Summary
- Moore’s Bond films were a cocktail of genres, veering from standard spy thrillers to supernatural and blaxploitation themes.
- The franchise broke tradition with slapstick humor and wild action sequences, making Moore’s tenure unique and memorable.
- Roger Moore faced off against formidable opponents, like Jaws, and delivered mind-blowing stunts like the AMC Hornet jump over a bridge.
As a child of the 70s and 80s, I vividly remember the thrill that Roger Moore’s Bond movies brought to our living rooms every time they were shown on TV. His portrayal of James Bond was not just about the suave charm and the impeccable style; it was about the laughter, the slapstick humor, and the sheer absurdity that made those films a joy to watch.
On June 10, 1972, it was officially announced that Roger Moore would take on the role of James Bond. With his previous roles as Simon Templar in The Saint and Lord Brett Sinclair in The Persuaders, Moore was well-equipped to portray a daring, stylish, and womanizing character. Born in London, he embodied the quintessential British charm expected of Bond actors. However, many were skeptical about his abilities. For the 13 years that he worked with the Broccolis, critics persistently labeled his portrayal of Agent 007 as comical. Some even argued that he wasn’t as attractive or charismatic as Connery, a viewpoint he vehemently disagreed with.
As a movie lover, I’ve always found myself puzzled by the hype surrounding James Bond. Given that numerous actors have taken on the role, one might think it’s just like any other character being passed down, much like Hamlet in various productions.
In their quest for a new actor to portray the fictitious spy character, Connery wasn’t an immediate choice as his successor either. The producers attempted to persuade Connery to reprise his role but were met with repeated refusals. Subsequently, they considered Michael Billington, Jeremy Brett, and Julian Glover. Interestingly, Clint Eastwood was proposed the part, despite being American, but he respectfully declined, believing that only actors of British origin should embody Agent 007.
Eventually, Roger Moore assumed the role, adding a touch of humor to a figure typically associated with seriousness. Nowadays, when looked at from a fresh perspective, the actor’s Bond films are found to be more appealing than one might recall.
Moore’s Bond Movies Were Tasty Cinematic Cocktails That Combined a Variety of Genres
Apart from a few special items, Bond movies generally follow the formula of conventional spy adventures. However, Roger Moore’s films were unique blends of different genres. For instance, “Live and Let Die” was an innovative attempt by a major studio to compete with the popular ’70s blaxploitation films. It managed to capture their essence – soul, power, and even matched them in terms of graphic violence, style, and drug themes.
Just as captivatingly eerie as a supernatural horror movie, the film showcased an exceptional chilling portrayal by Geoffrey Holder as Baron Samedi, one of Bond’s henchmen. Samedi was known for his voodoo practices and was believed to be immortal. In an unexpected twist, Bond managed to kill him convincingly, only for him to resurface in the closing moments with a maniacal laughter. To this day, Dr. Kananga remains the franchise’s most prominent black villain.
Forty years after its initial release, “The Man and the Golden Gun” continues to captivate audiences with its unwavering ability to entertain, making it one of James Bond’s most thrilling adventures. Blending martial arts techniques with sci-fi undertones, the film features a villain named Scaramanga who sports an unusual three nipples, hinting at his possible genetic abnormalities.
The film ‘Moonraker’ deserves countless praises as it delves into a grand space saga, allowing Bond to embody Han Solo-like qualities successfully. Screenwriter Christopher Wood faced challenges adapting Ian Fleming’s renowned novel while also satisfying the studio’s desire to capitalize on the popular sci-fi trend of the time. However, he managed to meet both demands by focusing solely on the book’s vital scenes and streamlining the characters.
As a fervent fan, I must admit that Wood’s alterations to the classic tale have been met with raised eyebrows by purists. Yet, upon closer inspection, many of these changes are justified and the innovative opening scene – where Bond is forcefully ejected from an aircraft by the formidable Jaws – significantly surpasses the novel’s predictable introduction, in which the agent merely observes Hugo Drax’s poker game.
The Moore Movies Broke Franchise Traditions and Dug Into Slapstick Humor
On several occasions, Roger Moore’s Bond ventured into the city of Rome, but he never felt the urge to conform to Roman customs. Instead, he preferred vehicles that were a bit more unconventional. To give you an example, he chose the Citroën 2CV 6, Alpha Romeo GTV 6, and the iconic 1976 Lotus Espirit over the classic Aston Martin. The latter was replaced by these unique cars that served him well both on land and water.
He didn’t request the shaken Double Martini himself; it was always provided to him instead. He, however, was more of a cigar enthusiast, which gave him an air of sophistication reminiscent of Connery’s portrayal of the character. But what truly set him apart was his sense of humor.
In many Bond films, it seems that style and farcical elements take precedence over plot and character development, but this isn’t true for Moore’s era. Instead, these movies are filled with lavish sets, flamboyant villains, and a comedic edge that enhances the overall absurdity. Each Bond film has its share of amusing lines, but the humor in the Moore films stands out as particularly slapstick and entertaining. The jokes started from the very beginning and never let up.
Moore’s debut film, titled “Live and Let Die“, signified a shift from intense, gritty action movies to lighter, humorous, and family-friendly comedies. In this movie, viewers witnessed Bond performing an extraordinary stunt – jumping across a pond using alligators as stepping stones. The villain, Dr. Kananga, was eventually eliminated by Moore’s Bond, with the use of a gas pellet that inflated his body.
In another part of the story, Scaramanga’s sidekick, Nick Nack, should have realized not to disturb James Bond. In the film “The Spy Who Loved Me”, he attempted to surprise Bond on a boat while he was engaged in an intimate moment. Unfazed, Bond trapped the diminutive character inside a suitcase and tossed him overboard. Such humorous moments were a staple of Roger Moore’s films.
Wild Stunts, Mind-blowing Action Sequences, and Formidable Opponents
Espionage is what the James Bond movies are about, but stunt work is the franchise’s undeniable strength, and Moore’s projects truly delivered. After all, no other Bond has fought a python either or done fisticuffs on the moon. Among the many hair-raising moments, the 360-degree corkscrew AMC Hornet jump over a broken bridge in The Man with the Golden Gun is still embedded in the brain. So good was this particular stunt that the producers patented it.
In Moore’s most celebrated Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” there were many more rewards to discover. Nothing during that time period in Hollywood seemed to convey the refined yet slightly antiquated feel of international politics and the corruption of capitalism as convincingly as this cleverly subversive production did. The breathtaking opening sequence, featuring a Union Jack parachute jump, was quite spectacular, and the villainous character, Jaws, still brings back fond memories for many viewers.
Moore’s Bond consistently faced off against the most formidable henchmen, with Jaws standing out as the most challenging adversary. Richard Kiel’s portrayal of Jaws in the movie was a powerful spectacle, combining raw physicality and subtle efficiency that made the character iconic, not just within pop culture, but also elevating the actor to fame.
As time passes, I find myself increasingly convinced that Roger Moore’s Bond films deserve a fresh look and recognition for their true worth.
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2024-08-18 19:01