Judi Dench's Swan song?

Dutchfinger

I think a lot of people would agree that this could very well be the final Bond movie for Judi Dench to star in as M.
And, as we already know, she is going to play a prominent roll in this movie. Does anyone have the feeling that M might even get killed in this movie?

Hardyboy

There's been a lot of speculation about this. . .the trailer certainly makes it look like Dench's M has bollixed up big-time, and some have said maybe she gets fired and replaced (perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy). Who knows? Then again, there are people on this site who've been clamoring for Dench's M to get killed for years, so if she dies I know there will be some happy AJBers. . .

David Schofield

Hardyboy wrote:

There's been a lot of speculation about this. . .the trailer certainly makes it look like Dench's M has bollixed up big-time, and some have said maybe she gets fired and replaced (perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy). Who knows? Then again, there are people on this site who've been clamoring for Dench's M to get killed for years, so if she dies I know there will be some happy AJBers. . .

I felt she was fine opposite Brosnan, a refreshing 90s twist on the traditional Lee/Brown M, but I'll be the first to put my hand up and say that Craig's badly-written arrogant knucklehead needed an Admiral with damnably clear eyes to knock him into shape. He certainly wouldn't have had emo issues for two films, for sure.

But I'm pretty sure Dench IS a gonner this time, and finally Craig-Bond will come across his authoritarian father-figure.

Mr Martini

Hardyboy wrote:

There's been a lot of speculation about this. . .the trailer certainly makes it look like Dench's M has bollixed up big-time, and some have said maybe she gets fired and replaced (perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy). Who knows? Then again, there are people on this site who've been clamoring for Dench's M to get killed for years, so if she dies I know there will be some happy AJBers. . .

I wonder who that could be? :v :v :v

Loeffelholz

Mr Martini wrote:

Hardyboy wrote:

There's been a lot of speculation about this. . .the trailer certainly makes it look like Dench's M has bollixed up big-time, and some have said maybe she gets fired and replaced (perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy). Who knows? Then again, there are people on this site who've been clamoring for Dench's M to get killed for years, so if she dies I know there will be some happy AJBers. . .

I wonder who that could be? :v :v :v

?:)

Sir Miles

Hardyboy wrote:

perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy

Well....that's not his character name in this film...

Hardyboy

Sir Miles wrote:

Hardyboy wrote:

perhaps with Ralph Fiennes, playing Sir Miles Messervy

Well....that's not his character name in this film...

Just repeating gossip. That said, I don't know. . .I was floored when I saw The Dark Knight Rises and discovered that some internet rumors I heard months ago and had dismissed as hogwash turned out to be either more-or-less true or even 100% true! Names are not always what we think they are. . .

minigeff

IF she leaves I'll be very sad tbh, I think she's played an amazing part very well over the years.

When I got into bond with GE, I knew a little, but not much at all about bond stuff, so I guess you could say I'm a little bias not being brought up in the Bernard lee era.

However, Dench has got a great range of work behind her, and I think it's safe to say she's done the series proud. Is it time for her to go though? As much as it pains me to say it, yeah I think now is time. I just hope that if she does go they give her a nice send off, taking a bullet etc would seem a little harsh.

With the way things are going, ppk, db5, mendes' comment on the film being able to be placed into the 60's, I wouldn't be surprised if things went proper old school and bond got a new, male boss.

So does it happen? I honestly don't know.

Thunderbird 2

Completely with Mini G on this one. We never got a proper send off for the other M's - (in Bernard Lee's case for the saddest of reasons) I think it would be quite nice for Dame Judi's M of the Craig era to retire in Skyfall, as contrast to her character's introduction pre reboot in Goldeneye. - It would also leave the possibility for Dame Judi to make a cameo in the next film. Esp if Bond does have problems relating to a new boss?

We'll soon find out in October!

welshboy78

I think she will be killed off in true Daniel Craig era coldness!!! )

Thunderpussy

Always liked her as M, although I do think it's time for a change. Also with a
new M then it would be a perfect time to introduce a new Moneypenny.

GordoLeiter

I hope this is the last film for her, M is supposed to be a guy not a woman.

DEFIANT 74205

GordoLeiter wrote:

I hope this is the last film for her, M is supposed to be a guy not a woman.

This might sound a little ... umm ... sexist of me, but I agree entirely with that. M is an older man in the books - an authoritarian figure, someone who Bond clearly respects and, to a certain extent, fears. That's who he should be in the films, too.

Just as Sean Connery is the standard by which all Bond actors are to be measured, so is Bernard Lee's portrayal of M the standard by which all others are to be judged, and based on that standard, as good an actor as Dame Judi Dench is, she falls short by some margin.

I would definitely be glad if this was Judi Dench's last outing as M and is replaced by someone who fits Fleming's description of Bond's boss.

Blackleiter

Sigh....I must be getting old, but I agree with you again, TP. Dame Judi has been a terrific M (despite what the "misogynist dinosaurs" among us might say), but I believe a change would be a welcomed development right about now.

Thunderpussy wrote:

Always liked her as M, although I do think it's time for a change. Also with a
new M then it would be a perfect time to introduce a new Moneypenny.

Le Samourai

DEFIANT 74205 wrote:

GordoLeiter wrote:

I hope this is the last film for her, M is supposed to be a guy not a woman.

This might sound a little ... umm ... sexist of me, but I agree entirely with that. M is an older man in the books - an authoritarian figure, someone who Bond clearly respects and, to a certain extent, fears. That's who he should be in the films, too.

Just as Sean Connery is the standard by which all Bond actors are to be measured, so is Bernard Lee's portrayal of M the standard by which all others are to be judged, and based on that standard, as good an actor as Dame Judi Dench is, she falls short by some margin.

I would definitely be glad if this was Judi Dench's last outing as M and is replaced by someone who fits Fleming's description of Bond's boss.

Totally disagree with the Connery comment. He is just one of several actors to play Bond, and each actor should bring his own interpretation to the role. Ditto for Sherlock Homes, Dracula, Hamlet, or any other fictional character who has been played by multiple actors.

James Suzuki

minigeff wrote:

IF she leaves I'll be very sad tbh, I think she's played an amazing part very well over the years.

When I got into bond with GE, I knew a little, but not much at all about bond stuff, so I guess you could say I'm a little bias not being brought up in the Bernard lee era.

However, Dench has got a great range of work behind her, and I think it's safe to say she's done the series proud. Is it time for her to go though? As much as it pains me to say it, yeah I think now is time. I just hope that if she does go they give her a nice send off, taking a bullet etc would seem a little harsh.

With the way things are going, ppk, db5, mendes' comment on the film being able to be placed into the 60's, I wouldn't be surprised if things went proper old school and bond got a new, male boss.

So does it happen? I honestly don't know.

To tell the truth I want a gruesome EPIC send off, like the two are talking.
M: Bond, I want to tell you something
007: Yes...
M: About Skyfall
007:Skyfall? I thought I knew everything...
M: No, not everything... you see there is one important thing...
Wham a sniper fires three bullets into her her head nesarly explodes and she falls back...
007: (Is silent for a moment then sighs) Ah, the bitch is dead

Moore Than

Rumour has it a death scene was filmed. Regardless, I think Skyfall will be Judi Dench's swansong. The fact that her M has such a prominent role in the film leads me to this conclusion. The producers wanting to give her a good send off.

Perhaps she dies heroically, going up in flames with the DB5 after ejecting Bond out of it in order to save him.

Thunderpussy

Black Leiter wrote :

Sigh....I must be getting old, but I agree with you again, TP.

You're not getting Old BL, your getting young and trendy with you Finger on the pulse
of everthing fashionable and contemporary, ....................................... Like Me. )

Now off to Iron my Plus fours and and starch my Collars. :v

Dutchfinger

Moore Than wrote:

Rumour has it a death scene was filmed. Regardless, I think Skyfall will be Judi Dench's swansong. The fact that her M has such a prominent role in the film leads me to this conclusion. The producers wanting to give her a good send off. Perhaps she dies heroically, going up in flames with the DB5 after ejecting Bond out of it in order to save him.

Didn't know about that rumor yet!! I guess it could really very well be true that M Is going to get killed... We'll just have to wait and see... Like the DB5 idea, although I can't really picture M driving the DB5 while it's on fire and Bond just sitting on the passenger seet!

Blackleiter

Get off my lawn, you crazy kids! (shaking fist) )

Thunderpussy wrote:

Black Leiter wrote :

Sigh....I must be getting old, but I agree with you again, TP.

You're not getting Old BL, your getting young and trendy with you Finger on the pulse
of everthing fashionable and contemporary, ....................................... Like Me. )

Now off to Iron my Plus fours and and starch my Collars. :v

Moore Than

Dutchfinger wrote:

Moore Than wrote:

Perhaps she dies heroically, going up in flames with the DB5 after ejecting Bond out of it in order to save him.

Like the DB5 idea, although I can't really picture M driving the DB5 while it's on fire and Bond just sitting on the passenger seet!

You obviously don't have as vivid an imagination as I do.

Jedi Master

xboy614 wrote:

007: (Is silent for a moment then sighs) Ah, the bitch is dead

This is a major spoiler:

Well I am glad that is not how it happened at all! I thought it was really tasteful and moving and the reboot was perfect! Can't wait to see Craig (or new Bond), Fiennes and Harris in the three main roles next time!

Given that the film has come out now can we talk about the issue of "Judi Dench's Swan Song" (behind spoilers of course) or should I create a separate topic for that?

Sir Miles

Jedi Master wrote:

xboy614 wrote:

007: (Is silent for a moment then sighs) Ah, the bitch is dead

This is a major spoiler:

Well I am glad that is not how it happened at all! I thought it was really tasteful and moving and the reboot was perfect! Can't wait to see Craig (or new Bond), Fiennes and Harris in the three main roles next time!

Given that the film has come out now can we talk about the issue of "Judi Dench's Swan Song" (behind spoilers of course) or should I create a separate topic for that?

No. Neither....yet.