Review of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) by William S — 22 Oct 2010

After the disappointment that was The Man with the Golden Gun, Eon Productions bounces back with one of the series' best films. The Spy Who Loved Me improves on its predecessor in almost way: bigger battles, more elaborate sets and effects shots, prettier scenery, and a more beautiful- and much more assertive female lead. If only Christopher Lee had been in this movie, instead of Golden Gun, we'd have a film to rival Goldfinger.

The storyline is suitably over the top. After an alpine ski chase which ends in one of the most spectacular stunts ever performed on film, Bond (Roger Moore) is called back to London on urgent business. One of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines has been hijacked! A microfilm in Cairo may hold the key to solving the mystery, so it's off to Egypt. But Bond soon discovers that those connected to the microfilm have an alarmingly low life expectancy, and that he's not the only one seeking it. His rival is KGB major Anya --- (the stunning Barbara Bach.).

Before long, the two have joined into an uneasy partnership, which is made tenser for the viewer by the knowledge that he's killed someone close to her, with neither one yet realizing it. The clues eventually lead to shipping baron Karl Stromberg (Curd Jürgens), who is planning nothing less than global domination.

Besides being absolutely gorgeous, Anya is one of the toughest women Bond has ever come across. More than just a sidekick to drag along, she can hold her own in a fight, and even gets the better of Bond on occasion. Of course it wouldn't be a Bond movie if he didn't have to save her at least once, but we never get the feeling that this is going to become a pattern.

The subplot about Bond having killed Anya's boyfriend adds an extra dimension to their relationship, and we tensely wait for them to put two and two together. The confrontation is well handled when it comes, and opens the possibility that she may kill Bond if the bad guys don't.

Speaking of bad guys, TSWLM introduces one of the series' best villains yet, Jaws. Played by the massive Richard Kiel, Jaws is by far Bond's most physically powerful opponent, and practically indestructible to boot. No matter what happens to him, he just keeps coming back like the lead in a mad slasher, and indeed, during his early scenes he provides a real feeling of horror. Jürgens also does well with his role, coming across as intelligent, ruthless, and deeply insane. He's no Blofeld, but he comes fairly close.

This movie is also very well made from a technical standpoint. The battle sequences towards the end are quite impressive, as are the effects shots, including the now-legendary scene in which the car turns into a submarine. The visuals are excellent as well, with wonderful location shots, especially in Egypt, and top-notch set pieces.

One of the biggest problems with Golden Gun was the use of comic relief. The attempts to get laughs were laid on to heavy, and instead of providing a few chuckles they slowed down what should have been exciting scenes. Fortunately, the filmmakers have learned their lesson this time around, and deliver laughs without overdoing it. Most of the film's humor comes from Bond's quips and one-liners, although the funniest moment relies on a bit of automotive trouble that puts our hero completely out of his usual element. And I challenge you to keep a straight face when the closing theme rolls.

There are of course ancient clichés and plenty of improbabilities, but we knew that coming in. The Spy Who Loved Me may not be high cinema, or the kind of masterpiece that filmmakers will seek to emulate for generations to come, but if it's entertainment you're looking for, count on it to deliver.