Dossier #91: Bond Reskinned

Alex and James are once again joined by friend of the show (and unofficial/semi-official third host) Sam for the latest ranking episode. This time, we're ranking the pre-title sequences. The criteria is simple: This applies to any scenes that appear before the opening title sequence, so that discounts Dr No but includes the gunbarrel-less openings from Casino, Quantum, and Skyfall. There are plenty of other considerations, such as whether they handle Bond's intro well (if he appears at all), whether they stand up well as a sequence on their own, and whether they get you hooked for the full move. We discuss what makes for a good pre-title sequence, how long it took for EON Productions to find the right formula, and (of course) rank all 24 openings in terms of how good we believe they are. Reckon we've got it wrong? Email [email protected], or comment under this episode's post at the Bond & Beyond Facebook group.

Alex and James cast their eyes outwards from the established Bond casts and try to imagine other actors, actresses, directors and composers in a Bond role. Not just potential other 007s, but Ms, Qs, Moneypennys, villains, and more. For this exercise, we each chose two films and tried to imagine who would be involved with them if they were made in a different time. What would a 1980s Goldfinger look like? A Guy Ritchie-directed Live & Let Die? And, inevitably, a Christopher Nolan Bond film? Listen to our choices, and then have a go yourself: email your reskinned Bond film choices to [email protected] or comment under this episode's post on our Bond & Beyond Facebook page.

In this bumper-sized episode, Alex and James guide you through the history of every Bond adventure and the impact they had on the careers of their stars. From major villains to Bond girls to bit parts and cameos, we explore every notable name that appears throughout the series, whether it was at the height of their fame or the beginning of the decline. You'll be amazed at how many other series, films and TV shows are connected to Bond in more ways that one. Think we've missed something? Let us know! Email [email protected] or comment under this episode's post on our Bond & Beyond Facebook page. 

James and Alex are joined by Josh Trett of Trett Films, a filmmaker and fellow Bond fan, to discuss the visual language of Bond. Josh and his brother were contracted by Ian Fleming Publications to create a trailer promoting Charlie Higson's excellent Bond novella On His Majesty's Secret Service - but without the usual iconography and familiar elements many fans will know from the films. We discuss this challenge with Josh, ponder what images instantly conjure the idea of Bond in a reader's or viewer's mind, and (of course) we put him through the Desert Island Bond test. If you want to email us, you can do so via [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond') and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

James Bond is a generational franchise, often introduced by father to son. But when you find yourself in the role of the former, where - and, more importantly, when - do you start? Alex and James discuss their own earliest memories of Bond, their experience presenting Bond (or elements of Bond) to their own children, and some of the many considerations that need to be taken into account. Got your own story to tell? Email us via [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

This week, Alex and James are joined by friend of the show Simon Smith to discuss the moments that could have ended the entire Bond franchise. Following our Make or Break episode, we take a closer look at the Breaks: the films and behind-the-scenes developments that defined (and nearly destroyed) the future of 007. From the Connery-draining Thunderball to the baffling brother revelation of Spectre, these are James Bond's lowest moments... and how he rose from them stronger than ever. If you want to email us, you can do so via [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

In light of Goldeneye's recent anniversary re-release in cinemas (and given that not every 007 adventure will get the same treatment), Alex and James discuss which are the make-or-break Bond films. This is not about quality, nor is it killer vs filler. Instead, this is a look through the history of the James Bond films and defining the moments that could have ended the franchise or gave it fresh new life. Don't agree with our picks? Email [email protected].  You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

Alex and James briefly turn their attention away from James Bond to discuss the adventures of Ethan Hunt.  We take a look at the Mission: Impossible series, how it evolved over the course of eight films, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Plus, keeping things on topic, we attempt to answer whether Tom Cruise's stunt-filled outings serve as a suitable alternative to Bond for classic fans who weren't won over by Daniel Craig's grittier, more grounded films. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Mission: Impossible vs James Bond, so please email us via [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

Kicking off renewed efforts to deliver a more regular Bond & Bond listening experience, Alex and James share their impressions of the recent deep dive into upcoming video game 007 First Light. If you haven't already, make sure you watch the whole presentation before listening to this episode. We discuss our takeaways after being given a glimpse at two missions, as well as the range of options young Bond has to tackle any given situation. We compare how First Light is shaping up to past Bond games, plus the developer's storied Hitman franchise, and drill down into which elements of this title make it a more Bondian experience than your standard action game.  Finally, we drool over the special editions we're inevitably going to splash our cash on. We'd love to hear your thoughts on 007 First Light, so please email us via [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.

As Amazon-MGM continue to drip feed us details of the next Bond film, Alex and James discuss what we could expect now that Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve has been given the helm for 007's 26th adventure. If you want to email us your thoughts on Villeneuve and what he'll bring to the series, you can do so via [email protected]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com.