With the 23rd installment in the James Bond series set to begin shooting today – an impressive feat, considering the film almost didn’t happen at all thanks to MGM’s financial woes – director Sam Mendes and the production team felt this was as good a time as any to have a press conference revealing some key details about the film. And while a lot of the reveals were things we already knew, at least we can finally stop calling the movie Bond 23.
Yes, the latest entry in the longest running movie franchise in history finally has a name. The new film will be entitled Skyfall, which astute Bond fans will realize is a name not tied to any of Ian Fleming’s novels or stories. It’s a title that "has emotional context which will be revealed in the film," according to producer Michael Wilson. We like the title. It’s a much better name than the last film’s ludicrous Quantum of Solace.
For those wondering what Skyfall might relate to, a synopsis has turned up:
"Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."
Sounds interesting – a more personal Bond film is certainly something we can get behind. However, since Mendes is saying this is a stand-alone story – something this synopsis seems to confirm – those waiting for all the loose ends of Quantum of Solace to get tied up will apparently have to keep waiting.
Aside from that, Wilson and Mendes also confirmed much of the film’s casting. Early rumors that Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Javier Bardem would take on key roles in the film were correct, and they’ll be joined by Bernice Mahole, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, and others.
Bardem spoke briefly about being a bad guy, waxing philosophical on the topic. "Who told you a villain is a bad person? For me, it’s an honor to be at this table for many reasons. It will be fun to do."
This quasi-philosophical take on the character could be more proof that Mendes is set to make a Bond film that bucks with the traditions of the series and aims to tell a deeper, more nuanced, story. Clearly rumors that he’s planning a film that drops the action levels in hopes of garnering Oscar nods is ludicrous, but the director did speak briefly about how he’s approaching the action sequences in Skyfall.
"The action is part of the main body of the film. Every decision is mine. The action needs to co-exist with the drama." This means all of those big-budget set-pieces Bond fans adore can still exist – they just need to justify that existence through events in the greater story as a whole. We’re not sure why anyone would be even remotely concerned or upset about that – it’s just good storytelling.
While the press conference certainly answered a few important questions and confirmed some key details that we’ve been speculating on for what seems like ages, it also raised new questions, as well. Naomie Harris, long reported to be the film’s Moneypenney, is now reportedly playing a field agent named Eve. Does this mean early casting reports were wrong or is there some twist here we’re all not aware of? If Harris isn’t Moneypenney, then who is?
Mendes and the producers were also coy about who Fiennes and Albert Finney would be playing because they thought fans would recognize the names of the characters and that would spoil part of the story. This will certainly make more people subscribe to the "Fiennes is the new Blofeld" theory, but there's no concrete evidence to support the idea at this point.
So, there you have it – a veritable ton of new James Bond goodies. Skyfall begins shooting today in London and will also head out for location filming in Istanbul, Shanghai, and the Scottish Highlands before landing in American theaters on November 9, 2012. Let us know what you think of the new title and casting in the comment section below.
Blog post courtesy of Movies.com. Click here for more Bond news including more pics from this morning's press conference.
Harmonic said...
Well I guess they're dropping the trend of titles that have two O's in them (casinO rOyale, quantum Of sOlace) which make the 00 in 007. I thought that was rather clever, but it would get old after a while and limit what they could do with the titles. I like Casino Royale, but don't remember much of Quantum, I'll have to watch it again.
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Sonjamovieenthusist said...
I believen this new Bond movie will be disastrous because it will not follow the character of the true James Bond who was good looking, suave, charismatic, etc. Daniel Craig did not fit the James Bond character at all. He is ugly, yet buffed, has no charisma, and simply does not engage the imagination and style of the true James Bond figure. Stepping away from gadgets, actions, and showing an emotional character vs. a debonnaire one, Skyfall will certainly fall short and not bring audiences who expect the best. So it is.
RicksAsylum said...
I grew up watching Roger Moore as 007 at the movies and as The Saint on TV reruns. He will always represent the standard for secret agent/super heroes for me and I suppose that holds true for you as well. Ian Fleming, however, wrote about a spy with a drinking problem, an authority problem, an attitude problem... Essentially a flawed man who was tolerated because he was very good at killing bad guys. Sean Connery came the closest to Ian Fleming's version until Daniel Craig came along. While he may not be suave or sophisticated Craig's 007 is the most accurate version yet. It allows the story to be driven by people, and thier flaws, rather than gadgets and special effects. I still love Moore, Connery and even Brosnan but CRAIG ROCKS!
NassaDane said...
How can you sit there and honestly say Craig is "ugly" ?? He is gorgeous! You must be super a hetero male or something because he is drop dead sexy.
RyLoc33577 said...
I miss the cool gadgets in these films.
Javajive said...
That's fantastic and the new title for BOND 23 "Skyfall" definately fits the story plot and I bet it will certainly have plenty intriqueing scenes from such an "incrediable" CAST Starring Lead Actor Daniel Craig/Bond-007 (his A-m-a-z-i-n-g!!!) and Judi Dench/M (Mesmerizing no-nonsense Actress!) and new arrivals Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris (28 Days Later & Ninja Assassins, awesome films!! Excellent Actress.), Bernice Mahole, Ralph Fiennes (Awesome), Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw. Congrats and looking forward to the newest Bond film 2012 BOND 23 - Skyfall sounds spectacular! Can't wait.
Oh yeah this is great news! Even if Quantum of Solace was the best so far I believe this one can top that. I know Bardem being in this film has been known but it is just going to be so great to have him in this kind of movie. I eagerly await this film.
DA Deathstar said...
Bardem and Ralph Fiennes. This movie is guaranteed to be awesome.I personally preferred Royale to Solace though the villain in Quantum of Solace was too much of a weasel.
d_m_m said...
Re Quantum of Solace: while a little offbeat as titles go and maybe a head-scratcher, the original short story (with the same title) was penned by Ian Fleming, not plucked from thin air like it may sound.
"Welcome to the party, pal."
"I am serious... and don't call me Shirley."
"When am I gonna learn how to punch?"
"These go to eleven."
"Benjamin, have you ever been severely beaten about the face & neck?"
"Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."
"You're gonna need a bigger boat."
"Jessica's got cable."
"Squirrel!"