There have been nine James Bond films released theatrically in the past three decades, only three of which are fairly universally acclaimed – “Goldeneye,” “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall” (though the latter has some detractors).
New Zealand filmmaker Martin Campbell is responsible for the first two of those, movies that also served as the introduction films for the last two actors to take on the role of 007.
“Dune” and “Prisoners” director Denis Villeneuve will take over the duty of directing for the next film that will introduce the newest actor for the role. With casting expected in the coming months, Campbell was recently asked by Gold Derby if he had any advice for Villeneuve and the rest of the creative team.
Campbell, who isn’t one to beat around the bush, says:
“Don’t break what isn’t broken. It doesn’t need to be a reboot – it just needs to be a bloody good Bond film! If we released GoldenEye or Casino Royale again next week, they’d feel just as potent. So don’t f— with it, basically. There’s a lot of fertile ground for Bond, particularly the way the world is at the moment. I just hope that they don’t break what’s not broken!
There are no established standouts like Pierce. Pierce was a perfect Bond for his time. But Daniel wasn’t Daniel Craig when he got the part, and all credit to Barbara Broccoli for pushing him. So what you’re looking for is another Daniel Craig, someone who isn’t necessarily a star…Frankly, you don’t need a star. James Bond is the star, and the film is the star. They just need to find a terrific actor who looks right for the part.”
“Goldeneye” has its 30th anniversary this week, Campbell saying the strength of the film was that it brought back the humour missing from the dourly serious Timothy Dalton entries.
He also says Brosnan did action very well, pointing to the famous shot where Bond barely flinches (42-second mark in the trailer here) from a gunshot just inches away: “The major thing with Bond is an economy of movement, and he understood that.”
