CommanderBond.net

Dennis Gassner Is 'Bond 22' Production Designer

Regular crew member Peter Lamont will not return

At the annual Bondstars Day at Pinewood Peter Lamont annouced to the guests of the day that he would not be involved with the next James Bond film.When asked he put it simply that Marc Forster did not require his services,& had his own ideas for the 'look' of the next Bond picture.My own personel opinion was of sadness to hear this as I think Mr Lamont's contributions to the franchaise have been invaluable.Its also sad that it is another one of Cubby's men that won't be involved ,but life goes on.I am sure Peter Lamont will always be available IF mr Fosters man needs a helping hand.As a man he is an absolute gentleman when asked for contributions from Bond fans & the media.
Other titbits from 'Bond'people were that there would be some Skiing for Mr Craigs next mission.Now thats what I call a appitizer!!..cannot wait.

This is sad, but not unexpected. While I doubt we'll see any loss of quality in the final film, Eon does seem to be shedding the idea of itself as a family.

Disappointing, but I suppose members of the core production team moving on is inevitable (except Arnold, for the love of god David, stay put ). And it's not like Mr. Lamont is retiring or anything, he may very well return for a future installment.

Aces, at which point was it mentioned that skiing would potentially be involved in Bond 22? Pierce hit the slopes in TWINE, which was really only 2-3 films ago...but then again Lazenby went skiing in '69 and Roger did again in '77 and that gap didn't feel too short (compared to 1999-2008).

Wow, it does NOT seem like nearly a decade since TWINE came out.

I for one will not be sorry to see the back of Lamont; I have always found his production design uninspiring and, quit frankly, dull.

He was always a second rate substitute for the great and visionary Ken Adam.

Starting with the boring, workman-like visual that he put together for Foy Your Eyes Only, he quickly established himself as a prime example of crewmembers who were promoted beyond their ability in the Eon of the 80s and 90s; John Glen, Vic Armstrong being other examples.

Lamont seems to be a very nice chap by all accounts but let’s have someone with real vision and talent.

Dennis Gassner is a very good choice, can’t wait!

He seems to have missed retirement- he turns 78 this year!

I've never been blown away by his designs, but certainly never disappointed. It is quite exciting to hear that Forster has a bit of vision for this film- should be interesting!

Yes, Dennis Gassner certainly sounds like an interesting choice- he's done films with very stylish looks and is no stranger to big ones, either. Not bad at all.

Hopefully there won't be any more of those obvious sets like the piazza or consulate backyard from Casino Royale!

Thanks for the news, Aces High. Interesting that Forster has his own idea for a "look" to the film.

It seems that Forster has really been given the reigns on BOND 22 after all. Maybe we won't be seeing the return of David Arnold...

Anyway, sad to see Lamont go. His work on CASINO ROYALE was stellar. I'll be anxiously awaiting news of his replacement, and of the new "look" for BOND 22.

Dennis Gassner

This post has been edited by Shrublands: 23 July 2007 - 15:13

Oh, I missed that.

He's a more-than-solid choice. I'll be eagerly awaiting the visual style he brings to Bond.

I think many people are being unfair, but worse... short-sighted. Peter Lamont graduated on FYEO. This is a film where Cubby definitely wanted to go back to a 'Russia' feel. And in addition, actually said to John Glen; "I'll tell you now, we're not going to spend as much on the next Bond film (after Moonraker)". As, I think, everyone knows. So what is the man to do with that? What he did. Well.

When given rein, look at his fantastic work on DAD.

This a a pro-PL camp, here!

Yes,

His current work on The Golden Compass looks to be fantastic, sumptuous and beautiful.

Yes, it was.

Waiting with bated breath now to see whether the apparently all-powerful Mr Forster will allow Daniel Craig to play Bond, or whether he has his own choice in mind. (I jest. )

It's interesting that Eon would let Forster replace one of the "family." If I was David Arnold, I'd be a little nervous this morning.