Episode 16: Sam Mendes: Licence to Thrill... Even More - A Culture Show Special

The Culture Show • Season 17 • Episode 16

About this episode

Mark Kermode talks to Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes about his latest film Skyfall - the 23rd outing of the James Bond series. Featuring contributions from Skyfall stars Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, and Dame Judi Dench, this week's Culture Show Special also reflects on Mendes' prolific career in both film and theatre. From directing Dench in the West End at just 24 years of age to sweeping the board at the Oscars with his debut movie American Beauty, Mendes has always done things his way. Celebrated for his visual elegance and ability to coax great performances from his actors, the director reveals why he wanted to take on Bond and what surprises lie in store for Skyfall audiences around the world.