Tradecraft: Christopher Nolan Wants To Direct James Bond

Christopher Nolan continues enthusing about his love of Bond films and declaring their influence on his latest movie, Inception (which kind of looks like it will be the best movie ever), as he promotes that film–and now, according to Deadline, he's finally come out and stated point-blank (to the BBC), "I'd love to do a Bond film."  Well, Christopher, I, for one, would love to see you do a Bond film!  As, I'm sure, would many others.  As I've said before, Nolan's Batman films are so clearly influenced by Bond (largely the Roger Moore era in scope, if not tone), as, apparently, is Inception; it's clear that he really does love 007. 

But would producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli ever hire him?  For decades, the EON mandate was to steer away from auteur directors who might shanghai the franchise from the very protective producers.  This policy cost such titans as Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorcese Bond directing gigs, despite their enthusiasm for the job.  But in recent years, EON has gone a different direction.  Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster certainly isn't in a league with Tarantino or Nolan, but he is more of a maverick director with a very personal style than most who have helmed Bond.  As is American Beauty auteur Sam Mendes, who is still slated to direct the next picture in the series, despite delays due to MGM's financial woes.  So does Nolan stand a chance?  I sure hope so.  Probably not much of one, but perhaps a tad more than Spielberg or Tarantino ever did, I would hazard.  (One scenario that might increase his odds would be if Warner Bros., a longshot contendor in the MGM sweepstakes, ends up buying out the beleaguered studio and acquiring a 50% stake in the Bond franchise.  Due to their longterm relationship with Nolan, who has made them billions of dollars, it's possible that they could encourage the producers–who would have final say–in his direction.)

Anyway, getting back to Inception, Nolan furthers his case by speaking very passionately about 007 in regards to his creative process.  "The Bond influence on the film was very intentional because, for me, growing up with the Bond films - they've always stood for grand-scale action.... In dealing with the human mind and dreams, my mind naturally gravitates towards the Bond films as that sort of expression of cinematic potential."  Hearing that makes me love Christopher Nolan.  Unsurprisingly, my mind also gravitates toward the Bond films in dreams!