No Time To Die: Production Diary

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  • jake24jake24 Sitting at your desk, kissing your lover, eating supper with your familyModerator
    edited October 2017 Posts: 10,591
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    Are we still working off the thought that the aforementioned three directors are still the ones occupying the short list? Or has that most likely changed at this point?
    I have never seen David Mackenzie as a serious candidate, if I'm being honest. If something has indeed changed, I'd say Villeneuve is most definitely the frontrunner (as opposed to Demange), and no doubt 2049 helped with that.

    Speaking of Demange, I forgot to mention that I recently saw '71. My thoughts are that while it certainly doesn't live up to the brilliance led on by some critics, it's a gripping-enough action/war thriller. That said, aside from some palpable tension, there was really nothing that lead me to believe that Demange is capable of making a great Bond film. There's a large amount of shaky cam that engulfs most of the action, the editing is often shoddy, and the cinematography is bleak and quite one-note. It's still a good film, but EON should definitely resort to a director with more experience. Demange is too much of a risk to be a frontrunner at this point.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,969
    bondjames wrote: »
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    Are we still working off the thought that the aforementioned three directors are still the ones occupying the short list? Or has that most likely changed at this point?
    We don't have any evidence to suggest there is anyone else in the picture at the moment. Given the seals are loose on this operation (the leaks haven't been plugged) I'd imagine we'd have heard if there was anyone else in the frame. The only one who could be a surprise at this point is Sam Mendes.

    I certainly hope that isn't the case. I'll be overly ecstatic if it's one of the three off the shortlist and not him.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    @Getafix ?... what's my avatar? On my screen it's showing my golden retrievers?

    @Thunderfinger: B.O. analysis is being done on the film on the opening weekend and BR 2049 fell below the industry predictions.

    @ClarkDevlin, once again, I found it a very easy ride for me as a viewer. Like @bondjames and his reasons, I share pretty similar feelings. I also think, re: B25, we're a ways from CR, unfortunately. So, my only hope is a strong script that utilizes the strengths of the leading man, and a visionary to ramp up and execute a great, visual story that will entertain the masses.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Different minds, I guess.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Yah, @ClarkDevlin, agreed, and that's why we're all here. Interesting to hear other POV!
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2017 Posts: 23,883
    If these guys are going to go with Villeneuve they may want to consider a competent action oriented editor or second unit director.

    Someone who can do what Glen or Hunt did on the old Bond films prior to taking on the director's chair themselves. I think the action scenes will have to be top notch in B25 to allow for the more thematic/character elements (which Craig will inevitably want) to co-exist and still deliver a box office smash which satisfies most fans.

    I think many of us can agree that since Campbell left the chair the films have been somewhat lacking in this department.
  • edited October 2017 Posts: 11,425
    peter wrote: »
    @Getafix ?... what's my avatar? On my screen it's showing my golden retrievers?

    @Thunderfinger: B.O. analysis is being done on the film on the opening weekend and BR 2049 fell below the industry predictions.

    @ClarkDevlin, once again, I found it a very easy ride for me as a viewer. Like @bondjames and his reasons, I share pretty similar feelings. I also think, re: B25, we're a ways from CR, unfortunately. So, my only hope is a strong script that utilizes the strengths of the leading man, and a visionary to ramp up and execute a great, visual story that will entertain the masses.

    I assume you're kidding. Either that or casting aspersions about the abilities of the resident IT manager.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    @bondjames -- usually action would be handled by the Second Unit (unless you're Nolan-- who supposedly does his own action).

    @Getafix -- I'm not joking. My avatar is of my two dogs, not Dalton... (!!)
  • jake24 wrote: »
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    Are we still working off the thought that the aforementioned three directors are still the ones occupying the short list? Or has that most likely changed at this point?
    I have never seen David Mackenzie as a serious candidate, if I'm being honest. If something has indeed changed, I'd say Villeneuve is most definitely the frontrunner (as opposed to Demange), and no doubt 2049 helped with that.

    Speaking of Demange, I forgot to mention that I recently saw '71. My thoughts are that while it certainly doesn't live up to the brilliance led on by some critics, it's a gripping-enough action/war thriller. That said, aside from some palpable tension, there was really nothing that lead me to believe that Demange is capable of making a great Bond film. There's a large amount of shaky cam that engulfs most of the action, the editing is often shoddy, and the cinematography is bleak and quite one-note. It's still a good film, but EON should definitely resort to a director with more experience. Demange is too much of a risk to be a frontrunner at this point.

    I think the upside of that though is that the director is easier to keep reigned in (not that they shouldn't put their own stamp on it mind but there are limitations). I liked SF and loved SP but even I think Mendes had way too much power over the whole thing. Someone like Demange is easier to keep in check. But then again a lot of the ideas in DAD were apparently Tamahori's and he wasn't a big name, so maybe EON just have a hands off approach in general (which I don't think is that bad to be fair, at least it means the movies don't feel micromanaged or soulless).
  • Posts: 11,119
    Still, with the first box office figures coming in for "Blade Runner 2049", it could very well be that Villeneuve now wants to direct a safer formula-film like Bond. In a way that's similar to Sam Mendes. He directed a lot of arthouse-style, thematically rich movies, until he did his first insane box office smasher: "Skyfall".
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited October 2017 Posts: 40,969
    Villeneuve described BR2049 as one of "the most expensive R-rated independent films ever." I don't think he's in the business to play it safe, as evidenced by, say, Enemy.
  • PropertyOfALadyPropertyOfALady Colders Federation CEO
    Posts: 3,675
    Enemy was one of the strangest movies I have ever seen.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I'm quite certain that 'budget' is going to be a renewed focus over at EON/MGM/Distributor HQ as discussions continue.

    It's all about getting a handle on costs, because the market is increasingly unpredictable and fickle.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,969
    Enemy was one of the strangest movies I have ever seen.

    Craziest closing scene I've ever witnessed in a film.

    @bondjames, I do hope so - it's best for everyone involved, especially when they're paying $300 million and you just don't see that money on screen.
  • jake24jake24 Sitting at your desk, kissing your lover, eating supper with your familyModerator
    Posts: 10,591
    Enemy was one of the strangest movies I have ever seen.
    Still haven't seen this one. I hope to at some point given my admiration of Villeneuve's movies.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Plus @jake24 , it takes place in Toronto... but, yah, be warned: it’s weird as hell and the ending is killer.

    @Creasy47 , did you notice Villeneuve used a similar image in THE ARRIVAL???
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,969
    peter wrote: »
    Plus @jake24 , it takes place in Toronto... but, yah, be warned: it’s weird as hell and the ending is killer.

    @Creasy47 , did you notice Villeneuve used a similar image in THE ARRIVAL???

    I did! I wasn't crazy about Arrival but I did enjoy the similarity between the two images; likely wouldn't have even noticed if the final images of Enemy hadn't stuck in my brain the way they did.
  • jake24jake24 Sitting at your desk, kissing your lover, eating supper with your familyModerator
    Posts: 10,591
    You guys have me intrigued. Screw it, I'm buying a digital copy now.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,969
    jake24 wrote: »
    You guys have me intrigued. Screw it, I'm buying a digital copy now.

    Prepare to have that brain scrambled! I had to rush to YouTube immediately after for an in-depth analysis on it.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Ha ha, good on you @jake24 ... and yes @Creasy47 , that ending did stick (too much, I’m afraid— it’s the stuff of my nightmares!!)
  • PropertyOfALadyPropertyOfALady Colders Federation CEO
    edited October 2017 Posts: 3,675
    jake24 wrote: »
    You guys have me intrigued. Screw it, I'm buying a digital copy now.

    Strap in and prepare to be mind screwed.

    EDIT: Please PM me your thoughts.
  • jake24jake24 Sitting at your desk, kissing your lover, eating supper with your familyModerator
    edited October 2017 Posts: 10,591
    Off to a very bizarre start. Why does the eOne logo appear twice before the film starts?
  • SuperintendentSuperintendent A separate pool. For sharks, no less.
    Posts: 871
    I'm among the minority who were not overwhelmed by Sicario. Maybe because I had very high expectations. On the other hand, Prisoners is a great film, and I've yet to see his other movies.

    For me it's not so much about the director of Bond 25, it's more about the story and the themes. The director is important, of course, but no director can make me feel thrilled if the film is a continuation of Mendes' ideas about Bond's journey as a character. I'm really done with the personal angle.

    That doesn't mean the movie can't be good, but I'm not expecting a CR quality, that's for sure.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    @jake24 ... that’s all part of it’s mystique- bwah-ha-ha... (actually I have no idea!!).
  • jake24jake24 Sitting at your desk, kissing your lover, eating supper with your familyModerator
    Posts: 10,591
    peter wrote: »
    @jake24 ... that’s all part of it’s mystique- bwah-ha-ha... (actually I have no idea!!).
    I'd thought that perhaps it was symbolism, given the nature of the plot. This is a really interesting film.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    And so unique to his more recent films @jake24– but then again, all his films feel unique when compared to the others. He’s quite a special talent.
  • edited October 2017 Posts: 386
    Last films have traditionally been tough for Bond actors.

    Connery phoning it in, Moore struggling with the physical side, Brosnan unable to improve on his debut.

    At least Craig goes in knowing it's his last, which must count for something.

    But for B25 to succeed, EON will need to create something they've never done before - a rousing send-off.

    This, while lumped with all the plot baggage they've insisted the DC era must carry.

    CR was an unexpected delight. The degree of difficulty now, a dozen years later, is through the roof.
  • edited October 2017 Posts: 11,119
    GetCarter wrote: »
    Last films have traditionally been tough for Bond actors.

    Connery phoning it in, Moore struggling with the physical side, Brosnan unable to improve on his debut.

    At least Craig goes in knowing it's his last, which must count for something.

    But for B25 to succeed, EON will need to create something they've never done before - a rousing send-off.

    Exactly @GetCarter. Hence I said this:
    To be very honest: I can both live with Denis Villeneuve and Yann Demange. But, since EON Productions probably want to make the best ever send-off within the Bond franchise (and let's face it, that has never happened before), I can understand Craig's and Broccoli's reasoning for basically kidnapping Villeneuve ;-). I think that this is also the way they are selling the Bond25-project to potential directors: A big, gigantic send-off that will equal the quality of "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall".

    So it's time we break that tradition and make people cry from delight after they've seen this send-off, which Bond #25 will be.
  • 007Blofeld007Blofeld In the freedom of the West.
    Posts: 3,126
    GetCarter wrote: »
    Last films have traditionally been tough for Bond actors.

    Connery phoning it in, Moore struggling with the physical side, Brosnan unable to improve on his debut.

    At least Craig goes in knowing it's his last, which must count for something.

    But for B25 to succeed, EON will need to create something they've never done before - a rousing send-off.

    Exactly @GetCarter. Hence I said this:
    To be very honest: I can both live with Denis Villeneuve and Yann Demange. But, since EON Productions probably want to make the best ever send-off within the Bond franchise (and let's face it, that has never happened before), I can understand Craig's and Broccoli's reasoning for basically kidnapping Villeneuve ;-). I think that this is also the way they are selling the Bond25-project to potential directors: A big, gigantic send-off that will equal the quality of "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall".

    So it's time we break that tradition and make people cry from delight after they've seen this send-off, which Bond #25 will be.

    Yeah it could be a turning point film in the series the first time an actor gets a great send off film
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    They certainly have a chance; they announced it and there will be a lot riding on this.
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