Diamonds Are Forever, released in 1971, marked the return of Sean Connery to the role of James Bond after a one-film hiatus. This film blended the signature elements of the franchise with a mix of glamour, intrigue, and action, capturing the essence of Bond while exploring new territory. With Connery’s suave presence and a story steeped in diamond smuggling and global conspiracies, Diamonds Are Forever cemented its place as a memorable entry in the Bond series.
Background and Development
Diamonds Are Forever is based on Ian Fleming’s 1956 novel of the same name. The film marked the return of Sean Connery, who had previously stepped down from the role of James Bond after You Only Live Twice. The producers, Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, faced the challenge of reinvigorating the series after George Lazenby’s single outing as Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. They successfully lured Connery back with a record-breaking salary and the promise of producing two films of his choice.
Guy Hamilton was brought back to direct, having previously helmed the highly successful Goldfinger. Hamilton’s return brought a sharper, more humorous tone to the film, which contrasted with the more serious tone of its predecessor. The casting decisions were pivotal, with Jill St. John playing the role of the alluring Tiffany Case and Charles Gray portraying the menacing Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The production also introduced Lana Wood as Plenty O’Toole and Bruce Glover and Putter Smith as the villainous duo Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd. The film’s glamorous locations, from Las Vegas to Amsterdam, added to its appeal, providing a backdrop of luxury and danger.
Broccoli and Saltzman were determined to reinvigorate the Bond series with Diamonds Are Forever. They decided to lean more into the flamboyant and outlandish aspects that had proven popular with audiences. This decision influenced everything from the film’s script to its set design, aiming to deliver a spectacle that would captivate viewers. Connery’s return was seen as a masterstroke, as his portrayal of Bond had become iconic. His presence was a reassurance to fans that the Bond they loved was back.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Bond on a mission to locate Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the leader of the criminal organization SPECTRE. After a series of encounters, Bond seemingly kills Blofeld by drowning him in boiling mud. Bond then returns to London, where MI6 assigns him to investigate a diamond smuggling operation that is destabilizing the world diamond market.
Bond’s mission takes him to Amsterdam, where he meets Tiffany Case, a beautiful and resourceful smuggler with ties to the operation. Disguised as Peter Franks, Bond infiltrates the smuggling ring and uncovers a trail that leads to Las Vegas. In Vegas, Bond encounters the enigmatic billionaire Willard Whyte, whose identity has been usurped by Blofeld as part of his grand scheme.
Bond’s investigation reveals that Blofeld has been stockpiling diamonds to construct a space-based laser weapon capable of destroying nuclear arsenals and extorting the world’s superpowers. The plot thickens as Bond navigates through casinos, deserts, and a moon-themed set piece, culminating in a dramatic showdown on an offshore oil rig. Here, Bond thwarts Blofeld’s plan, ensuring the safety of the world once more.
The storyline of Diamonds Are Forever is a blend of espionage, intrigue, and high-stakes action. It features Bond’s characteristic wit and resourcefulness as he navigates through layers of deception and danger. The plot’s twists and turns keep the audience engaged, culminating in a thrilling finale that reinforces Bond’s status as the ultimate secret agent. The film’s mix of glamorous settings and outrageous plot elements set the tone for many of the subsequent entries in the series.
Characters and Performances
Sean Connery’s return as James Bond is a highlight of the film, bringing a seasoned confidence and charm to the role. His performance blends the toughness and sophistication that defined his earlier portrayals of Bond. Jill St. John’s Tiffany Case is a memorable Bond girl, combining beauty, cunning, and a hint of vulnerability. Charles Gray’s portrayal of Blofeld is notably different from previous iterations, offering a more urbane and sinister take on the character.
Connery’s portrayal of Bond in Diamonds Are Forever is marked by a sense of ease and familiarity. He delivers his lines with a mix of suavity and humour, embodying the essence of Fleming’s character. St. John’s Tiffany Case stands out as one of the more independent and proactive Bond girls, contributing significantly to the plot. Gray’s Blofeld, with his sophisticated menace, provides a formidable adversary for Bond, while Glover and Smith’s Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd add an element of quirky, sinister charm to the villain roster.
Tiffany Case, as portrayed by Jill St. John, offers a more complex Bond girl than audiences had seen before. She is resourceful and intelligent, traits that make her a valuable ally and an intriguing character in her own right. Her relationship with Bond is dynamic, marked by moments of partnership and tension. Charles Gray’s Blofeld diverges from previous portrayals, adding a layer of sophistication and calm cruelty that makes him a compelling villain.
The supporting cast, including Lana Wood as the ill-fated Plenty O’Toole and Bruce Cabot as the scheming Bert Saxby, contribute to the film’s rich tapestry of characters. Each performance adds depth to the narrative, making the world of Diamonds Are Forever both vibrant and dangerous.
Themes and Style
Diamonds Are Forever explores themes of greed, identity, and deception. The film’s style is characterized by its glamorous settings, sharp wit, and high-octane action sequences. Director Guy Hamilton’s influence is evident in the film’s pacing and tone, balancing suspense with moments of levity. The visual elements, from the glittering casinos of Las Vegas to the opulent penthouses, enhance the film’s appeal.
The thematic elements of the film reflect the allure and danger of wealth and power. The diamond smuggling plot underscores the lengths to which individuals will go for fortune, while the presence of doubles and false identities highlights the deceptive nature of the criminal world. The film’s style, with its blend of sophistication and action, captures the essence of the Bond franchise, offering a visual and narrative feast that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The lavish settings and exotic locales are more than just backdrops; they are integral to the narrative and thematic fabric of the film. Las Vegas, with its neon lights and opulent casinos, represents both the glamour and the underlying seediness of the diamond smuggling operation. The film juxtaposes these luxurious settings with the stark, utilitarian environments of Blofeld’s high-tech lairs, emphasizing the contrast between Bond’s world of high stakes and Blofeld’s cold, calculated criminal empire.
Production Design and Locations
The film’s locations play a crucial role in its appeal, showcasing the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas alongside the picturesque beauty of Amsterdam. Production designer Ken Adam’s work on the film is notable for its bold, innovative set designs, particularly Blofeld’s elaborate underground base. The special effects, from the space laser to the climactic oil rig explosion, were groundbreaking for their time and added to the film’s visual impact.
Ken Adam’s production design in Diamonds Are Forever continues his tradition of creating iconic, visually striking sets. Blofeld’s base, with its futuristic design and hidden passages, exemplifies the imaginative and detailed approach that Adam brought to the Bond films. Filming on location in Las Vegas added a layer of authenticity and excitement, capturing the city’s vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere. The juxtaposition of the opulent casinos and the desolate Nevada desert provided a visually dynamic setting for Bond’s adventure.
The visual contrast between the glittering excess of Las Vegas and the stark, utilitarian design of Blofeld’s high-tech lairs underscores the thematic duality of the film. This design choice highlights the clash between Bond’s world of glamour and the cold, calculating world of his adversaries. The film’s set pieces, such as the climactic battle on the oil rig and the daring escape through the desert, are enhanced by Adam’s innovative design, creating a memorable cinematic experience.
Music and Soundtrack
John Barry returned to compose the score for Diamonds Are Forever, infusing the film with a sense of suspense and elegance. The title song, performed by Shirley Bassey, became one of the most iconic Bond themes, capturing the glamour and intrigue of the film. Barry’s score enhances the film’s atmosphere, with musical cues that underscore the tension and excitement of Bond’s mission.
Barry’s music is integral to the film’s identity, providing aural cues that heighten the drama and action. Shirley Bassey’s performance of the title song, with its powerful vocals and memorable melody, perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of luxury and danger. The soundtrack’s orchestral arrangements add depth to the narrative, enhancing key moments and contributing to the overall cinematic experience.
The score’s interplay between orchestral grandeur and more intimate, suspenseful pieces mirrors the film’s balance of large-scale action and personal drama. Barry’s ability to blend these elements seamlessly underscores the film’s narrative complexity and emotional depth. The title track, with its haunting melody and Bassey’s dynamic vocals, has become synonymous with the glamour and intrigue of the Bond franchise.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Diamonds Are Forever received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, reaffirming the popularity of the Bond franchise. Critics praised Connery’s return and the film’s blend of action and humour, though some noted a departure from the grittier tone of previous films. Over time, the film’s legacy has grown, with many appreciating its unique place in the Bond canon.
The initial critical response to Diamonds Are Forever highlighted the film’s entertainment value and Connery’s commanding presence. Audiences responded positively to the film’s mix of glamour, intrigue, and action, ensuring its success at the box office. Retrospective reviews have recognized the film’s contribution to the series, acknowledging its role in maintaining the Bond phenomenon and its influence on subsequent entries.
The film’s commercial success demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Bond character and the franchise’s ability to adapt and thrive. Diamonds Are Forever managed to balance the traditional elements that fans loved with new, bold choices that kept the series fresh and exciting. This balance helped secure the film’s place as a beloved entry in the Bond legacy.
Cultural Impact
Diamonds Are Forever marked Sean Connery’s return to the role of James Bond, bringing a renewed sense of charm and wit to the character. The film’s vibrant Las Vegas setting and glamorous aesthetic captured the glitz of the early 1970s, embedding Bond firmly within the pop culture landscape of the time. The extravagant plot and colorful villains, including the memorable Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, contributed to the film’s distinctive style and enduring appeal.
The film’s influence extends into its bold depiction of technology and futuristic themes, which resonated with audiences and inspired subsequent films in the spy genre. The mix of humor, action, and glamour in Diamonds Are Forever helped to solidify the formula that would be emulated in many Bond films to come. The film’s memorable one-liners and iconic moments have been referenced and parodied in numerous other media, underscoring its lasting impact.
Reflections on Diamonds Are Forever
Diamonds Are Forever is notable for its blend of high camp and classic Bond elements, creating a film that is both entertaining and emblematic of its era. Sean Connery’s return brought a familiar and reassuring presence, while the film’s lavish production and tongue-in-cheek humor reflected the changing tastes of the early 1970s.
The film’s Las Vegas setting added a layer of excitement and spectacle, making it a visually engaging entry in the series. The creative use of gadgets and elaborate set pieces showcased the franchise’s continued innovation. The quirky villains and their unique quirks provided a fresh and memorable twist to the typical Bond adversaries. Diamonds Are Forever stands out for its ability to balance fun and sophistication, ensuring its place as a beloved classic within the Bond series.