Quantum of Solace isn't exactly the title Bond fans may have envisioned for the 22nd film of the Bond franchise. However strange the choice may be, that's definitely the title of the second Bond film to star Daniel Craig as the suave superspy.
Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli joined director Marc Forster and Dame Judi Dench at a press conference at Pinewood Studios to unveil the title. The movie takes its name from a short story in For Your Eyes Only by Ian Fleming in which someone at a dinner party narrates a story to Bond. Wilson admitted Quantum of Solace wasn't a typical Fleming tale, however he believes it fits the film's plot and he personally finds the title intriguing.
Unlike the previous films, Quantum of Solace is a direct sequel to its predecessor, Casino Royale. "I think the Bonds have been a series of films," explained Wilson regarding this new direction of the franchise. "It's true this is a direct sequel and in fact it takes place literally an hour after the last film ended. I suppose it starts there. But there were always references in the Bond movies of stories, of films, of one blending into another. From Russia With Love there's a reference to Dr No. It's been partially series, partially sequel."
But director Forster doesn't necessarily see Quantum of Solace as a sequel. "There's a story within itself which is self-contained. In that sense, I don't see it that way."
Wilson and Broccoli brought Forster in to direct because, according to Broccoli, he's one of the greatest directors working today. "He's a great filmmaker," said Broccoli at the televised press conference. "He has brought tremendous elements to this film performance-wise, action-wise, story-wise. He's a great storyteller."
Forster was intimately involved in getting the script into shape. "The script wasn't set in stone," said Forster about his initial involvement in Quantum of Solace. "We developed it together until I was really happy with it."
Forster, who's not known for action films, has always appreciated the Bond movies and loves the character of James Bond and what he stands for. "James Bond is part of film history and in that sense I think [it's] something really exciting and really interesting to be part of that," explained Forster. "I think Daniel Craig took the franchise in a different direction. He's such a superb actor that I thought it's a possibility to explore something with him, which I was interested in."
Forster really has his work cut out for him as far as handling huge action sequences. Producer Wilson promises Quantum of Solace will be loaded with action. "There much more action in this film. Compared to the last film, there's probably twice as much action sequences. It's pretty much jam-packed."
And Broccoli said labeling this Bond a 'revenge story' wouldn't be correct. "It deals with the inner turmoil Bond is facing following Casino Royale."
The producers also revealed at the January 24th press conference that they're hoping to have Craig back for many more Bonds. "We have talked about doing some more films with him and he seems really happy to do that. So, we'll just do them one at a time," said Broccoli.
Dame Judi Dench returns for her sixth go-around as M and this time the actress says she'll be involved in more action. "It's very good to be back," said Dame Dench. "She does more... You see a bit more of her flat, which is very nice. Actually, 'house' I should say."
Forster interjected, "She's really kicking some ass!"
Asked why the character of James Bond and the film franchise remain so popular, Dench replied, "The secret is, the thing is about James Bond is that he appeals to an incredible cross-section of people. The appeal for my grandsons' friends is fantastic. And not only my grandsons, but probably their fathers, too."
Dench, Craig, Giancarlo Giannini, and Jeffrey Wright return to the franchise in Quantum of Solace, however Bond fans won't be seeing Miss Moneypenny or Q. "Moneypenny and Q aren't in this film but [we're] still open to when they might come back into the series," said producer Wilson.
Broccoli wasn't quite so open when discussing the possibility of Eva Green's return. When a reporter asked if we'd see the gorgeous actress in flashbacks, Broccoli responded, "She doesn't appear in flashbacks, but she's certainly on Bond's mind..."
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Quantum of Solace began filming on January 8, 2008. The film is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2008.
