'Skyfall' Covered in Two Leading UK Film Mags

Following the recent start-of-production press conference held by Eon in London on November 3, two of the UK's leading movie magazines, 'Empire' and 'Total Film', which have just been published in Britain, have devoted space to what was revealed at the launch event about the next 007 adventure.

The magazine 'Empire' (issue no.271, January 2012 edition) has '23 Things We Know About Bond 23', and reproduces some colourful stills of the 'Skyfall' cast and Eon's producers. Empire's coverage notes that 'Skyfall' does not relate to any previous Bond story, and points to Michael G. Wilson's comment that: 'It has its own story, and doesn't connect with the last two films'. The magazine also notes, however, that Wilson stressed that the new Bond movie would still maintain the tone of the post-reboot Bonds: 'We started down that path with Casino Royale and we're sticking with it', said Wilson. 'It's really the same kind of idea - an interesting story, that's well-written, with a great cast'.

'Empire' also notes that Judi Dench's 'M' will be front and centre in the story, as Bond's loyalty to her is tested. The magazine claims that Dench hinted that treachery is in store: 'I'll never get a grip on who M is, like I'll never get a grip on who works in my office either'. And, as the magazine speculates, that's where the title might come in, as, according to Barbara Broccoli, 'Skyfall' has an 'emotional resonance' that will be revealed during the course of the movie.

Meanwhile, 'Total Film' (issue no.188, January 2012 edition) carries an article entitled 'Sky dish', which also claims to give details on Bond 23, based on what was revealed (or not revealed) at the press conference. Total Film's article opens: 'Royal Weddings aside, there are few things that can entice the whole gamut of international press into a stuffy London hotel ballroom. But there was tangible anticipation from a 300-strong media scrum when Bond's shiver-inducing theme tune played, lights dimmed and the start of the 23rd 007 circus kicked off in Whitehall earlier this month'.

'Total Film' has some quick summaries of the careers of leading members of the new cast, including Javier Bardem, Berenice Marlohe, and Naomie Harris. Apart from some further brief discussion of the press conference, the magazine (like 'Empire') also has '23 Things We Know About Bond 23', including the fact that, between them, the main cast can boast 16 Oscar nominations and two wins. The latest issue of 'Total Film' will also prove an attractive buy for dedicated Bond fans as Daniel Craig appears on the front cover, in a publicity still from his upcoming movie 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo', which is released in the UK on December 26 (Boxing Day).

'Empire' magazine is on sale now, priced £3.99, and 'Total Film' can also be purchased for £3.99.