
Director: Lewis Gilbert. Producer: Albert R. Broccoli. 1977
SYNOPSIS:
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, the 10th film in the James Bond series, ventures not only
into the depths of the ocean but into the deep topic of betrayal and morality as
well, placing it among the boldest of the 007 films. James Bond (Roger Moore) is
coupled with Russian agent Anya "Triple-X" Amasova (Barbara Bach) to recover
stolen Soviet submarines from evil oceanographer Carl Stromberg (Curt Jurgens)
and his gigantic lackey, Jaws (Richard Kiel). When Triple-X learns that Bond
killed her husband on a mission in the Alps, she must overcome her selfish
notions of revenge and work with 007 for the good of the world. "The Spy Who
Loved Me" marked a return to the more fantastic milieu of Connerys later entries
in the series.
In addition to the Bond staple of girls and gadgetry, the film features
beautifully shot footage of the Austrian Alps, Sardinia, and the Egyptian pyramids.
Furthermore, director Lewis Gilbert uses the film to push the cinematic envelope
with stunning underwater action sequences, that leave the viewer gasping for air
and a vodka martini--shaken, not stirred. Barbara Bach proves to be a pleasant
addition to the cast as the gorgeous "Bond girl." Major Amasova is attractive,
smart, sexy, and (of course) dangerous.
Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, under total secrecy, helped light the supertanker
scene, since cinematographer Claude Renoir's vision was failing. The supertanker
set was built on the largest soundstage in the world, which cost $1 million to
construct.
Villain Jaws (Richard Kiel) was originally intended to die at the end of THE SPY
WHO LOVED ME, but producer Albert R. Broccoli, sensing the character's appeal,
changed the ending.
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME is the only Bond film in which M's real name is revealed--it's
"Miles." Marvin Hamlisch works, easily, one of the best musical
scores in Bond history. The theme of "Nobody Does it Better" instrumental is
excellent.
"BARBARA BACH FAN SITE" created by Carlos N .© : Edited and Made in Spain