When it was announced that Swiss director Marc Forster was directing Quantum of Solace, all I could think was, "Oh, God, what a horrible name for a Bond film." Yeah, it took me a while to get used to it. So by the time I did, all the fight was out of me to worry about the helmer. Still, a man whose previous credits included Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland and Stranger Than Fiction seemed an odd choice for a 007 film. Now it all seems so natural.
We were lucky enough to talk to M-Fo the other day on the phone. He is a charming man who dialed his own phone and didn't need a publicist to help him. (This puts him in a small group for me alongside Andy Dick and Crispin Glover.) We talked about QoS, his attachment to Max Brooks' Zombie Oral History tomb World War Z and other topics. When he called, I was racing back to my desk, as I really had to pee and was heading back from the men's room.
Jordan Hoffman: Now THAT'S an action sequence. Online journalist runs back from bathroom to make phone call with Hollywood director!
Marc Forster: They are looking for ideas for the Bond sequel – I think you should pitch it.
Jordan Hoffman: Yeah, you want to make sure your audience can identify with your hero. Needs to be vulnerable.
Marc Forster: Yes, I told the producers that Quantum of Solace should be darker and grittier, but maybe the circle is closed and now it is time for seeing...
Jordan Hoffman: Bond's gotta pee!?
Marc Forster: It's a hit.
Jordan Hoffman: So, you are Swiss. How is that working out for you?
Marc Forster: It's working out great. You know, the neutrality certainly helps when you want to be diplomatic in Hollywood.
Jordan Hoffman: Ah! So your innate Swiss powers have helped you in the Industry.
Marc Forster: Well, Switzerland is an emotionally closed society. And if you look at my movies, all the male leads are emotionally closed, Bond especially.
Jordan Hoffman: I know you've addressed this before, but it bears repeating. Your first films, Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland, they were not exactly action-adventure films. So with Quantum of Solace, were you able to get out every action trope in your director's notebook that you've been itching to do?
Marc Forster: I love switching genres. And I was very excited to shoot action sequences. And I wanted to set them in the four elements: air, fire, water and earth.
Jordan Hoffman: Oh. Hey. I didn't even really notice that. I mean, I noticed it, but now that you say it it becomes clear. Interesting.
Marc Forster: Yes, I wanted to explore the elements and have fun with it. Action sequences are tough, you don't always get what you want, but I had a blast.
Jordan Hoffman: When you do James Bond you are entering such a legendary franchise, even if you consider this a new epoch of Bond. Are there other franchises you are itching to get a hold of.
Marc Forster: Not really. I'd like to develop my own franchises. I still like making smaller movies, but I think it would be fun to create my own franchise as well.
Jordan Hoffman: Well, is that what World War Z is all about? Does that have franchise potential?
Marc Forster: It could be. J. Michael Straczynski and I are still developing the script. You can't force that kind of thing. You have to first see how the first one goes.
Jordan Hoffman: Working with JMS – are you a Babylon 5 fan?
Marc Forster: Yes, I like Babylon 5 (laughs quite a bit at this.)
Jordan Hoffman: Do you prefer B5 or Deep Space Nine. You can only choose one.
Marc Forster: (Laughing.) Well, because I know him so well, I have to choose Babylon.
Jordan Hoffman: When you get to know someone personally, you recognize things in the work that you otherwise....
Marc Forster: Yes, yes, exactly.
Jordan Hoffman: Is World War Z a definite go?
Marc Forster: No, no, it is not. It is in development.
Jordan Hoffman: If one pokes around, one finds your name attached to a few projects. Is there something that you know is happening next, or are you in an in between stage?
Marc Forster: In between stage.
Jordan Hoffman: Well, World War Z has a large following, so it has a lot of people watching it. Are you planning to take it in a mock documentary way? Or a traditional narrative?
Marc Forster: Um, we would not do a mock documentary. More of a narrative. But I would not say "traditional" narrative.
Jordan Hoffman: Are you worried at all because, well, the book is beloved by so many, but also there have been a great deal of zombie movies lately. Do you have a plan yet on how to differentiate your shooting style for these zombies as opposed to, you know, "the other leading brands" that've come down the road lately?
Marc Forster: At the moment, we have not gotten that far. At the moment, we are focusing on the script to make sure it feels different and interesting and fresh, and also still reflects the book. And then we'll move on to that stage.
Jordan Hoffman: Monster's Ball: you worked with the great Peter Boyle! One of my favorites!
Marc Forster: I love him. I miss him so much. And he had such a wonderful sense of humor. I loved him since Young Frankenstein.
Jordan Hoffman: He could do goofy stuff like Johnny Dangerously but also give a remarkable, angry story like Joe.
Marc Forster: He had a very unique sense of humor. It was very abstract. And I never have come across this with anyone else I've ever met. He'd say things and I'd wonder, "wait, is that funny?" It was great.
Jordan Hoffman: You have worked with so many A-listers. Are there some actors out there you are itching to work with?
Marc Forster: Well, I have been blessed to work with some top people. I worked with Dustin Hoffman twice. And I would love to work with Johnny Depp or Will Ferrell again.
Jordan Hoffman: Are you Twitter?
Marc Forster: No.
Jordan Hoffman: Are you thinking of getting on?
Marc Forster: No. Should I? I'm not on MySpace or Facebook either.
Jordan Hoffman: Shame on you. The next Bond project does not have a director attached. Interested?
Marc Forster: They offered me, but I was very flattered but I said no, I want to focus on new things. But, you know, Never Say Never Again, right?
Jordan Hoffman: Who would you recommend for the job?
Marc Forster: Oh, there are a lot of talented people out there. They'll find someone.
Jordan Hoffman: Other than QoS, what is your favorite Bond movie?
Marc Forster: On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Jordan Hoffman: Really! Is Lazenby big in Switzerland?
Marc Forster: No, but, I like the stylistic choices made, the way it is edited at the beginning, it is gorgeous.
Jordan Hoffman: I need to see that one again, I think. It's been a while for me.
