For Your Eyes Only (1981) Review

Title: For Your Eyes Only
Year: 1981
Director: John Glen
Country: UK
Language: English

The early 1980's were marked by heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the West, the political landscape was dominated by Conservative leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who held strong anti-communist beliefs & emphasized military strength as a resolution to the Cold War. For Your Eyes Only (1981)  would reflect these tumultuous times. 

Secret service agent James Bond is assigned to find a missing British vessel equipped with a weapons encryption device and prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

For Your Eyes Only is a very serious, no-nonsense Bond film, a far cry from the silly camp of Moonraker (1969) and Live and Let Die (1973). In this picture the villain is clearly defined as a Russian spy, differing from the rogue evil billionaires of the past. Even Bond himself has changed to fit conservative times; he has become less of a womanizing bachelor and now only has *gasp* two romantic interests. 

The villain of For Your Eyes Only is a bit bland, perhaps intentionally to fit the mold of generic "Russian".  The action scenes are - at times- incredible. I was really impressed by the chase scene where Bond is skiing down a fast-paced Bobsled track. The plot is a bit convoluted  & it feels like the script needed to be tightened a bit. 

The score is the only part of the film that makes it feel very dated. It has this A-Team 80's action television show sound and it gives this 007 entry a made-for-tv feel at times. For Your Eyes Only is an adequate Bond movie, but far from my favourite.