Review of Diamonds Are Forever (1971) by Elliot D — 26 Jul 2008

(No. 7).

Form compliments content here as Bond jumps across the Pond to the U.S.A. Old World class and culture are substituted for cheap thrills and fast money which reflects the anything-to-get-ahead attitude of America next to Continental tradition, honor and tact. The idea of the cat-with-nine-lives, Blofeld, surgically creating decoys of himself is interesting and quite original for the time, as is the introduction of the murderous Messers Kid and Wintt as being gay lovers. There's Plenty o' action (of course there is), with two highlights being a mad car chase through the crowded streets of Vegas and Bond getting his ass kicked by Bambi and Thumper (- cheese drips off the screen at this point.) Still, Connery's sly delivery of one-liners and special agent tactics are fun to watch, and despite its campiness the film doesn't pretend to be anything other than over the top escapism. Welcome to the '70s, James.