I’m revisiting and reviewing all the 007 movies. Next up, Diamonds Are Forever. Read on for my thoughts on this classic in the James Bond film franchise.
The Story
MI6 assign Bond to investigate who is hoarding the world’s supply of diamonds. The case leads Bond to Amsterdam, where he poses as criminal Peter Franks and meets Tiffany Case, a glamorous gemstone smuggler. Bond and Tiffany smuggle the diamonds to Las Vegas, where Bond suspects that reclusive industrialist Willard Whyte is behind the conspiracy. Bond infiltrates Whyte’s desert laboratory and finds that the diamonds are being used as part of a laser beam satellite. Back in Vegas, Bond sneaks into Whyte’s penthouse, where he comes face-to-face with his arch-nemesis Blofeld, who has kidnapped Whyte and is impersonating him. Blofeld plans to hold the world hostage for ransom with the deadly satellite. After being left for dead by assassins Mr Kidd and Mr Wint, Bond and Tiffany follow Blofeld to his oil-rig base. As CIA helicopter gunships attack, Bond disarms the satellite and prevents Blofeld’s escape. On the sea voyage back to London, Bond disposes of Kidd and Wint as they try to assassinate him.
Double-O Insights
- The original script featured Goldfinger’s twin brother as the villain.
- The idea for the film came to Cubby Broccoli in a dream.
- The South Africa scenes were actually shot in the desert outside Las Vegas.
- The crew shut down the Las Vegas strip for five nights to film the iconic car chase.
- During re-shoots, the crew accidentally filmed the car on the wrong two wheels, resulting in a last-minute addition of an interior shot of the car switching wheels.
My Thoughts
Sean Connery’s return to the Bond universe is like slipping into a perfectly tailored tuxedo. His portrayal of Bond is effortlessly cool, dry-witted, and unflappable. Whether he’s escaping danger or trading quips with villains, Connery’s presence elevates the film. His sly grins and nonchalant demeanor make us believe that Bond can handle anything – even driving a moon buggy across the desert while being pursued by bad guys. The absurdity of the situation is offset by Connery’s unwavering confidence.
The plot is intricate – perhaps unnecessarily so. But let’s be honest: Bond movies aren’t about intricate plots; they’re about moments. And Diamonds Are Forever delivers those moments in spades. The diamond smuggling, the eccentric millionaire hiding out in a penthouse, and the pursuit of Blofeld – it’s all part of the Bond experience. We’re here for the surface thrills, the action, and the witty dialogue.
Who can forget the chase through Las Vegas? Bond outsmarts squad cars, flips his Mustang onto two wheels, and escapes with a nonchalant grace. It’s exhilarating. And let’s not overlook the villains Wint and Kidd – their sinister charm adds a delightful twist.
Diamonds Are Forever understands the Bond mythos. It’s not just about plot intricacies; it’s about style, charisma, and escapism. While some may prefer the earlier Bond films, this one captures the essence of what makes Bond timeless.
Diamonds Are Forever sparkles with Connery’s magnetism, thrilling set pieces, and Bond’s signature wit. So, grab your martini (shaken, not stirred) and enjoy this dazzling adventure!
