'For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond' Exhibition Opens

Today officially marks the opening of the ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’ exhibition at London’s Imperial War Museum.

In addition to several online previews (here and here) as well as an online website highlighting several of the 007-related events that will be taking place, two new videos giving fans an inside look at the various exhibitions have appeared online at YouTube.

The videos additionally feature interviews with Ben Macintyre, author of the accompanying book of the same name (available to purchase now) and Lucy Fleming, niece of Ian Fleming:

Watch online at YouTube (Video 1)

Watch online at YouTube (Video 2)

Imperial War Museum – For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond

Thursday 17th April 2008–Sunday 1st March 2009

To celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth, Imperial War Museum London is producing the first major exhibition devoted to the life and work of the man who created the world’s most famous secret agent, James Bond.

Featuring fascinating material, much on public display for the first time, For Your Eyes Only will look at the author and his fictional character in their historical context and examine how much of the Bond novels were imaginary and how far they were based on real people and events. This exhibition will explore the early life of Ian Fleming, his wartime career and work as a journalist and travel writer and how, as an author, he drew upon his own experiences to create the iconic character of James Bond that continues to have global appeal.

The official book to accompany the Imperial War Museum exhibition For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond will be published by Bloomsbury in April 2008. Written by the bestselling author of Costa shortlisted Agent Zigzag¸ Ben Macintyre and full of lavish photography, this book is the perfect celebration of Ian Fleming and his remarkable creation, James Bond.

Adults £8.00, Concessions and Groups £7.00, Children £4.00, Family £19.00 (Groups pre-booking essential on 020 7416 5439 or [email protected]

For further information contact: Victoria Main Press Officer, Imperial War Museum London, 020 7416 5497, [email protected]

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.iwm.org.uk

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest details and coverage on all the Ian Fleming centenary events and James Bond-related releases.

Winehouse Spokesperson Denies Rumours

It’s been a rumour dating back to late 2006, but a spokesperson for Amy Winehouse today denied claims the singer is currently recording the title track to this year’s James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

The representative tells People, “Amy has been in the studio working on songs for her new album with [producer] Mark Ronson. Recording for anything else is pure speculation.”

The rumour mill went into overdrive last week when British rag The Sun proclaimed the artist and her producer were headed Ronson’s country retreat in Henley to begin laying down the track.

The news comes despite a quote 007 producer Michael G. Wilson in the April edition of Total Film magazine: “[Amy] could do a wonderful job. We’ll have to wait and see if she can do it.”

A poll on the CBn Forums found that over 64 percent of respondents would approve of Winehouse performing the Quantum of Solace theme song.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the web.

No Difference Between Bond Blockbusters And Indie Films, Says Daniel Craig

What’s the difference in working on a mammoth James Bond production like Quantum of Solace and a British indie film such as Flashbacks of a Fool?

Not much, according to Daniel Craig.

In a new interview at Rotten Tomatoes, the 007 star discussed working on both films; Flashbacks of a Fool having just premiered this past week and Quantum of Solace due out in October/November.

‘I honestly think that on set there’s very little difference,’ Craig said. ‘On set there’s two cameras, maybe, the crew and if you’re shooting dialogue and scenes with actors it’s the same. The difference comes in when suddenly there are explosions and napalm going off everywhere. But actually the atmosphere is very similar.’

As noted previously, Craig’s debut as Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale has since helped the actor in getting smaller, independent films–like Flashbacks–made.

‘I’ve never, ever done films because I should do them, and if I have ever done that it’s usually been an unpleasant experience. I’ve only ever really enjoyed and liked films I’ve done because I’ve wanted to do them.’ – Daniel Craig

‘It’s been useful. Suddenly people are listening to me like I’ve got an opinion which is really disturbing!’ he said with a laugh. ‘I’ve kind-of got to have one! That’s quite nice in a way–sort-of facing up, championing something and believing in something. It’s a nice place to be. And, you know, I like [director and close friend] Baillie Walsh, I think he’s got a huge amount of talent, so saying to someone, “I like this guy,” is really very easy.’

Speaking specifically about Quantum of Solace, Craig said that despite the critical and commercial praise Casino Royale received, the pressure was still very much on.

‘I don’t think you can say there’s less pressure when you make a $200m movie–the pressure is plain to see. We’ve got to make it as good as if not better than the last one, that’s the only thing that matters. I’m no less nervous than I was but I’m very happy with what we’ve put together for this one. Marc Forster’s come on board and he’s taking care of a lot of things that I just don’t need to think about and I’m just getting on with it. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel comfortable with it. It’s James Bond, I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that place and get Zen about it–it’s not that kind of role. But I’m enjoying what we’ve shot of this and I’m planning to enjoy as much as I can of this filming process, because otherwise why do it?’

Working alongside Mathieu Amalric (villain Dominic Greene) has also been enjoyable for Craig. ‘I’m over the moon about it,’ he said. ‘We worked together very briefly on Munich, but I didn’t actually have any scenes with him on that. Now I’ve got to know him, and that Schnabel movie he’s just done is brilliant.’

As several fans have noticed, despite his enormous popularity as James Bond, Craig is keeping just as busy with several other films; Flashbacks being one example as well as The Golden Compass and the forthcoming Defiance and I, Lucifer.

Explaining how he chooses what projects to work on, Craig said: ‘Someone asked whether it was important to make a smaller movie after making a Bond movie, but I’ve never, ever done films because I should do them, and if I have ever done that it’s usually been an unpleasant experience. I’ve only ever really enjoyed and liked films I’ve done because I’ve wanted to do them. And that’s absolutely on an individual basis. Doing a film and saying, I’ve done a really dark film and now I have to do a comedy… That’s not me. If a script comes along and it’s dark I’ll absolutely do it and take the consequences. I’m not fussed about the image that goes along with it.’

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Sebastian Faulks To Host Waterstone's Writer's Table

Sebastian Faulks will host Watersone’s first Writer’s Table during which he will compile a list of 40 books that influenced him as a writer according to theBookseller. The list will include children’s books, poetry, non-fiction, and modern bestsellers.

“Quite a few of the books I would have liked on my table are, alas, out of print; but I hope that everyone will find something worthwhile to read or re-read in this list of forty. There are no duds here, only winners.”

Selected books will be highlighted on Waterstone’s website and store beginning on 1 May. Faulks will also write about why he selected each book in the list.

Faulks’ James Bond novel, Devil May Care, will be published worldwide on 28 May 2008.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest literary James Bond news.

More 'Quantum' Filming Tidbits From Italy

WARNING: Possible spoilers

With the Quantum of Solace production currently filming much of the action-packed opening sequences throughout Italy, details have come in on a few notable dates.

According to a recent article from the La Nazione newspaper, filming on the 22nd James Bond film will soon be taking place at the Tuscan city of Carrara.

As earlier reported on CommanderBond.net, this location will mark the transition of the film’s opening chase between 007 and the pursuing police from the shores of Lake Garda to the Canalgrande and Fantiscritti quarries.

The La Nazione article mentions a filming start date of 25 April at the Fantiscritti while an international press conference will be hosted at Carrera on 5 May. No specific details were given as to which cast and/or crew members from the film will be attending the conference.

Currently, the Quantum of Solace is at work at Lake Garda. Click here for photographs of the Aston Martin DBS being prepared for filming in the sequence.

For further, in depth details about the Quantum of Solace filming in Italy, check out CBn’s overview: Part I | Part II.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Reports #3 And #4

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated with two new video interviews with crew members from the 22nd James Bond film.

The first of the two new interviews is with Ana Endara, the extras casting director in Panama.

Endara discusses how she first contacted the Bolivian Embassy upon learning the country would be featured in the film. She also mentions casting some of the extras from an indigenous tribe in Panama and the process they must go through in getting to the set each day.

The second interview is with 2nd assistant director Toby Hefferman.

On set in Panama, Heffman explains that he works alongside the first AD in coordinating the backround, cars and other crew members.

‘We get up early and get in a few hours before call,’ he says. ‘Get actors, extras and everything ready. Throughout the day, it’s very diverse. From one scene it can be 750 extras like we’re doing now or it can be two actors doing nothing in a room, but each have their complications.

Watch both Quantum of Solace video blogs online here and here.

Stay tuned to the CBn main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Double or Die' Slips Out Early In US

Although it isn’t officially due for release until 22 April, James Bond fans in the US can now get their hands on Charlie Higson’s Double or Die.

A report from Double O Section notes that Higson’s third Young Bond novel is currently turning up at several bookstores throughout the US, most notably the Borders chain.

As earlier reported on CommanderBond.net, the US hardback edition of Double or Die features brand new artwork from Kev Walker (who also designed the US Blood Fever cover and is behind the upcoming SilverFin graphic novel).

Higson offered his own praise of the cover: ‘It’s fantastic to see the new American cover of Double or Die which has all the romance and atmosphere I imagined when writing the books. Double or Die is a new start for Young Bond in the states and I’m very excited about its release.’

So go ahead and pre-order online or start the hunt at your local bookstore…

• Order the US hardback edition of Double or Die from Amazon.com
• Order the US audiobook edition of Double or Die from Amazon.com

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Young Bond and literary 007 news.

Charlie Higson Explains The Popularity Of James Bond

A BBC News correspondent recently took an extensive tour of Goldeneye, Jamaica, Ian Fleming’s exotic villa and also the birthplace of the character of James Bond.

Included in the article are four videos which give readers a closer look at the actual room where Fleming first began work on Casino Royale in 1952 (as well as the several 007 adventures that followed).

The outside garden and the Green Grotto caves, which were used as Dr. Kananga’s lair in 1973’s Live and Let Die, are also examined.

Young Bond author Charlie Higson was also at the location to discuss why James Bond became–and still remains–such a popular character.

‘One of the things that made the books really popular in the kind of drab English 1950’s was the feeling of all this [gesturing to the nearby Goldeneye beach], of all the exotic places and warmth and colour,’ he said. ‘Getting away from the ordinary lives that the readers were living.’

‘And famously after Moonraker his third book which he set entirely in England, he got floods of letters saying “I don’t want to read about James Bond in Kent.” They wanted [Bond] to be in someplace like Jamaica. That whole spirit of James Bond is sort of encapulated in [Goldeneye].’

Continuing on the same vein of the never-ending popularity for Fleming’s original 007 novels, Higson said: ‘The books, when they came out, were the ultimate escapism. People very rarely travelled abroad. Jet flights to foreign places were still out of reach for most people. And then suddenly there’s this guy in these books who’s flying all around the world and drinking champagne and eating fantastic steaks and lobsters. He’s completely out of reach from the average reader. They just thought that this is fantastic lifestyle.’

‘I mean, Bond is the ultimate male fantasy. He’s got no wife and kids. He basically lives in hotels, eats in restaurants and travels around the world. He can basically do whatever he likes. He can even kill people–being allowed to by the government. And that’s a fantastic fantasy for men who have a complete lack of responsibility to anyone else.’

‘But right at the heart of it, he does go up against some nasty villains and does get knocked around a lot. But he comes out on top, which we’d all like to do.’

Check out the full BBC News report here.

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond-related news.

The Blades Library Book Club: Death Is Forever

Welcome back to The Blades Library Book Club – the place for quality discussions of the books of James Bond!

Every two months a James Bond 007 novel is chosen for the club members to read. A thread is posted in the club forums listing locations on where you can find the novel. Discussions about the book will go on as the book is read and when it is finished. Another thread will be created so that club members can post their review and give a rating on the current book.

All fans of the Literary Bond are eligible for membership. All you need to do to sign up is register on the CBn Forums (it’s free and only takes a minute) and then post your name in the sign up thread.

The Book Club’s 26th Book

Currently we are progressing though the James Bond 007 novels in chronological order, since quite a number of members are using the club as an opportunity to read the books for the very first time. The club has just finished all fourteen of the Ian Fleming novels as well as the one-time-only Bond novel by Kingsley Amis, Colonel Sun. Most recently, the club moved onto the John Gardner era, and now continues with his eleventh novel: 1992’s Death Is Forever.

Obtaining The Book

Ordering online should be fairly easy. Death Is Forever can be ordered online (although in used condition) from the following sources:

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com
• eBay

Discuss other places to buy Death Is Forever or where you got your copy in this thread.

Discuss The Book While Reading

Want to talk about the book while reading it? Post a new thread in The Blades Library.

Review And Rate The Book

After you have finished reading Death Is Forever, you can discuss it with other club members in The Blades Library, and give the book your personal rating out of five in this thread.

If you have any questions or suggestions just post them in a new thread. Happy reading.

*New* Archive Of All Past Read Books

Additionally, club members can review or comment on any of the past read books in the club any time they want. Click here for the full archive of the past read books in the club.

Previous Books Read

• The Man From Barbarossa: February 2008 – March 2008
• Brokenclaw: December 2007 – January 2008
• Win, Lose Or Die: October 2007 – November 2007
• Scorpius: August 2007 – September 2007
• No Deals, Mr. Bond: June 2007 – July 2007
• Nobody Lives Forever: April 2007 – May 2007
• Role Of Honour: February 2007 – March 2007
• Icebreaker: December 2006 – January 2007
• For Special Services: October 2006 – November 2006
• Licence Renewed: August 2006 – September 2006
• Colonel Sun: June 2006 – July 2006
• Octopussy & The Living Daylights: April 2006 – May 2006
• The Man With The Golden Gun: February 2006 – March 2006
• You Only Live Twice: December 2005 – January 2006
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: October 2005 – November 2005
• The Spy Who Loved Me: August 2005 – September 2005
• Thunderball: June 2005 – July 2005
• For Your Eyes Only: April 2005 – May 2005
• Goldfinger: February 2005 – March 2005
• Doctor No: December 2004 – January 2005
• From Russia, With Love: September 2004 – November 2004
• Diamonds Are Forever: July 2004 – August 2004
• Moonraker: May 2004 – June 2004
• Live and Let Die: May 2003 – June 2003
• Casino Royale: March 2003 – April 2003

Gordon Brown Talks With Sebastian Faulks

The 10 Downing Street website hosts a unique tête-à-tête with British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and James Bond novelist, Sebastian Faulks, filmed at the London Book Fair yesterday.

The Independent carries a report on the unscheduled meet, in which the duo discussed the writers that had most affected their lives.

The Prime Minister admitted to being a fan of 007, having read “most of the James Bond novels a long time ago”. He also expressed his admiration for another 007 author: Kingsley Amis. However, Mr Brown prefers Amis’ pre-Colonel Sun work, admitting he favoured the writer’s output around the time of his 1954 novel, Lucky Jim, “before he got to his ‘more means worse’ phase, his elitist phase: Kingsley Amis the radical.”

Check out the whole interview on the 10 Downing Street website.

Faulks’ James Bond novel, Devil May Care, will be published worldwide on 28 May 2008.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest literary James Bond news.