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And the Klebbie goes to...Worst execution of a good idea page 147

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  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,250
    My vote would go to TB, mainly because of both women's way of dressing, and Largo too. Fiona's motercycle suit, her blue dress, Domino's bathing suit, but also her dress in the casino, even her shirt and shorts on the boat. Largo's suit in the casino. The more caual look at Palmyra. It all works extremely well.
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 5,420
    Very interesting votes and thoughts. I had heard it said that TB has a beach feel but I must agree with the academy that it has a great sense of style!

    Lets dive into the best Bond performance of Roger Moore's career. Roger had some highs and lows during his 7 film run as Bond. Some gems for sure along with a few duds. I am not going to put all 7 up for nomination. Though if you feel I have snubbed your favourite performance of Sir Roger, please cast a write in vote.

    Without further ado here are the nominees!
    • Live and Let Die...his first performance and while it can be argued it took a few films to hit his stride, Roger does a wonderful job assuming the role in his very first Bond film.
    • The Spy Who Loved Me...for many this was his best performance. Good mix of tough ("what a helpful chap") and fun ("Let me expand your vocabulary!")
    • For Your Eyes Only...Roger played Bond tougher here and did a marvelous job of giving this film a harder edge.
    • Octopussy...great chemistry with the female lead, a rather complicated plot and going up against a rival Bond film. Roger makes it all believable and enjoyable!
    • The Man With the Golden Gun...I will admit to having a soft spot for this film so I am shamelessly adding it to the list. He has some cracking scenes with Christopher Lee, delivers some great dialogue and lifts the film up.

    There you have my list folks, lets vote on the Best Bond Performance of Sir Rog as James Bond!
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    My vote goes to TMWTGG, although his FYEO and OP performance are also great.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 16,368
    I might have to go for Moonraker as the film is so enormous and yet he still comes out as the star, but perhaps he is at his most smug; so maybe Octopussy, yes. He gets to do everything in that one, from his usual good humoured stuff, to perhaps the most romantic and warm Bond had been in years, to his proper mood of panic towards the bomb plot finale. He's very good in it.
  • 007HallY007HallY
    Posts: 4,133
    Tricky one as Rog always did it so well, even when they hadn't quite ironed out how to write his Bond...

    I'd say Octopussy. Arguably his most varied performance as Bond? The look of panic he has towards the end even when in clown make-up is so well performed.
  • ProfJoeButcherProfJoeButcher Bless your heart
    edited July 2022 Posts: 1,711
    Octopussy for me. He actually arrives on a shore in a crocodile sub and then believably mourns the death of an ally. The man is an absolute master of gluing tones together, and Octopussy has him at the height of his powers.
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 5,420
    Interesting votes so far. Nice to see OP getting some love. It was the second Bond film I watched on the big screen and I loved it. His tone and acting at the death of Vijay makes the scene especially poignant and adds the right about of tenderness.

    Glad to hear that @Thunderfinger joins me in appreciating TMWTGG! I love how he seems to delight in the dialogue. The scene with Lazar is a stand out for me.
  • BT3366BT3366
    Posts: 1,917
    OP has the best balance of all the things that made him memorable in the role and he's in top form overall. His serious scenes like confronting Orlov on the train, getting even with one of the twins, trying to disarm the bomb, finding Vijay are all first-rate. He seems smoother and more confident in the action scenes as well, especially in the fight in Octopussy's home.

    Having a more age-appropriate woman in Maud Adams helps in the romantic scenes although Tina Hudson and Kristina Wayborn are also good foils. And despite the over-the-top humor like "Sit!", the Tarzan yell and such are stumbling blocks, his delivery of one-liners is spot-on. Sometimes it's just a look when sliding down the banister and finding his manhood threatened by a sculpture.

    I am very tempted to go with TMWTGG as I like the tougher side, but Guy Hamilton's direction of playing the Scaramanga island scenes lighter robs us of more suspense and danger. TSWLM is also a good blend, although sometimes the humor intrudes too much, robbing the suspense.

    He seems more tired and distracted in FYEO. In LALD there seems too much of a feeling of finding his way and just kind of floating his way through.
  • jobojobo
    Posts: 7,507
    FYEO for me. Could have gone with OP as well.
  • RevelatorRevelator
    Posts: 2,917
    FYEO. He'd fully settled into the role with TSWLM; in FYEO he wears it like an old suit, with quiet assurance and style. He had grown more avuncular with age but was not yet too old, and his acting is more nuanced and sensitive--effectively sombre in the pre-credits (well, before Blofeld shows up), tactful in the near-impossible bed-scene with Holly, and convincingly brutal with Loque. He was obviously happy to be have the opportunity to play a more human Bond reacting to less fantastic situations.
  • CrzChris4CrzChris4
    Posts: 463
    Octopussy by far. So many little moments that I find synonymous with him as Bond. His confrontation with Orlov on the train is incredible. He didn’t give himself enough credit, Moore was a great actor. His chemistry with Maud Adams is perfect.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 16,368
    I must admit, in terms of faceoffs with villains I do prefer him with Zorin in the next film. He nakedly despises him, which makes a nice change from his usual urbane exchanges with the baddie.
  • Junglist_1985Junglist_1985 Los Angeles
    edited July 2022 Posts: 1,031
    While FYEO is far and away my favorite Moore film, I think his performance in Octopussy is the most complete.
  • slide_99slide_99 USA
    Posts: 692
    The Man With the Golden Gun gets my vote. Although I liked all of Moore's performances, I feel that TMWTGG is the only time he's playing Ian Fleming's James Bond as opposed to Roger Moore's James Bond.
  • jobojobo
    Posts: 7,507
    Revelator wrote: »
    FYEO. He'd fully settled into the role with TSWLM; in FYEO he wears it like an old suit, with quiet assurance and style. He had grown more avuncular with age but was not yet too old, and his acting is more nuanced and sensitive--effectively sombre in the pre-credits (well, before Blofeld shows up), tactful in the near-impossible bed-scene with Holly, and convincingly brutal with Loque. He was obviously happy to be have the opportunity to play a more human Bond reacting to less fantastic situations.

    +1

    You just brilliantly put into words my overall opinion!
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 5,420
    There is a world weariness to FYEO and I like the notes that Moore hits in this film. My Dad who was in Sean's camp enjoyed FYEO because he liked Roger's portrayal of Bond. At times it's jarring because you can clearly see when Roger isn't doing the action, however for the acting in this film he does bring it.

    I am starting to see that there was depth to his performances. Great points raised so far from the academy, lets see if there are more votes or thoughts on the best Bond performance of Moore's esteemed run!
  • MooseWithFleasMooseWithFleas Philadelphia
    Posts: 3,369
    Octopussy, fill her up please!
  • DwayneDwayne New York City
    Posts: 2,841
    A tough call.

    Over the years I grown to like FYEO more and more. And I do think that its Roger's best "old-school" performance - by far. OP, however, also affords Roger several outstanding scenes as well. It really comes down to my mood. While I enjoy FYEO more as a film, OP probably best symbolizes the typical Moore style, performance and era.

    As I said, a really tough call. In fact, other than a couple of moments in TMWTGG and the "age issue" of AVTAK, I don't think Roger ever gave a poor performance.
  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,483
    I would go with MR, FYEO or OP. Tough call... I vote for FYEO
  • Max_The_ParrotMax_The_Parrot ATAC to St Cyril’s
    edited July 2022 Posts: 2,426
    Thank goodness I found this in time before voting closed! The Democratic Republic of Parrots have a temple dedicated to Sir Rog who is the finest of all Bond actors! There's no such thing as a bad Rog performance. I do think he's at his physical finest in TSWLM/MR/FYEO. I'm also keen to point out that contrary to vicious rumours over the use of compressed air, Roger actually performed the rippling skin stunt in the Moonraker centrifuge entirely without the aid of props or special effects, an achievement which all other Bond actors could only dream of. However a Bondie isn't a Bondie without a winner, so the nomination of the DRP goes to FYEO. Revelator has already mentioned the superbly dramatic and emotional moments of Locque's demise and Tracy's graveside tribute, along with the deaths of Ferrara and Lisl. But we also get all the twinkly nudge nudge wink wink moments we enjoy with Roger, and the bright, breezy enjoyment he always brings to the role.

    The fact that, for the most part of the film, he was able to avoid being overshadowed by Max the Parrot's standout Bondie-winning debut cements FYEO as his greatest performance.
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 5,420
    Bravo @Max_The_Parrot I was wondering when you would turn up. Don't worry I am not going to put a slug in your back! LOL!

    Great observations about FYEO. I remember reading an article from Maibaum and he was somewhat dismissive of Roger in FYEO but I found it to be a right mix of tough and tender. I have often pondered whether this film would have been better to not have Bond and Melina have a relationship. The ending seems forced a bit. Minor quibble as I enjoy the film immensely.

    The way you delivered the "ATAC to St. Cyril's" line always brings goose bumps!
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,250
    Max_The_Parrot wrote: »
    Thank goodness I found this in time before voting closed! The Democratic Republic of Parrots have a temple dedicated to Sir Rog who is the finest of all Bond actors! There's no such thing as a bad Rog performance. I do think he's at his physical finest in TSWLM/MR/FYEO. I'm also keen to point out that contrary to vicious rumours over the use of compressed air, Roger actually performed the rippling skin stunt in the Moonraker centrifuge entirely without the aid of props or special effects, an achievement which all other Bond actors could only dream of. However a Bondie isn't a Bondie without a winner, so the nomination of the DRP goes to FYEO. Revelator has already mentioned the superbly dramatic and emotional moments of Locque's demise and Tracy's graveside tribute, along with the deaths of Ferrara and Lisl. But we also get all the twinkly nudge nudge wink wink moments we enjoy with Roger, and the bright, breezy enjoyment he always brings to the role.

    The fact that, for the most part of the film, he was able to avoid being overshadowed by Max the Parrot's standout Bondie-winning debut cements FYEO as his greatest performance.

    When you've got the opportunity to parrot a parrot, talking about a parrot, you should definately jump in! I fully agree with his conclusions and @Revelator 's assessment. With the tiny note that I love LALD the most, but that's mainly because of its closeness to the novel.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    Posts: 14,568
    Moore's performances were mostly consistent throughout his run, so it's quite difficult to pin down one in particular, but when the question was first asked, my thoughts did go to FYEO for all the reasons above. We see humour, seriousness, cold revenge and wise mentor all in one.
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    edited July 2022 Posts: 5,420
    Great discussion here members of the academy. I remind all voters that we are voting on his best acting performance. You are highlighting some wonderful things about his portrayal of Bond.

    Very interesting academy votes here! The final tally shows:
    1. For Your Eyes Only with 8 votes
    2. Octopussy with 7 votes
    3. The Man with the Golden Gun with 2 votes
    4. The Spy Who Loved Me with 0 votes
    5. Live and Let Die with 0 votes

    Bibi Dahl is coming up to the accept the Bondie and asks if anyone wishes to go for ice cream she is available! Surprising that Spy received no love from the academy and that Eyes and Octopussy battled it out.

    Now we should choose a Klebbie and for this one I will go with non-sensical or cold death. Many times our man has had to make the decision to kill and often it is for a good reason. His enemies also kill and most times we can understand why. For this category lets consider the deaths that leave us asking why? The nominees are:
    • Fekash's secretary TSWLM, did Bond use her as a shield, was she taking a bullet for a stranger? Due to a confusing edit we are left to ponder what and why did she have to die.
    • Mathis QOS, we understand Mathis dying in the movie, however the casual way it is handled by Bond. Thrown into a trash bin, seems cold for our man and one wonders if it could be handled another way.
    • Plenty O-Toole DAF, Okay so Wint and Kidd who clearly see Tiffany Case in the airplane, suddenly forget what she looks like and kill her in the pool? Bond casually flips through a magazine while waiting for Case to show up? Distasteful and puzzling on many levels
    • Tily Masterson GF, pinned down on a dirt road, Bond sends Masterson into the woods knowing that OddJob has a hat with a razor and lethal force? His plan needs some work.

    There you have it dear academy members. What is the most pointless or uncaring death in the series?
  • marcmarc Universal Exports
    Posts: 2,610
    QOS
  • RichardTheBruceRichardTheBruce I'm motivated by my Duty.
    edited July 2022 Posts: 13,785
    Of the offerings and as described: Plenty O'Toole.

    Also regarding Mathis: I note René (one of my favorite characters from book and eventually film) is the counterpoint to Bond.

    James is establishing himself, Mathis is on the decline and then retired after a long career. More importantly and unfortunately, Mathis lets himself be drawn back into the game. He returns to old haunts in South America carelessly using his own name, blowing his cover from the start at a time loyalties are in question.
    • Is Mathis your cover name?
    • Yes.
    • Not a very good one, is it?
    • [Laughs at the dark humor involved.]
    So I see Mathis' death as pretty essential to Bond getting started with MI6. His reaction to it recognizes hard realities of the business. A traditional sacrificial lamb. And a pretty epic recognition of Mathis in the finale with the "I believe we had a mutual friend" flourish. Not specifically what OO7 pursued in vengeance, but in the moment he drolly puts the Colonel on notice he chose poorly.

    I wanted more of Mathis to be honest, at the same time I've quoted the movie line "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long" on this on the past.

    And much later in NTTD, Bond finds himself in the reverse scenario with Leiter drawing HIM back in. But different from Mathis, OO7 ultimately triumphs over the situation.



    Following up I should address how Mathis is placed on top of the trash in the dumpster.

    Confronted, Bond himself says Mathis wouldn't care. And that eventually leads to the proposal that the the dead don't care about vengeance.

    There is something going on with these actions.

  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    The secretary in TSWLM. Unpleasant and ridiculous scene from start to finish, thankfully it s short and followed by one of the best scenes in the film.
  • goldenswissroyalegoldenswissroyale Switzerland
    Posts: 4,483
    Killing off Tilly after her weak acting in the scene at the fence (am I the only one thinking this is the worst acting moment in the series apart from the famous taxi driver in AVTAK?!) made always sense to me.
    I never liked the moment where Bond throws Mathis in the trash bin but it can't compete with the oddness of the other two contenders.
    Both deserve a Klebbie. I vote for Plenty.
  • ProfJoeButcherProfJoeButcher Bless your heart
    Posts: 1,711
    I would also say the secretary in TSWLM. I don't even really know what's supposed to be going on there.

    I love @RichardTheBruce's take on Mathis, and wouldn't even include him as a candidate.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited July 2022 Posts: 16,368
    I guess Severine in SF is one that seems to shock too. I suppose the one that really leaves a bad taste in the mouth is Della: she exists only to be raped and murdered and to propel our hero into his righteous rage, and it feels a touch exploitative and nasty. They should have killed Felix off instead.
    I would agree that Plenty’s death adds nothing and is actually just confusing.
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