Bond 22 - now what?

A place to discuss the latest in Bond News.
Post Reply
User avatar
The Sweeney
003
Posts: 3388
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm
Favorite Bond Movie: OHMSS, GF, LTK, CR, FRWL
Favorite Movies: Bullitt, The Long Good Friday, The Towering Inferno, Jaws, Rocky, Superman the Movie, McVicar, Goodfellas, Get Carter, Three Days of the Condor, Butch & Sundance, The Sting, All the Presidents Men
Location: Underneath a Mango Tree....

Bond 22 - now what?

Post by The Sweeney »

Interesting article I found on the web -

http://www.bondmovies.com/news/180.shtml

The Honeymoon Is Over

Really, as a Bond fan, the 'honeymoon' period after the release of the latest 007 movie, Casino Royale, is coming to an end: I saw the movie in theaters several (four) times, re-read the novel, picked apart scenes and dialog from the film, discussed Craig's character until my face turned blue, and listened to Chris Cornell's theme "You Know My Name" until I couldn't stand it anymore (it didn't take as many times as you think - more on that later). Now, with less then a week until the release of Bond 21 on DVD, I can say with some confidence that my obsession with Craig's first outing as 007 will subside by the middle or end of the summer. At least, I hope, for my social life's sake.

Soon enough, the focus of Bond fans and the mainstream media will shift from Royale to Bond 22. Slated for a November 2008 release, it is closer than even a hardcore Bond fan may even realize.

~610 Days

As of this writing, assuming that Bond 22 will be released on November 7, 2008 (yes, the date is already known, although it may change), there are a mere 610 days until I will be in a movie theater chair at a midnight showing of Bond 22. It may seem like a long time to some, but after we reach November of 2007, the movie might as well premiere. The less-than-365-days mark is key; only 12 months to release. In the days leading up to that milestone, I hope to hear some encouraging news about Bond 22's production. Here, in no particular order, are some of my 'keys to success' for Bond 22.

Call Royale's Bluff And Raise It All-In

Casino Royale really came out of left field. No one knew what to expect - a new Bond, no gadgets, no CGI, "Bond Begins." After its release and blockbuster success, it is safe to say that the franchise will 'live another day.' With that fact, however, the pressure is on for Bond 22. The next movie is a very delicate matter and thinking back on previous Bond movies, the franchise has never really been in this situation. Craig has catapulted the series back into the minds of many in a positive light. Browsing reviews of the film, I was hard pressed to find a completely negative review - something that was a lot easier to achieve in the Brosnan era (no offense, Pierce). Really, the only way to ensure that Bond 22 will at least improve the longevity of the franchise and Craig's Bond is by upping the stakes in the next movie.

I'm not suggesting that the franchise revert to CGI or even a bigger budget. In fact, the exact opposite is the optimal route. Keep it simple. Casino Royale was a great movie and a refreshing Bond movie because of its simplicity. Showing how Bond became Bond was a perfect way to invigorate the character and at the same time cleverly introduce a fresh plot line and a new criminal organization similar to the S.P.E.C.T.R.E. of the past.

Evolve, Do Not Change

Of course, Bond 22 will have to be different than its predecessor. For one, Bond should not fall in love again. Craig has shown that his character was once vulnerable. The Bond that we know and love now should be the womanizing playboy that Fleming intended. Bond should sleep with many women in the next movie. I'll leave it up to your imagination (filthy or not) to how many he should 'bed,' but at a minimum, Craig's Bond in 22 should have the mission at the top of his priority list, not the girl(s).

Q should return in a small role. Although his screen time should be minimal, he should at least give Bond a small gadget (why not a simple gadget? Something like From Russia With Love's briefcase with hidden throwing knives?)

The title of the movie should be short and to the point. Rumors have surfaced that the working title of Bond 22 is Risico. Perfect. Remember, simple. Craig's Bond wouldn't fit in a movie whose title is a sweeping generalization about living another day or something lasting forever or never dying. Take a chance and make the title relevant only after watching the movie. Why not?

Another major selling point for 22 will be its theme song. This will be an important part of the movie. No more mainstream bands this time, please - the bass lines and guitar riffs were good one time around, but having them for another movie is overkill. Symphony, symphony, symphony. The theme doesn't even need to have lyrics. Why not just have the London Symphony Orchestra on board for a slow, eerie theme. That would be great!

Last Words (Sort Of)

After the movie is finished, the producers and fans should also be aware of one thing that could leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Follow this rule after production on the film is complete:

Ignore The Media!

Let's be serious, even if Daniel Craig performs the role of his life and wins a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in 22, there is no way that it will live up to Casino Royale in the eyes of the media. I will be very surprised if I have a hard time finding negative reviews for Bond 22. Maybe its just the nature of a sequel, or a testament to how great Casino Royale really is, but I am calling it now, the media will not be satisfied no matter what.

Despite the media onslaught, the producers and everyone involved in Bond 22's production just have to act on their instincts and try to create a Bond film that the character's creator, Ian Fleming, would enjoy.
Post Reply