Bond & Beyond

Dossier #89: The Visual Language of Bond

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PltSHM5CpQ] - 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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond') and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #88: Introducing your children to Bond

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #87: Breaking Bond

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #86: The Make Or Break Bond Films

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can also find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].

Dossier #85: Was Mission:Impossible the new Classic Bond?

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 bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com [bondandbeyondpod@gmail.com]. You can find us on Facebook (just search 'Bond & Beyond'), Twitter (@bondbeyondpod) and all our episodes are at bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com [https://bondbeyondpod.tumblr.com/].