Bond By Numbers

A short reflection and tribute on the occasion of Sir Thomas Sean Connery's passing.

Eric Serra's music for "Goldeneye" still manages to elicit grumps, frumps and outrage among Bond fans a quarter-century after its arrival on the scene. However, the soundtrack for Pierce Brosnan's 007 premiere isn't short on creativity and is staunchly defended by some for its tradition-breaking novelty. From guttural beats to "hammer and sickle synth", BBN investigates the story, tracks and controversy of this unorthodox volume in the Bond music library.

Josh and Scott weigh in on the recent announcement of a further six-month delay to NTTD and related issues facing the franchise, its distribution and of cinemagoing more generally.

Long overlooked by 007 location scouts and producers, Canada remains an untapped well of potential for the adventures of James Bond. In this special "What If?" episode, Josh, Jeff and Scott put their fandom to creative work and share their ideas for original James Bond missions featuring the true north, strong and free!

Tom Mankiewicz wrote three James Bond films. He also came from Hollywood royalty and developed for himself a reputation as script doctor extraordinaire. A creative talent and raconteur beloved by his friends and collaborators, "Mank" never won an Academy Award like his father or uncle did but succeeded where they failed in "playing the game" by his own rules. In this special episode, BBN digs deep on the life and times of the man and writer lovingly dubbed "Wanky Mits" by Sir Roger Moore and considers his legacy within the 007 universe and beyond.

In our second "What If?" of the series we throw caution to the wind and let our roulette wheel guide us through the reimagined world of 007 title singers. Some hit the musical wall softly and stick, while some other selections miss horribly and fall heavy to the ground. In any case, we welcome you behind the glass and inside the BBN (re)production booth as movie music history falls victim to whimsy. Luckily, at least one of us knows something about music... even if our toy wheel is clueless!

After years of false-starts, Kevin McClory's remake of "Thunderball" finally got green-lit in 1982. Sean Connery's involvement in the project stretched far beyond his reprisal of 007 and ensured that Cubby Broccoli and EON were kept guessing as production on their own feature evolved simultaneously. Despite its origins in bad blood, "NSNA" nevertheless has its devotees and defenders and holds a firm place within the Bond universe. From foie gras to smoking heels, BBN is delighted to offer its own take on this unofficial installment!

John Barry's creative ambitions for "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" played innovatively off the electronic landscape of the late '60s and brought James Bond music to new heights. Revered by fans, Barry's work for George Lazenby's lone outing also pushed the envelope for film music in general, opening up new doors of perception and possibility for composers to come. In its first soundtrack deep-dive, BBN tells the story of this landmark achievement from 1969.

Clint Eastwood politely turned down the role of 007 when it was offered to him after Connery's departure, which probably leaves "The Eiger Sanction" as the closest fans ever got to seeing him play the secret agent. Like Bond, Jonathan Hemlock also has henchmen, villains and a speckled past to contend with. This controversial film from 1975 is part spy thriller, part mountaineering adventure and marks the end of our "3 Non Bonds" review miniseries. Grab your pitons, crampons and pemmican and join BBN for a trip up the Eigerwand... Eastwood style!

More than twenty years after its release, John Frankenheimer's "Ronin" still delivers to audiences some of the best car chases ever manufactured for cinema. But the film's impact isn't restricted to its 150 stunt drivers tearing up French highways and locales. "Ronin" also offers the promise of Robert DeNiro in full action mode and an ensemble cast featuring no less than three 007 villain actors. Join BBN for a ride behind the wheel of Jeff's inspired selection as its review miniseries of "3-Non Bonds" continues!