can find the right actor who is willing to commit his career to being in Bond films.
  • TheWizardOfIceTheWizardOfIce 'One of the Internet's more toxic individuals'
    Posts: 9,117
    bondjames wrote: »
    Interesting times ahead.

    In China the phrase 'May you live in interesting times' is meant as a curse.

    I would certainly prefer to live in boring times when Cubby and Harry were bashing out a film every 2 years based on a Fleming novel than interesting times where the Wilson brothers take the reigns.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,399
    TheWizardOfIce wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    Interesting times ahead.

    In China the phrase 'May you live in interesting times' is meant as a curse.

    I would certainly prefer to live in boring times when Cubby and Harry were bashing out a film every 2 years based on a Fleming novel than interesting times where the Wilson brothers take the reigns.

    The franchise is headed for demolition on the current course.
  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    Mendes4Lyfe wrote: »
    TheWizardOfIce wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    Interesting times ahead.

    In China the phrase 'May you live in interesting times' is meant as a curse.

    I would certainly prefer to live in boring times when Cubby and Harry were bashing out a film every 2 years based on a Fleming novel than interesting times where the Wilson brothers take the reigns.

    The franchise is headed for demolition on the current course.

    Yada yada yada.
  • SonofSeanSonofSean
    edited February 2016 Posts: 202
    Mendes4Lyfe wrote: »
    If they brought the budget down to around 150 million, which would mean going with a more workmanlike director, a more streamlined production and a shorter running time (somewhere around 2 hours), then EON could bang'em out on a two year schedule ad infinitum. That seem's like the way to go to me, if they can find the right actor who is willing to commit his career to being in Bond films.

    Looking at Spectre, I don't see where the money went and how it was budgeted in the region of $250 million! There was quite a lot of globe-hopping but that stuff didn't advance the plot. The film didn't look like the most expensive film ever made that's for sure. In fact, i would say if they did spend $250 million, then it was a big waste of money. I know Daniel Craig likes expensive Tom Ford suits, but seriously? I've no idea how much money they have to pay Craig, but perhaps recasting the lead role would save them a lot of money.

    Mathew Vaughn on the other hand has a track record of making some wonderful movies and all made at a fraction of the cost of Spectre. If EON hired Vaughan he'd deliver an excellent Bond movie and for half the money they spent on Spectre. And, he might persuade Daniel Craig to stick around for one last movie after their excellent collaboration on Layer Cake.

  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    I'm not sure if EoN and MV are on good terms.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    I think I know why Craig wants to slit his wrists...he's been reading this thread. One sympathises.
  • ChampionAlonsoChampionAlonso
    Posts: 389
    doubleoego wrote: »
    I'm not sure if EoN and MV are on good terms.
    Why?
  • RC7RC7
    Posts: 10,512
    NicNac wrote: »
    I think I know why Craig wants to slit his wrists...he's been reading this thread. One sympathises.

    So true.

  • mcdonbbmcdonbb deep in the Heart of Texas
    Posts: 4,116
    RC7 wrote: »
    TheWizardOfIce wrote: »
    I guess it depends on what sort of pressure the new studio can bring to bear on EON. They will no doubt want a film out ASAP and will ask the question if monumental productions like Star Wars and Avengers can do 2 or 3 years turnarounds why can something like Bond?

    Bond is essentially still a family business, though. Star Wars and Marvel are gargantuan by comparison. They are essentially their own studios, where EON is merely a production company. I still think Bond can operate in a space that is distanced from these two behemoths and part of me feels it needs to.

    SW will suffer fatigue very quickly, imo. Part of the joy of its appeal is in the relative scarcity of material, it used to feel reasonably precious. A trilogy that transcended mainstream cinema. Their plan going forward looks, to me, like inevitable market saturation. Do I really need to know what Han was doing in his early twenties? I'm not saying they won't have success, but I don't think the levels they are currently operating at are sustainable.

    Bond has always been a somewhat different proposition. They could do with more of a long term plan post-Craig, but the appeal for 007 is not the same as SW or Marvel. The three year turnaround seems reasonable to me if they really do want to compete. The other option is to scale back production and compete on a level just below these big hitters. I think that's creatively interesting, but it isn't to the $$$ men, so it's a tricky move going forward.

    Blankets for the devil... I actually agree with you. :D
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    I don't want Bond following the same Marvel plan where films are announced years and decades in advance, but planning a little further ahead of time wouldn't be bad, either. It's not impossible to get us back on having a new film every other year, it can be done.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,399
    whelp Mark Strong is a close friend of Craig, looks like it's over.
  • ThighsOfXeniaThighsOfXenia
    Posts: 1,596
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    I don't want Bond following the same Marvel plan where films are announced years and decades in advance, but planning a little further ahead of time wouldn't be bad, either. It's not impossible to get us back on having a new film every other year, it can be done.

    Yeah planning is good. Over-planning is overwhelming to fans and provides little creative wiggle room. Balance is necessary.
    RC7 wrote: »
    Mendes4Lyfe wrote: »
    TheWizardOfIce wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    Interesting times ahead.

    In China the phrase 'May you live in interesting times' is meant as a curse.

    I would certainly prefer to live in boring times when Cubby and Harry were bashing out a film every 2 years based on a Fleming novel than interesting times where the Wilson brothers take the reigns.

    The franchise is headed for demolition on the current course.

    Yada yada yada.

    Quite. We're already spoiled in that we've got 24 films in our favorite franchise. Some fans might get only 3 or 4 or whatever. Chill out, y'all.

  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    I don't want Bond following the same Marvel plan where films are announced years and decades in advance, but planning a little further ahead of time wouldn't be bad, either. It's not impossible to get us back on having a new film every other year, it can be done.
    Well, while I do agree, I'd like them to announce the title of the next film, at least. We haven't been getting it since The Living Daylights.

    James Bond Will Return in [Official Bond 25 Title Here].
  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    The Hildebrand Rarity Your welcome calvin lol


    I am still not buying it till I see an official story of course if its true I will be sad.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    ChampionAlonso wrote: »
    doubleoego wrote: »
    I'm not sure if EoN and MV are on good terms.
    Why?

    Some messy business circa CR.

  • JBFan626JBFan626
    Posts: 1,497
    Mendes4Lyfe wrote: »
    whelp Mark Strong is a close friend of Craig, looks like it's over.

    If Craig's not into it anymore, time to hang it up and move on. Honestly he'd be doing the fans, the film-makers, and himself a disservice by sticking around for another if it's such a drag.

  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    While it would be nice to see the title of the next film at the end of the previous one, this was only a constant presence due to being able to work off Fleming's work. Now that this isn't the case, it's much harder to do, and there's no way they'll ever be able to plan the title of the next movie when they can't even get a proper release schedule down for the movies.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Craig will be back for one more. This is how you build hype.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Risico007 wrote: »
    The Hildebrand Rarity Your welcome calvin lol


    I am still not buying it till I see an official story of course if its true I will be sad.
    Wave Link, perhaps? =))

    And The name's Devlin. Clark Devlin. :))
  • AlexanderWaverlyAlexanderWaverly
    Posts: 2,115
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    While it would be nice to see the title of the next film at the end of the previous one, this was only a constant presence due to being able to work off Fleming's work. Now that this isn't the case, it's much harder to do, and there's no way they'll ever be able to plan the title of the next movie when they can't even get a proper release schedule down for the movies.

    Agreed about the release schedule part, but there is one way you could promote the title of the next movie -- use the continuation novels. There are so many now there are plenty to choose from.

    They opened the door to this, at least a tiny bit, in SPECTRE, basing the torture scene off the one in Colonel Sun (with a credit to the "estate of Kingsley Amis" deep in the end titles). That despite Michael G. Wilson's criticism of the Gardner novels.
  • mcdonbbmcdonbb deep in the Heart of Texas
    Posts: 4,116
    Yea I didn't really Gardner's Bond novels either but yes you have a lot of great titles and some less great titles to choose.

    Devil May Care great title, Solo less so, No Deals, Mr Bond no way ..

    Comics titles too..

    I'm over that now ...I'm good with just "James Bond will return..." instead of trying to write a script to match just a title.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    I didn't even notice the comments made by Strong until now. Well, if he's such close friends with Craig and talking like this, he probably has some information that nobody else does. Let's hope that they manage to roll with his disinterest in returning by looking to the future and figuring out who to hire next, if it's the case. I don't want the next year or two riddled with speculation on it, just something concrete so they can figure out where to go from here.
  • Risico007Risico007
    Posts: 9,847
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    While it would be nice to see the title of the next film at the end of the previous one, this was only a constant presence due to being able to work off Fleming's work. Now that this isn't the case, it's much harder to do, and there's no way they'll ever be able to plan the title of the next movie when they can't even get a proper release schedule down for the movies.

    well the Lack of Fleming titles is kind of garbage as if we look at all films post The living Daylights (which I thought the last title to be mentioned was From A View to a Kill in Octopussy and From a View to a Kill mentioned James bond will return)


    there are only 3 titles of the past 9 films are not from fleming where Licence to kill Goldeneye The World Is Not Enough Casino Royale Quantum of Solace and Spectre are all from Fleming and we still have a ton of titles left too choose from

    A list (an I apologize that this is slightly off topic and this is all my opinion)


    The Secret Agent
    Dossier for M
    The Girl from Headquarters
    Rouge et Noir
    Pink Lights and Champagne
    The Game is Baccarat
    The High Table
    Moment of Truth
    The deadly Tube
    A Whisper of Love, A Whisper of Hate (and this can be split up into two films)
    The Crawling of the Skin
    The Nature of Evil
    Tide of Passion
    The Bleeding Heart
    SMERSH
    The Red Carpet
    The Silver Phantom
    Death of a Pelican
    Midnight Among the Worms
    The Undertaker's Wind (while I am not a fan of this title by any means it still could technically work)
    Valley of Shadows
    Terror by Sea
    Passionate Leave (which could be a good title for bond 25 considering Bond Swann's relationship)
    The Columbite King
    The Shiner
    Dinner at Blades
    Cards with a Stranger
    The Quickness of the Hand
    Take it from Here
    Dead Reckoning
    Itching Fingers
    Rough Justice
    A Golden Day
    Beneath the Flat Stone
    Missing Person
    The Persuader
    Pandora's Box
    Zero Minus


    and that's literally just the first three books and not even getting into the rest of the novels now grant you not everyone will love all these titles (trying to picture Tom Hiddleston is 007 in The Undertaker's Wind and not bursting out laughing is hard for me to do)

    this is why I laugh when people say some of the short story titles should be saved for Craig's Succesor..


    WHY I f Craig is returning for Bond 25 and the title The Property of a Lady makes 110% sense then use it call Bond 25 that and lets move on there are enough chapter titles that Fit the mold of the remaining 4 short story titles

    Short and Sweet like Risico
    SMERSH
    The Bleeding Heart
    etc

    romantic and beautiful like The Property of a lady
    Cards with a Stranger
    A Whisper of Love, A Whisper of Hate
    Tide of Passion
    The Girl from Headquarters (though this can fit both romantic and noiresque)

    Strange and Noiresque Like The Hildebrand rarity
    The Crawling of the Skin
    Midnight Among the Worms
    The Columbite King


    Bland and kind of obvious like 007 in New York

    The Secret Agent
    Dossier for M
    Missing Person
    The Persuader
    Pandora's Box
    Zero Minus
    etc


    like I said there is enough Fleming titles to keep us going for another 10 actors let alone Craig's era and Hiddlestons(I am guessing and hoping here)
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