Diamonds are Forever (1971) Review

 Title: Diamonds Are Forever
Year: 1971
Director: Guy Hamilton
Country: UK
Language: English

After On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1967) producers scrambled to find the new James Bond because George Lazenby did not want to renew his role. He felt the franchise wouldn't make past the sixties. Who better to play Bond than the original actor Sean Connery. Paid a record breaking salary at the time, Connery was the producers' best bet to introduce the beloved spy to a new decade. 

A diamond smuggling investigation leads James Bond (Sean Connery) to Las Vegas where he uncovers an evil plot involving a rich business tycoon.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service ended on such an incredibly emotional cliffhanger that I expected Diamonds are Forever (1971) to be a chilling follow-up where Bond is consumed by grief and desire for revenge. This isn't the case. The follow-up to OHMSS is such a letdown that it sours the experience of the former film. 

This version of Blofeld is the most boring in the 007 Franchise. Connery seems to have phoned it in as Bond in this film. He is far less charming than in Dr. No (1962) and Goldfinger (1964). The gay henchmen Mr.Wint (Bruce Glover) and Mr.Kidd (Putter Smith) are represented as all the worst homophobic stereotypes of the era. 

It is honestly hard to watch Diamonds Are Forever and still consider myself a fan of Bond films. I find it embarrasing, repulsive even. Die Another Day (2002) is at least a guilty pleasure "so bad its fun" viewing.  This film is just tedious.