As a lifelong James Bond fan, I must say that “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” is, without a doubt, my favorite film of the series. Growing up, I always found myself drawn to the wintery landscapes and the unique charm that George Lazenby brought to the character of 007. The film’s embracement of holiday themes, from the Christmas tree decorating scene to the upbeat soundtrack, makes it the perfect addition to any family’s Christmas movie lineup.
In terms of Bond portrayals, George Lazenby’s solitary appearance in the title role was once deemed cheesy, excessively dramatic, and lacking authentic emotional depth. This perception wasn’t improved by his acting in just one James Bond film, preventing viewers from witnessing a broader spectrum of his talent. Nevertheless, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service boasts several truly impressive scenes, and given its snow-covered landscapes, polar bears, and Christmas decorations, as well as its debut in December 1969, it can be viewed as a unique James Bond holiday special, making it an ideal choice for seasonal viewing.
Half a century later, there’s a noticeable change in public perception regarding this unusual addition to the 007 series. Initially, some of the criticism could be attributed to the fact that Bond was portrayed by someone other than Sean Connery for the first time. The film’s early acknowledgment of this shift might not have been favorable at the time. However, it provided Peter R. Hunt with his debut as a Bond director, having worked as an editor on the five Bond movies prior and serving as a second unit director on Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice.
One reason “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” effectively continues the James Bond franchise and solidifies its status as a Christmas movie is its unique approach compared to the Connery films. Instead of trying to maintain a serious tone, it embraces the absurdity of the story and exaggerates the lead character’s traits without hesitation.
Blending Camp with Real Emotion
Ever since 1962’s “Dr. No,” it has been noted that the James Bond films carry an element of camp that surpasses their storylines. The frequent one-liners, persistent flirting, and unflappable demeanor even in the face of danger have solidified Bond in a realm slightly distinct from reality. The notion that a secret agent would be casually donning black tie attire, charming every woman he encounters, is inherently absurd, and one of the key strengths of “Secret Service” lies in its acceptance of this aspect of the character.
Beyond this, the film boasts a powerhouse cast that effortlessly maintains an authentic sense of heightened reality without veering into silliness. Diana Rigg’s character Tracy exudes genuine authenticity, and while her emotional intensity was once criticized as overly dramatic, her marriage to Bond offers a poignant moment that underscores the film’s ability to deliver real emotion. It’s remarkable how the movie skillfully blends its camp elements with sincere moments. The film’s tagline, “FAR UP! FAR OUT! FAR MORE!” beautifully encapsulates this unique blend.
An Original Christmas Song & Setting
John Barry’s outstanding score for Secret Service included several original tunes along with his well-known incidental music. One of these pieces, “Do You Know How Christmas Trees are Grown?”, is almost like a traditional Christmas single for the 007 series. This song, sung by Nina, is frequently played throughout the movie and serves as a heartfelt reminder of the wintery backdrop that most of the film is set in. The tune fits perfectly with the alpine setting, and it’s no surprise that it has become popular among fans.
The tune beautifully illustrates how On Her Majesty’s Secret Service integrates holiday motifs – this James Bond tale is suitable for family viewing during Christmas, making it an enjoyable film for a festive gathering. As everyone gathers and shares their holiday excitement, the delightful music and lively soundtrack perfectly complement the Christmas celebrations. If you prefer, you can leave the movie playing in the background to create a cheerful, seasonal ambiance.
The holiday scene depicted in the movie also occurs, featuring a hilariously absurd Christmas tree decoration scene starring Telly Savalas as Blofeld. His brainwashed “angels of death” enter the room like excited kids, grabbing gifts from under the tree. Each gift contains weapons and spy gadgets. With its snowy Swiss backdrop and impressive ski scenes, this movie is arguably the most charming winter-themed James Bond film in the series.
George Lazenby’s Self-Aware Charisma
Lazenby effectively amplified his performance as Bond, maintaining what was effective in Connery’s initial portrayal but taking it to a higher level. He created a Bond who is both an extravagant ladies’ man and self-aware about this aspect of the character. Each line delivery suggests an understanding of the absurdity inherent in the role, a fact that is particularly evident in the opening scene. One of the movie’s most iconic lines comes when Bond, nearly addressing the camera, says, “This never happened to the other fellow,” thereby referencing Connery’s Bond while also hinting at how On Her Majesty’s Secret Service would be offering a unique take on the character.
Regrettably, George Lazenby’s portrayal of James Bond in the movie didn’t resonate well with the audience. At the premiere, he wore a beard, which critics felt was too dissimilar from Bond’s typical image. Additionally, the film depicted Bond falling in love and getting married, an unconventional twist that included Bond shedding tears (a rare sight for the character). This departure from tradition was met with criticism, often referred to as sacrilege. Furthermore, Lazenby was associated with a Fry’s chocolate commercial at the time, which some audience members found humorous given that other Bonds were also active in advertising. Despite these challenges, it’s unfortunate that Lazenby was negatively received, considering his excellent performance. However, this film remains an ideal choice for Bond fans during the holiday season.
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2024-11-29 03:02