Rent James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

A solid, if slightly uneven film, with Moore still finding his feet as Bond - James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun review by TB

When Sean Connery left Bond for good (after being coaxed back once before with a King’s ransom of a payday for Diamonds are Forever,) the producers turned to someone who they had had in mind when Connery first started making noises about walking: Roger Moore. The result was Live & Let Die, which really was groundbreaking for its time: almost completely black cast, with an indebtedness to the Blaxploitation film catalogue. Even today, for many people, that film is Moore’s best, with good reason (although nothing will ever top The Spy Who Loved Me, for me the joint best Bond film with Goldeneye.) But after the success of that film, would Moore & the filmmakers be able to follow it up with an equally impressive & enjoyable story? 

The answer is sort-of…

As a film, Golden Gun is a weird mix of kung-fu action films (aping the success of the genre, especially the work of Bruce Lee,) standard Bond espionage & weird humour. But it is also very competently made (with Guy Hamilton, Goldfinger’s director, it couldn’t not be,) as well as containing stunts which broke boundaries back then & still today are stunning feats of calculation & staging. 

Looks wise, the locations are spot-on, whether it’s Macau, Thailand or Hong Kong. The soundtrack also is great, the low-key piano of Scaramanga’s theme providing a weird & uncomfortable hook. And mentioning the stunts, the main action moment everyone will remember is the incredible barrel roll, done for real with no “trickery” and in one take. There is also a very good boat chase through the rivers surrounding the martial arts school that is just the right length & doesn’t overstay its welcome, unlike the one in Live & Let Die. 

Cast wise, things are also good overall. Moore is still clearly finding his rhythm with his portrayal of James Bond, however this is an observation rather than a criticism. There are a few of the trademark elements of what Moore brought to the role which come through, whether it’s the eyebrow raise or the smooth quips. Christopher Lee is an excellent choice for the role of Francisco Scaramanga, in many ways how Bond might have been if he hadn’t been in the employment of the British Government & professing loyalty to Queen & country. The face offs that the two of them have, whether at a Muay-Thai boxing match or across a dinner table on Scaramanga’s personal island, bristle with tension & are extremely enjoyable.

However, there are also quite a few faults with this film as well. The main running theme, the ‘73 energy crisis, simply isn’t compelling or interesting. Whilst it might have been a very Bondian plot theme to have a device which can solve a serious issue plaguing the world, in reality it is a non-starter. No-one other than the most devout Bond fan would actually remember or be able to tell you anything about the Solex Agitator and that is a major weakness with the storyline as a whole. 

And whilst Moore & Lee bring enjoyment combined with lethality to their roles, with the other members, it is very hit & miss. Nick Nack & Goodnight are average at best, whilst Anders (Scaramanga’s mistress) is given an almost nothing-role, which is terrible considering the ability of Maud Adams. Sheriff Pepper is brought back as well, but the over-the-top humour does start to wear thin after a while. 

Golden Gun certainly isn’t one of Moore’s best films & wasn’t particularly well-received on its release. But there is enough here to satisfy most viewers, as well as a few good quips. And it also in many ways was the film for Moore to hone his performance with, which then was brought to the fore in Spy Who Loved Me.