Tarantino And Bond

[removed 0]

Tarantino Eyes 'Casino Royale'

 

May 19, 2004

While promoting hs new movie "Laws of Attraction," Pierce Brosnan can't escape questions about Bond ranging from his future to Quentin Tarantino's interest, writes Steven Woodbridge.

 

To tie in with Brosnan's 'Laws of Attraction' publicity campaign in the UK, the British showbiz magazine 'OK' (issue 419, 25th May) has carried an interview with the Irish star in which the conversation inevitably turned to Bond, James Bond.

 

First of all, OK asked Pierce about the doubts over his return as 007, and also of more recent reports that he is now back as Bond.

 

Brosnan responded: "You never know who's going to give you this news. 'You're out. You're in. You're out'. I don't know. Technically my contract is up but they invited me back. I thought it was a great idea, do a fifth and then maybe adios. But somehow in the middle of negotiations, things got a bit confused".

 

Brosnan was also quizzed on the recent Quentin Tarantino reports about the director's desire to helm a Bond movie (Tarantino repeated again at Cannes this month that he would like to direct a version of 'Casino Royale').

 

Pierce responded: "Quentin and I met and he's a huge Bond fan. He wants to do Casino Royale. I don't know if it's ever going to happen. Who knows?".

 

OK then asked Pierce what Tarantino would bring to the 007 franchise? He responded: "Life. A great sense of excitement and danger and the perspective of a film-maker who's really made people sit up and watch his movies. He's got a cutting edge which we got with the last Bond movie, with Lee Tamahori's sense of flair".

 

On the prospect of a fifth Bond movie, OK also asked Pierce whether, "deep down", he wanted to do it? Brosnan replied: "Oh yes, I was prepared to do it. I was certainly looking forward to doing it. I thought that between Goldeneye and the last one, that there was a certain maturity in my work, a confidence, a relaxation and a certain sense of ownership of the role. So I was certainly looking forward to doing it".

 

British Press Reaction

On the question of Tarantino, most film commentators in the UK have responded negatively to Tarantino's ambitions to direct a 'period' , cheaper Bond movie. The latest issue of the British 'SFX' magazine, for example, feels that Tarantino has shot his mouth off too much and would not now be a good choice for director on Bond 21.

 

Newspapers such as 'The Daily Express' and 'The Times' have also been notably cool towards a Tarantino version of 007.

 

The 'Express' noted that Tarantino is no fan of the late, suave David Niven, who starred in the 1967 tongue-in-cheek renegade version of 'Casino Royale', made by Charles K. Feldman. Tarantino reportedly said: "It's true I've talked to Pierce Brosnan about re-making Casino Royale. Well, although I say remake, you can barely call that '60s version a Bond film. It was so stupid. Everything about it

was awful".

 

The outspoken 'Kill Bill' director added: "The guy who played Bond (Niven) was so cheesy it was pathetic. I think it's sad and almost ironic that you have this spectacular franchise and yet the first Fleming book, the beginning of the 007 legacy, was given such shabby treatment".

 

The 'Express' film page commented in response to Tarantino's views: "Niven, who won an Oscar for the film Separate Tables, would, no doubt, have had a suitable riposte for Tarantino".

 

Other critics have pointed out that Tarantino has betrayed a worrying lack of knowledge about the character of James Bond, as Ian Fleming himself once suggested that David Niven would have been a good candidate for playing 007 on screen. Moreover, none of the actors involved in the 1967 version of 'Casino Royale' quite realised at the time what a mess the final film would turn out to be.

 

'SFX' (no.118, June 2004) joined in the mis-givings about Tarantino's stated ambitions, noting the director was talking up his 007 dream project "in the face of mounting indifference from the keepers of the Bond franchise".

From ianfleming.org

 

When I first heard Tarantino wanted to direct a Bond film, I was scared. But... how could he do any worse than Lee Tamahori?? Lol. And Tarantino is a masterful director. He'd pull it off. Brosnan is right... he would give Bond an edge again. And to have a real Casino Royale? I sure hope so! I love this idea!

 

What does everyone else think?

[jefffitz 0]

I haven't seen the movie, but the book was ok (Casino Royale). Most of the book is dialogue, so that would suggest to me a Tarantino movie. But it was also pretty boring. Tarantino hasn't bombed yet, so maybe he could pull it off- but I wouldn't suggest this as his next project. He can always put Bond-esque touches into any movie he does, he doesn't need to commit himself to a huge franchise that will stifle his creativity.

[WEAREBORG4102 0]

the thing is that some would object to watching the movie because of Tarantino's record for violence...

Ecalate that for Jme Bond and you have a very super violent movie with lot's of sex, blood and carnage...

 

It would mean I wioulnd't be able to see it..

 

as my parents....

 

you get the point..

[He Who Shall Not Be Named 2]

A Tatantino-directed Bond movie would be interesting to see. However, it will never happen. Even if Tarantino directs it in the best traditions of the Bond films, which I doubt he would, the director would outshine the movie. There is no way the holders of the Bond copyright will allow it.

 

I love Tarantino. I love Bond. But the two just should not mix.

[removed 0]

Yeah. I think you are right LTVR. I guess I can just dream. Lol. And WAB, I think that if Tarantino did do a Bond film, it wouldn't be as gratuitous (spelling?) as his other films. The producers definitely wouldn't allow it. I do think he would add an edge and a flare that has been void ever since Goldeneye blew me away when I saw it.

[Carrion 0]

I think tarentino Directing Bond is a bad idea, look at how Kill Bill vol II was, it was a bad movie. i must admit Vol I was way better, if tarentino was to direct the next bond film he may turn it into his weird type of movies.

[removed 0]

I loved Kill Bill 2...

I think Tarantino is great. He would do well with Bond, if he is ever given the chance...

[WEAREBORG4102 0]

Is broccli or his company still on bond??

[removed 0]

Albert R. Broccoli is dead. He died after Tomorrow Never Dies. His wife, Barbara Broccoli, is the executive producer. So yes, EON productions still does Bond.