Is Denis Villeneuve the Ideal Director for Bond?

      The James Bond franchise has gained a fresh sense of momentum with Denis Villeneuve being appointed as the director, but is he the ideal choice to reboot 007?

      After a long period of waiting for concrete updates, aside from ownership changes, we now have confirmation that the next chapter of 007 has a director: Denis Villeneuve, a prominent and respected filmmaker in the modern blockbuster landscape. He is known for films like Prisoners, Arrival, Sicario, and two Dune installments, and now he faces the challenge of ushering in a new era for James Bond, a franchise that seemed on the verge of retirement.

      The key question is whether Villeneuve can revitalize this cherished franchise. With Amazon assuming creative control, Bond is no longer under the careful supervision of Wilson and Broccoli. Regardless of opinions on the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s tenure, it's undeniable that under MGM and with Wilson and Broccoli (who inherited the Bond legacy), there were noteworthy highlights. Many successful reboots of the character have occurred, particularly the last two, both directed by Martin Campbell, which are regarded as some of the best in the series. GoldenEye allowed Pierce Brosnan to excel, while Casino Royale is rightfully considered one of the top five films in the series, effectively quelling any doubts fans had about the casting of the shorter, blonde actor.

      Purists may argue that Craig’s era strayed too far from the glamour typically associated with previous films and the charm of the original material. His portrayal often leaned towards the exceedingly serious, with any comedic moments feeling forced despite Craig's ability to deliver humor. The insistence on continuous narrative threads from film to film became cumbersome and weighed down both Quantum of Solace (which suffered from disarray) and Spectre, with callbacks to Casino Royale still present during Craig’s final outing. Ultimately, this reiterated how strong his initial portrayal was, aside from the heights achieved in Skyfall. However, Skyfall did diminish some of the enigma surrounding JB.

      Inconsistency isn't a new issue, of course. Other Bonds with more than two films featured both highs and significant lows. It's best not to dwell on Die Another Day or its theme song by Madonna. If that tune is now stuck in your head, I apologize.

      What can Villeneuve contribute, and what should he steer clear of? Some directors seem naturally suited to the franchise, even if they aren't necessarily top-tier. Directors like John Glenn, Guy Hamilton, and Martin Campbell understood the remit well, while others, such as Marc Forster, Lee Tamahori, and most recently Cary Fukunaga, appeared out of their depth (though Fukunaga stepped into a challenging situation).

      Denis Villeneuve represents a distinctive choice, even more so than Sam Mendes. He is a major figure in the industry, consistently delivering critically acclaimed films that explore similar genres as Bond. This was less evident in Mendes’ work before Skyfall. Villeneuve possesses the capability to handle grand scale productions and the considerable pressure that comes with them. He has taken on the challenge of sequels to Blade Runner and two Dune movies, based on novels often labeled as unfilmable.

      His inclination to rely on practical effects instead of excessive CGI is promising for a franchise that might otherwise have succumbed to blockbuster trends. Villeneuve has demonstrated a skill for creating compelling set pieces in his films. Bond movies thrive on this element, typically relying on top-notch stunt performers. However, when a director completely delegates these responsibilities, the execution might suffer. Villeneuve, as an auteur, possesses a clear vision of how to construct scenes, making him one of the few directors likely able to deliver an exceptional Bond film, alongside Christopher Nolan.

      Occasionally, directors have become too focused on the scale of their sequences. While grand, iconic stunts are essential, some of the best action scenes are more intimate. Take Sean Connery's intense train brawl with Robert Shaw in From Russia With Love as an example. Villeneuve can excel in large-scale scenarios, as evident in Blade Runner 2049, where he also constructed thrilling sequences in confined spaces, such as the opening confrontation between Ryan Gosling and Dave Bautista, or the outstanding sea wall battle that conveyed an impending sense of danger.

      Villeneuve has expressed his admiration for the Bond franchise, having grown up watching its adventures. He understands the lore and the expectations that come with the territory. This knowledge allows him to potentially subvert formulaic approaches without alienating fans. While he may not have achieved a massive hit comparable to peak Marvel releases, his reputation gives him considerable influence in creative decisions, and he likely wouldn't have taken the job without sufficient autonomy. Whether this extends to casting choices for Bond remains to be seen.

      Numerous names have been suggested for the role, with some, like Henry Cavill, feeling like safe yet sensible choices. If Villeneuve has input in the process, it's unlikely he will opt for a radical departure; while Aaron Pierre