I've no plans to direct Bond films: Martin Campbell

[Blowfeld]

Robin Bansal, Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, June 15, 2010
First Published: 15:00 IST(15/6/2010)

Martin CampbellThe man behind Bond hits GoldenEye and Casino Royale has had enough of 007 and spy thrillers, at least for the moment. Martin Campbell, who convinced Mel Gibson to come out of self-imposed hibernation for Edge of Darkness, says he is now "excited" about his first superhero movie Green Lantern.

"As of now I have no plans to direct a Bond film. I think I am done with it for now," Campbell told IANS in an e-mail interview from London.

The director, who has worked with both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, said "Both brought the essence of James Bond and that is what a filmmaker wants at the end of the day. It would be unfair on my part to compare the two."

About his latest venture, Green Lantern based on the comic book, Campbell said: "This is going to be different from other comic book series because we have made a very different and an original story out of the character..."

Campbell, who is in his 70s, is promoting the big-screen adaptation of his BAFTA award-winning BBC mini-series Edge of Darkness. Having released in the US Jan 29, it is being released in India by PVR Pictures in association with GK Films Production June 25.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Having wielded the megaphone for two Bond films, do we see you directing another one?
First of all it was a delight to work on both the Bond movies and quite an experience to work with both Pierce and Daniel. As of now I have no plan to direct a Bond film. I think I am done with it for now. But then never say never, one doesn't know what one does in future.

Who do you think makes a near perfect Bond, Pierce or Daniel?
Pierce and Daniel both brought the essence of James Bond and that is what a filmmaker wants at the end of the day. It would be unfair on my part to compare the two. The fact that Daniel's both Bond movies were a hit is enough to say he knows his job well.

What about Green Lantern? How different would it be from the comic book series?
Yes, I am doing Green Lantern. I'd never done a superhero movie before. His powers are psychological. They're to do with 'will' and the enemy is the 'fear', as opposed to Superman who sort of runs into a phone box, gets the old spandex on and off he goes.

This is going to be different from other comic book series because we have made a very different and an original story out of the character rather than just taking it from the comic book.

Is it true that Ryan Reynolds is playing the lead?
Yes, Ryan is playing the titular character in it.

Do you think Hollywood is on a comic book adaptation spree?
Yes, a lot of people are making superhero movies, but I'm very excited about my first superhero movie. If I am not wrong, superhero movies have always had a wide audience. Maybe it's just a coincidence that a lot of these movies are being made at the same time.

Coming to Edge of Darkness, how did you zero in on Gibson for the role?
Mel was the only person we had in mind for the role. We didn't have a second choice and I think we were very lucky to get him.

Considering his sabbatical, did Gibson appear rusted in front of the camera?
I certainly think he was a bit worried because after not being in front of a camera for eight years, anyone would be hesitant. He's one of the best actors in the world. The truth is that he's got the weight and we haven't got many of those. And an actor of his calibre can't suddenly forget to act, right? He had done his rehearsals before we started shooting. As soon as the camera got rolling, Mel did what he does best - acting!

Have you ever been to India or watched any Bollywood films?
Well, I think I'll have to chalk something out now (for an India visit). But no plans as of now... I have to do a lot of catching up on movies.

Campbell has reportedly confirmed the possibility of a Green Lantern trilogy.

This story can be found at no plans to direct Bond

[Kristatos]

I'm sure I'll be in the minority when I say: Good.

[Omega]

His last movie was cleaner and leaner than any of his Bond movies. The action didn't drag on and story didn't get stuck like Cr and GE although GEs pauses are more forgivable because they pass quicker.

[Mazer Rackham]

Campbell might have admitted more than he cared to. He came out publicly lambasting the Craig's second outing for various reasons, on top of that with little to no competition Quark had the biggest drop in attendance since Timothy Dalton was Bond add to that the worst DVD sales on record for the trifecta.

I would love to hear his uncensored options of Craig, on the set of CR Danny boy was problem after problem and delay after delay. I've heard there is video and audio of some of the incidents but blackballing fears kept it quiet. Business is tough as it is the last thing anybody needs is nervous studio not wanting to work with them because of a perceived slight. I personal knew people who didn't like Craig and/or the new direction/reboot who felt uncomfortable uttering a word outside the quiet confines of personal conversation.It's just the kind of business where the wrong word might keep work away and the best policy is always to keep opinions to yourself. I'm sure there were people who didn't care for Brozza for whatever reason and just cashed the check and kept quiet.

[Kristatos]

I personal knew people who didn't like Craig and/or the new direction/reboot who felt uncomfortable uttering a word outside the quiet confines of personal conversation.It's just the kind of business where the wrong word might keep work away and the best policy is always to keep opinions to yourself.

I can quite believe it. Nobody wants to point out that the emperor has no clothes. It's like when Scorcese's execrable The Last Temptation of Christ got undeservedly good reviews, because no critic wanted to be on the same side as the religious zealots trying to get the film banned. I suppose that makes us the zealots in this analogy

[katied]

I can see how directing a Bond movie-hell any movie-could be wearing for someone in their 70's. It's all about how you feel-my dad will be 70 at the end of July and he doesn't look it or feel it, for the most part.

[Mazer Rackham]

I can quite believe it. Nobody wants to point out that the emperor has no clothes. It's like when Scorcese's execrable The Last Temptation of Christ got undeservedly good reviews, because no critic wanted to be on the same side as the religious zealots trying to get the film banned. I suppose that makes us the zealots in this analogy

More or less. CnB gave the promoters something to work against, unremarkably they were successful in their attempt to cast CnB as a "hate group", opposed to what it really represented a fan group being mistreated by the producers of a franchise they had loyally supported for generations.

I wasn't completely sure at first that CnB wasn't a Sony operation, it was almost too perfect a foil. Seeing as it is still here all these years later I guess it isn't. (insert damned smiley face here to avoid suspension )
But tell you what all of you CnBers have got to be some of the most dogged and loyal Bond fans on the face of the planet! This place took all the vitriol and hate the likes of our pals Sweeney, Benny and Co. could muster without wavering.

[katied]

There are other boards that do the towing the company line thing WAY more than we do!