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INTERVIEWS

Video Interview: 'Skyfall' Director Sam Mendes on Bond, James Bond

by Alex Billington
November 7, 2012

"To me, the true father of the Bond movies is Hitchcock." Bond is back, and better than ever. And the man responsible for bringing him back in one of the greatest Bond movies of the modern era is director Sam Mendes. The Oscar winning director's filmography includes American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road and Away We Go, but he finally takes the leap into action and intensity with 007. After seeing the film a few weeks ago in New York City, I had the chance to interview Mr. Mendes and discuss everything we could about Bond, James Bond and the 23rd 007 movie. "From one Bond fan to another..."

Mendes references everything from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and John le Carré, to Alfred Hitchcock, to Ian Fleming and Casino Royale of course, and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson (who I interviewed separately - posting soon). I covered as many questions related to Skyfall and Bond and filmmaking and choices as possible in the 15 mins I had with Sam. Another wonderful interview.

Here's my full video interview with James Bond's Skyfall director Sam Mendes, recorded in New York:

Thanks you to Sam Mendes, Sony/Columbia Pictures and Slate PR for arranging this interview. An honor to chat with Sam! I am a huge Bond fan and he was the one person I was anxious to talk to, because I think he was the man behind it all, making sure it turned out as awesome as it did. I hope you enjoyed my interview.

Skyfall is being directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road, Away We Go), from a script by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Skyfall will once again star Daniel Craig as James Bond 007, along with Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench as M, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace with Ben Whishaw. Columbia Pictures, Eon Productions and MGM have Skyfall set to hit US theaters on November 9th this week. We'll continue to keep you updated on all things Bond. Skyfall also opens in IMAX starting November 8th as well.

Filed under Interview, James Bond, To Watch

From around the web:

http://www.facebook.com/markparkes23 Mark Parkes

Damn you billington!! You have the best job ever lol
Nash

I saw Skyfall two days ago and its amazing! This surely must be one of the best bond movies ever!
transcript

It may help to have a transcript for those who can't see the video
Ricardo_Pt

As someone who was actually underwhelmed by Skyfall, I'm looking forward to know how everybody on Firstshowing reacts to the movie. I expected way to much and it kinda ruined it for me.
Ehsan Davodi

Hey Mr.Mendes Can You Hear Me? I-Love-You-Dude
JM

Great interviw again! What i love more is that we have two plople talking with passion about cinema, something that lacks in the usually bland-just-sell-the-film interviews around there. Congrats again!
Cat

Alex- I love the questions that you ask, but maybe in your future interviews try to keep from making all of those little sounds of affirmation in the background -- "uh-huh" "yeah" "huh" "right" -- really distracting. Other than that, great interview!
- http://www.firstshowing.net/ Alex Billington
  
  I try! But it's hard. When you're talking to them, you get into the moment, and some of that stuff happens naturally. But thanks, I'm always working on it.