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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. |
