Why Jaws-Dolly Deserves A Break
bigzilcho
Toronto, ONPosts: 245MI6 Agent
What's this? A defense of Jaws-Dolly?
Obviously I am sending this from the asylum of Napoleons because any defense of Jaws-Dolly surely must be the ramblings of an imbalanced Bond-fan.
Is it possible to defend what is universally considered a low-point in the series? To my knowledge, no one has ever tried to give a fair shake to this maligned couple.
It is my contention that not only is Jaws-Dolly essential to the plot Moonraker but, more than that, their relationship taps into the secret heart of the film and, in a way, the series itself.
To begin with, it has taken me a long time to appreciate MR. For years I was one of the many who considered it one of the lesser films (despite the fact it is spectacular entertainment).
Bond in space? Sorry. Too far-fetched. I prefer my Bond to be earth-bound and gritty.
But the majesty of the film grew on me over the years and I found myself not only enjoying the film more but I came to the realization that Bond in space works on a level I was unwilling to explore before.
Look, its 1978. Cubby makes the decision, post Star-Wars, that Bond will go into space. Agree with it or not, Cubby made an executive decision. If Bond HAS to go into space...well, how does he get there?
Maligned and ridiculed for 30 years has been the decision to send Bond in space. But IMO Christopher Wood's plot is absolutely logical, air-tight and credible. Complain all you want about Cubby's decision but Wood delivers the goods. If you can come up with better "Bond-in-space" plot, let me know.
Drax has a plan to wipe out humanity. Fair enough. Thats what Bond villians are for. But what distinguishes Drax from the likes of Blofeld and Stromberg is his particular slant.
World domination is not enough, this guy is the ultimate megalomaniac with a God complex. Therefore, a new race of perfect humans will inherit the earth.
Bondian fantasy? Sure. But what gives this plot its dangerous sting is that you just know that there are real-life Draxs' throughout history that would gladly push a button to see their eugenics utopia come to fruition. Whats scary about Drax is how much at home he would be in our world.
Which brings us to Jaws-Dolly.
Make no mistake, the first time they meet is NOT a good moment in the series. To be honest, its cringe-worthy. The comic tone is wrong, the use of Tchaikovsy is absolutely shameless. I cannot honestly defend one moment of this scene. But...the space staion is different.
If one can ignore the intial meeting, what happens on the space station to Jaws-Dolly is worthy of appreciation. If Drax has built a Noah's Ark then he and his people will survive. A henchman having a sweetheart...come on, is that really that illogical or far-fetched? Was Oddjob celibate? Red Grant and his blonde masseuse were platonic friends?
Jaws having a love goes against the grain of the series but so what? Does this plot point "de-fang" the big lug? Most would say yes but I disagree and this is where Jaws-Dolly requires discussion.
Bond makes the brilliant manouver of pitting Jaws against Drax. How? By getting Drax to admit that anyone less than his version of perfection will not be allowed to survive.
Cut to Bond glancing at Jaws. And for the first time...Jaws begins to realize what the score is.
Fellow Bond-fans, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. That moment where Jaws begins to comprehend the fate that awaits him and Dolly is without doubt, question or deliberation one of the finest moments in the whole series. I kid you not.
For you see, in Drax's world , 99.9% of us would not be worthy of inclusion.
James Bond and Holly Goodhead? No problems there. They LOOK like movie stars.
Jaws and Dolly? Well, they're "imperfect" like every person watching the film. (Like you and me)
Is it ironic that for a split-second in time we stop identifying with Bond and realize that we have more in common with a henchman?
How sad and beautiful is that look Jaws gives an uncomprehending Dolly. The thug, the monster who, in his longing, comes to represent...us...in a way that Bond never can or could.
For you see, Bond is a fantasy version of our better selves.
Jaws, for that one moment , is who we are. And without a Dolly for him to love...that moment has no impact or resonance. Jaws-Dolly reminds us that, as much as we want or dream...none us can ever be...
...James Bond.
"Jaws! You obey ME!!!"
Obviously I am sending this from the asylum of Napoleons because any defense of Jaws-Dolly surely must be the ramblings of an imbalanced Bond-fan.
Is it possible to defend what is universally considered a low-point in the series? To my knowledge, no one has ever tried to give a fair shake to this maligned couple.
It is my contention that not only is Jaws-Dolly essential to the plot Moonraker but, more than that, their relationship taps into the secret heart of the film and, in a way, the series itself.
To begin with, it has taken me a long time to appreciate MR. For years I was one of the many who considered it one of the lesser films (despite the fact it is spectacular entertainment).
Bond in space? Sorry. Too far-fetched. I prefer my Bond to be earth-bound and gritty.
But the majesty of the film grew on me over the years and I found myself not only enjoying the film more but I came to the realization that Bond in space works on a level I was unwilling to explore before.
Look, its 1978. Cubby makes the decision, post Star-Wars, that Bond will go into space. Agree with it or not, Cubby made an executive decision. If Bond HAS to go into space...well, how does he get there?
Maligned and ridiculed for 30 years has been the decision to send Bond in space. But IMO Christopher Wood's plot is absolutely logical, air-tight and credible. Complain all you want about Cubby's decision but Wood delivers the goods. If you can come up with better "Bond-in-space" plot, let me know.
Drax has a plan to wipe out humanity. Fair enough. Thats what Bond villians are for. But what distinguishes Drax from the likes of Blofeld and Stromberg is his particular slant.
World domination is not enough, this guy is the ultimate megalomaniac with a God complex. Therefore, a new race of perfect humans will inherit the earth.
Bondian fantasy? Sure. But what gives this plot its dangerous sting is that you just know that there are real-life Draxs' throughout history that would gladly push a button to see their eugenics utopia come to fruition. Whats scary about Drax is how much at home he would be in our world.
Which brings us to Jaws-Dolly.
Make no mistake, the first time they meet is NOT a good moment in the series. To be honest, its cringe-worthy. The comic tone is wrong, the use of Tchaikovsy is absolutely shameless. I cannot honestly defend one moment of this scene. But...the space staion is different.
If one can ignore the intial meeting, what happens on the space station to Jaws-Dolly is worthy of appreciation. If Drax has built a Noah's Ark then he and his people will survive. A henchman having a sweetheart...come on, is that really that illogical or far-fetched? Was Oddjob celibate? Red Grant and his blonde masseuse were platonic friends?
Jaws having a love goes against the grain of the series but so what? Does this plot point "de-fang" the big lug? Most would say yes but I disagree and this is where Jaws-Dolly requires discussion.
Bond makes the brilliant manouver of pitting Jaws against Drax. How? By getting Drax to admit that anyone less than his version of perfection will not be allowed to survive.
Cut to Bond glancing at Jaws. And for the first time...Jaws begins to realize what the score is.
Fellow Bond-fans, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. That moment where Jaws begins to comprehend the fate that awaits him and Dolly is without doubt, question or deliberation one of the finest moments in the whole series. I kid you not.
For you see, in Drax's world , 99.9% of us would not be worthy of inclusion.
James Bond and Holly Goodhead? No problems there. They LOOK like movie stars.
Jaws and Dolly? Well, they're "imperfect" like every person watching the film. (Like you and me)
Is it ironic that for a split-second in time we stop identifying with Bond and realize that we have more in common with a henchman?
How sad and beautiful is that look Jaws gives an uncomprehending Dolly. The thug, the monster who, in his longing, comes to represent...us...in a way that Bond never can or could.
For you see, Bond is a fantasy version of our better selves.
Jaws, for that one moment , is who we are. And without a Dolly for him to love...that moment has no impact or resonance. Jaws-Dolly reminds us that, as much as we want or dream...none us can ever be...
...James Bond.
"Jaws! You obey ME!!!"
Comments
http://apbateman.com
Drax was indeed an interesting insane Bond villain-much underrated but nowhere near as interesting as Fleming's character. (with ogre's teeth no less.)
Oddjob was a Korean deaf mute with a cleft palate. His devotion to Goldfinger left no room for...shall we say drama.
Grant was a complete psychotic whose killing impulses were based on the full moon. Sounds romantic doesn't it?
The villains never seem to catch a break with women do they? Just look at poor Largo.