'Frost/Nixon' Writer Peter Morgan Joins 'Bond 23'

Yesterday we learned of a possibility for the next James Bond movie that would see 007 infiltrate the poppy fields of Afghanistan, perhaps in a plot focused on the international drug trade. It makes some narrative sense and it's a part of the world we don't see a lot in the Bond films. Hours later came even bigger news: Oscar-winning writer Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) has been brought on board to work with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade to write the 23rd 007 flick. Actually, Purvis and Wade have worked on the last four Bond movies. So why do established veterans in the series need Morgan's help? Oh, that's easy: He writes unbelievably good characters. In the two films already mentioned and The Last King of Scotland, Morgan has made Richard Nixon a sympathetic figure, gave warmth to Queen Elizabeth, and made a charmer out of Idi Amin. And if there's one area where Quantum of Solace really struggled, it was in its characterizations. Bond was boring and the villain, played by Mathieu Amalric, was anemic at best. You don't bring in Peter Morgan to write chase scenes or droll, Connery-esque one-liners; he's here to create a three-dimensional villain and maybe to bring out more of what Daniel Craig brings to the role, specifically that he's the best actor to play Bond. I'm generally against the Hollywood practice of having more than a couple writers on a movie. But at least this isn't six. And at least the guy they're bringing in is anything but a hack. Having Morgan on board can only help this movie.

Comments

[Lengthy Johnson]

As long as Mr Haggis stays well and truly away, I am happy.

[Alex Rudman]

Just picked up Frost/Nixon: The Complete Interviews. These DVD's are AMAZING! Once I started, I couldn't stop watching them. Watching Frost go to work on Nixon is like watching a great boxing match. Both sides are delivering jabs until Frost delivers the knockout Blow - Watergate. Seeing Nixon crumble under the relentless pressure of Frost is truly fascinating. The Watergate interviews kept me wanting more and the 5 other interviews definitely delivered. This is a must have for anyone's collection http://bit.ly/FrostNixon

[dyb]

He is going to be a great addition