How was this nearly the end of the Franchise?!?
Today's Film is The Man with the Golden Gun, the 1974 Sequel to Moore's first Bond entry.
This is based on the last of Ian Fleming's Novels and there's even some dispute about whether he finished it or not. Was this his Silmarillion?
Regardless, Bond is back and a new threat is after him. He's got the most OP Weapon in Goldeneye too. Good thing Oddjob is already dead or he'd be unstoppable!
There's also a Plot involving a scientific MacGuffin too.
The Film was made at a weird impasse as recent Series Writer Tom Manciewicz is only the Co-Writer and Producers were pushing for some changes to Bond.
Throw in them trying to cash in on the latest cinematic trend and you have an interesting Film.
To see how interesting, read on...
In a Cold Open, a man pays some money to try and kill Scaramanga (Christopher Lee), as he's the World's Top Assassin.
He fails, of course, but only after we see the man's obstacle course/Disney Attraction that will show up in Act 3.
A bullet with Bond's name on it is sent to MI6 and he's now aware of the threat.
There's also the matter of how unique the bullet is- one made for just a single, special gun.
Thankfully, it is so special that you can just track down the maker.
Bond follows the trail- as the maker is sending more bullets to Scaramanga- and it leads to this lady.
Moore's Bond actually threatens her for information, which was a change that Producers wanted.
Moore didn't like it and...yeah, this doesn't feel earned.
Nobody knows what Scaramanga actually looks like.
At the same time, they know that he has a third nipple.
How? Shut up- that's how!
Bond uses this to try and trick the man who hired him and...yeah, you can see the hole in this plan already, can't you?
Bond is caught, but they won't kill him at the house of the man- a billionaire- for some good reasons.
Instead, they transport Bond to a Karate School and make him watch some fighters before making him also fight.
He makes an escape, but then needs back up. It soon comes in the Nieces of his fellow Agent (who is Korean, but has a Thai and Chinese Niece?) who kick major butt.
And yes, before you Google it, that is the Landlady from 'Kung Fu Hustle' on the right.
Due to the Director liking the Character, Sheriff Pepper just happens to be on vacation where Bond is on the mission and gets roped into helping Bond.
Sure- why not?
They do an amazing car spin stunt- which they failed to recreate on Top Gear- but Scaramanga escapes by strapping wings and an engine to his car to fly away.
The MacGuffin really comes into play here as the good guys and bad guys fight over it.
Bond gets it from the bad guys and it ends up in not-so-good Agent Goodnight's hands...and she's taken by the bad guys.
Bond goes to Scaramanga's Island- now legit called
James Bond Island- and is forced to duel him.
On his home turf and with his henchman Nick Nack, Scaramanga can't lose.
He does, of course, as Bond switches outfits with the Bond Statue- introduced in Act 1- and kills the surprised villain.
In the aftermath, they must escape from his base and recover the MacGuffin before- and say it with me- the place explodes.
Naturally, Nick Nack snuck onto the boat and a final fight ensues!
Bond manages to lock him in a suitcase- he's small, you see- and...well, he just takes him off-screen.
Did he throw him overboard? Maybe.
Oh well, the End.
A Film that I enjoyed...but I can definitely see the issues.
The Film has some odd issues with its Tone, to say the least.
It is funny at times, with the Sheriff reappearing, the slide whistle used during the car stunt and just how dumb they made Britt Ekland's Goodnight.
In contrast, Bond is somewhat abusive to Maud Adams' Character and her sad arc feels reminiscent of the one we'd see with Severine in Skyfall a few Decades later.
We also get some rough and tumble fighting early on, with Bond even bleeding.
The Film can be fun, but is never quite sure what it wants to be.
So much of it is silly- like having Nick Nack so prevalent- and it eventually goes full cliche.
Why does Scaramanga need an Island Base and a big-ass laser gun?
I definitely had fun with this one, but I can see why Critics- and Audiences- had some issues with it. I really like everyone involved here, but...yeah, it's a bit silly and confusing.
Instead of moving forward, we're directly lifting stuff from
Diamonds are Forever...
A Dumb Helper in a Bikini for Act 3? Where'd they come up with this idea?
Next up, a quick Bond break to check out a Film Trilogy. I finally got my hands on all 3 of the Dragon Tattoo Films, so let's check them out...
No comments:
Post a Comment