THE LOST ART OF INTERROGATION - Daniel Kleinman Interview

What was the first James Bond film were Daniel Kleinman worked in? If you answered GOLDENEYE, you're wrong! It was LICENCE TO KILL. Actually, he didn't worked in the film per se, but in the music video for Gladys Knight's song for Timothy Dalton's swan song as 007 in 1989.

ADELE STANDS TALL AT GOLDEN GLOBES - SKYFALL wins for Best Original Song!

Adele and her 
Golden Globe

She made it. British singer Adele won the Golden Globe award for "Skyfall", the song she performed and wrote (with Paul Epworth) for the 23rd James Bond film of the same name, beating up the songs for "For You" (from ACT OF VALOR), "Not Running Anymore" (from STAND UP GUYS and written by Jon Bon Jovi), "Safe and Sound" (from THE HUNGER GAMES) and "Suddenly" from LES MISERABLES.

This is the first Golden Globe won by the Bond franchise after Madonna's main title song for DIE ANOTHER DAY lost in the 2002 awards. It is also the first win for a very moved Adele, who sent her thanks to Sam Mendes, Daniel Craig "for being such a wonderful Bond" and to her coming son.

SKYFALL - HIGHEST GROSSING BOND FILM IN UK HISTORY!

Press release

Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that SKYFALL has made history in the UK and become the highest grossing film of all time.

Bond (Daniel Craig) in action during a shootout
in a London courthouse

SKYFALL has now taken a staggering £94,277,612 at the UK box office in just 40 days on release, making box office history and overtaking the record previously held by Avatar which had a lifetime gross of £94,025, 632 million during 11 months on release in UK cinemas.

SKYFALL, the 23rd James Bond adventure, continuing the longest running and most successful franchise in film history, opened in 587 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 26th October, and is still on general release.

In response to this fantastic news, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said “We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to the cinema-going audiences in the UK who have made SKYFALL the highest grossing film of all time. We are very proud of this film and thank everybody, especially Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes, who have contributed to its success.”

Severine (Bérénice Marlohe) gives a glance at
Bond after a fistfight against Patrice (Ola Rapace)

"I am incredibly proud of the amazing heights to which this film continues to soar and wish to again congratulate all involved on reaching such a tremendous milestone," said Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO, MGM.

Peter Taylor, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Releasing UK also commented “We are delighted that cinemagoers have so enthusiastically embraced SKYFALL in such an incredible way. It seems particularly fitting in 2012 that the latest James Bond adventure should become the highest grossing movie ever marking the fiftieth anniversary of one of our truly iconic cultural characters in record breaking style.”

Thanks to MI6-HQ.com for the alert.

THE BEST BOND SINCE GOLDENEYE (well, not quite) – The GoldenEye Dossier reviews SKYFALL

ALERT: there are some spoilers here, technical and some things about the plot, but you won’t find extreme spoilers here, so you’ll be able to read without guilt.

Daniel Craig as James Bond watching over London

The day has finally arrived, and this time –unlike what I did with CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE- I made the effort of stay spoiler free (something hardly possible thanks to social networks and forums). I’ve read some comments (some very painful to read) about the film when they were only a rumor, but didn’t dare to confirm it with my worldwide friends in Europe who had seen the film.

As I told in my radio interview with Sebastián De Caro, I tought friendship this time was avobe Bond itself, at least for this year, so I’ve kindly rejected the Argentinean premiere tickets I won without much effort in their official Facebook page contest.

Bond finds out that some things aren't
necesarily best kept underground...

Suddenly, November 1^st came, and SKYFALL was there round the corner. As I met my friends and I was heading to the cinemas I wondered: is it gonna be the best Bond since GOLDENEYE? The trailers sold the film very well, plus the cast list including names like Bardem, Fiennes and Finney seemed to confirm it.

I have to start here with a certain spoilerish critique (calm down, it’s not that heavy): the gunbarrel is not at the beginning, but at the end (yet again!). That pisses me off. Its misplacement was justified in CASINO ROYALE, then we had some tongue-in-cheek reason to believe it’d fit at the end in QUANTUM OF SOLACE and yes, it certainly can fit the end of SKYFALL in a sense, but it should have been at the beginning, particularily for a 50^th anniversary Bond film which combines both classic and modern touches both modern and conservative fans will like.

As we get into the ten minute teaser we see a spectacular motorbike rooftop chase over the rooftops of that exotic place were FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH was filmed: Istanbul, Turkey. Bond and rookie agent Eve are chasing Patrice, a shadowy hitman responsible leaving agent Ronson heavily wounded and stealing a drive containing a list with all the secret agents embedded in terrorist organizations worldwide. The fight between Bond and Patrice ends atop a train where Bond gets a “bloody shot” from lousy marksman Eve.  Then the beautiful main titles by Daniel Kleinman come to screen, cleaning up the forgettable disaster made by the MK12 in the previous film. Skulls, tombstones, girls, moors and Bond stalked by shadows are some of the beautiful things we see to fit with the lovely “Skyfall” song performed by Adele.

Eve (Naomie Harris) shares some jokes with 007
at the MI6 new digs.

Then we are introduced into the film’s proper plot: MI6 is blown away right after M’s computer and all the secret service network is hacked by an unknown man that has apparently made with the missing list and is constantly posting macabre jokes and games to M. Her authority is constantly challenged by her superior Gareth Mallory, brilliantly played by Ralph Fiennes.

Then, Bond is back from the dead to save M’s reputation and the enormous security breach in the country. And here’s where we traditionalist fans will get to rise a smile by watching the return of Q, this time a nerdy young guy played by Ben Whishaw (we can remember his scene with Daniel Craig in 2005’s LAYER CAKE) who will never make us forget the late Desmond Llewelyn but he brings freshness to the character. We get to see some gadgets. The classic Aston Martin DB5 from GOLDFINGER is there – all I will say is that it’s the same of GOLDFINGER, and not just for the BMT 216A number plate, plus a signature Walther PPK akin to Timothy Dalton’s photo camera-rifle from LICENCE TO KILL, and a radio. The radio is very useful, I can assure you!

Bérénice Marlohe as
French-Cambodian Sévérine

Javier Bardem’s Silva is probably the greatest villain since Robert Davi’s Franz Sánchez, because he’s a first class psychopath: he’s driven by revenge against M because he feels “betrayed” by her – there are some shades of our dear Alec Trevelyan in its first encounter with Bond, plus a slight homosexual characteristic that will remind you to Wint and Kidd from DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (the novel, not the film). Bérénice Marlohe (or “Bérenice Lim” as she’s finally credited in the main and end titles) as Sévérine provides a lot of beauty to the screen and, in her short time onscreen, we discover shades of her unhappy past.

Naomie Harris looks very beautiful too but it’s not the Bond girl you expect to be, although she has a surprise for Bond (and the audience) in the very last minutes of the two hour and a half feature – and here’s another interesting thing to talk about: ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE and CASINO ROYALE, the longest Bonds before SKYFALL, are very good but there are slow paced scenes, unlike SKYFALL, where all the scenes in a way or another are enough to fulfill the audience’s entertainment – the film just flies!

We shall give a special mention to Judi Dench’s M, who gives probably her best acting to the Bond franchise. You will really see here she’s not just another M, but has a maternal instinct towards Bond. And Albert Finney’s portrayal of Kincade, ghillie of Bond’s Scottish residence, brings us to the mind the actual place where Ian Fleming’s James Bond was born.

Daniel Craig makes a great Bond, and we have to mention here that he has been faced off against the original Ian Fleming’s James Bond, which is not a minor challenge. And he does it perfectly, adding some nice one liner humour touches we’ve been missing in the last two films. Nobody can say he’s not James Bond now, and, if you’re a nostalgic missing the Connery era… just wait for the film’s ending.

"Is there anything left of the old Double-O-Seven?" -
Raoul Silva challenges Bond in rather
 nasty game.

Much of the film merits belong to Roger Deakins’ cinematography, who probably is the best photographer Bond has ever had (sorry, Phil!), the so missed Stuart Baird editing and Alexander Witt’s second unit direction, after the fiasco of Matt Chassé & Robert Pearson and Jason Bourne’s Dan Bradley who should be banned for life to do another Bond film, unlike scribes Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan who created a great story and script together. Thomas Newman’s music might not be in the scale of David Arnold or John Barry, but he’s a great composer to be a substitute. Thankfully, we got more of the “James Bond Theme” this time. And of course, Martin Campbell was right: Sam Mendes did a wonderful job.

Is it the best Bond since GOLDENEYE? It certainly beats off THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, DIE ANOTHER DAY (I say this being a Pierce Brosnan fundamentalist as somebody called me) and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. By facing it off against TOMORROW NEVER DIES we’re facing it of a film I love much and well, CASINO ROYALE is Ian Fleming’s Bond genesis.

So, it is the best Bond since GOLDENEYE? Yes and no.

9.75 / 10

Nicolás Suszczyk
Editor, THE GOLDENEYE DOSSIER

ANOTHER NEW SKYFALL POSTER FOR THE UK MARKET RELEASED

After last week's release of the US One Sheet SKYFALL poster featuring the artwork seen in cardboard standees around the world, EON prodcutions has revealed the artwork of which is likely the definitive theatrical poster for the golden anniversary James Bond film. Like the first teaser poster released in May, it features the gunbarrel logo on the background, but this time we can get a glimpse of the city of London through it. Daniel Craig is this time seen in tuxedo (with a done bow-tie unlike the poster design for CASINO ROYALE) and holding his Walther PPK.

What do we think? actually, it's nice to see a poster screaming BOND, but here it's done in a very tacky way, with crappy cut-and-paste montages. We find the "Bond shooting in the floor" poster a lot better.

NEW SKYFALL STILLS!

Many new SKYFALL stills were released between last week and today, courtesy of Empire Magazine (check them out here at James Bond Brasil) and Forbes China. Most of them feature Daniel Craig as Bond as well as Berenice Marlohe as Severine and Javier Bardem as villain Raoul Silva.

Thanks to JamesBondBrasil, Forbes China and Empire Magazine.

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE 2

No guys, Daniel Craig won't be remaking the 1969 film who starred George Lazenby as James Bond. But he did played 007 in a mini sketch directed by noted British director Danny Boyle, as part of the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, where the secret agent escorted Queen Elizabeth to the stadium by helicopter. The duo then paratuched off in Union Jack paratuches (à la THE SPY WHO LOVED ME or DIE ANOTHER DAY) as the James Bond Theme began to sound.

David Arnold composed the music for the opening ceremony, while Paul McCartney closed it singing The Beatles' "Hey Jude". Plus, a very comical momen was in charge of Rowan Atkinson, mostly known as MR BEAN or Bond's 21st Century spoof JOHNNY ENGLISH, but he also played Nigel Small-Fawcett in the 1983 Kevin McClory production NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, where Sean Connery was tempted to play 007 again, yet in an unofficial production.

OPERAÇAO SKYFALL - First SKYFALL foreign title revealed!

While a high-sounding title like QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the 22nd James Bond film, went untranslated for most countries over the globe (except Mexico and Germany), SKYFALL seems to be a different story. Sony Pictures Brazil and our affiliated site James Bond Brasil have officially revealed the title that the biggest South American country will use for the third movie starring Daniel Craig as 007: OPERAÇAO SKYFALL.

That, of course, means "Operation Skyfall", which remembers to the Spain/South American title for the fourth 007 film, THUNDERBALL ("Operación Trueno" or "Operation Thunder"). And of course, opens a debate between Latin American fans: will SKYFALL be called "Operación Skyfall" in Mexico and the rest of Latin America or Spain? We have to see...

FIRST OFFICIAL SKYFALL STILL RELEASED!

As promised, at 8am GMT, the official James Bond 007 site (www.007.com) posted the first official look at Daniel Craig as James Bond in SKYFALL. One hour later, the image was seen on the official Twitter (@007) and Facebook accounts (www.facebook.com/JamesBond007)

The image, probably from a scene in Shangai, shows James Bond holding his classic Walther PPK and showing a little stubble, much like Pierce Brosnan did in his Bond films.

We believe more stils are coming these days.

SKYFALL - SHOOTING STARTS & NEW ADDITIONS TO THE CAST

After the press conference which confirmed the long time rumour about SKYFALL being the title for Bond 23, and Javier Bardem (a yet unnamed villain), Berenice Marlohe (Severin) and Naomie Harris (Eve) as the main stars of the 50th Anniversary Bond film, shooting started in London last Monday, November 7th.

In the scenes we could see Daniel Craig, and Judi Dench and Rory Kinnear returning once more for the roles of M and Bill Tanner. The same day, two more stars were also confirmed by the James Bond Official Twitter Account in minor roles: Helen McCrory and Ola Rapace. They will join Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney who were also confirmed by director Sam Mendes in the SKYFALL launch press conference.

Thanks to Marcos Kontze from our affiliated site JamesBondBrasil.com for the set pics.

OFFICIAL: BOND 23 is... SKYFALL

Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment Announce 7th November Is Start of Production for 23rd James Bond Film "SKYFALL"

 

LONDON, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL.  The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007.  The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.  SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.
Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.
In SKYFALL, 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.
"We're so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig.  We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure," said Wilson and Broccoli.
The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes.  The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead.  The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale.  Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director.   Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.
007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007.

EDITORS NOTE: A title treatment for SKYFALL is available and may be downloaded at www.sonypicturespublicity.com.

About Albert R. Broccoli's Eon Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family.  Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising.  EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films.  The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

          About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.  SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

THE GOLDENEYE DOSSIER - PRESS RELEASE

THE GOLDENEYE DOSSIER, a blog dedicated to the 1995 blockbuster starring Pierce Brosnan as James Bond and its universe, has been released today.

The blog will not only feature content about the 17th James Bond installement. It will also contain information and other multimedia related to the legend of GOLDENEYE, such as the 1997 and 2010 video game adaptations, John Gardner's novelization of the film, the uncontinued comic book adaptation released by Topps, THE 1989 Ian Fleming  TV biopic starring  Charles Dance (also named GOLDEN EYE) and other interesting subjects of review.

Other sections of the blog will contain updates about the latests projects of the cast and crew of GOLDENEYE, like actors Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean and Famke Janssen, or director Martin Campbell. The most important news about the 23rd James Bond film adventure, to be released on November 2012, will also be featured.

This blog is an unnofficial fan project and is not affiliated with EON Productions, Danjaq or United Artists by any means.

Nicolas Suszczyk,
Editor, THE GOLDENEYE DOSSIER