Moonraker: Bond’s Space Odyssey or Sci-Fi Misstep?

Moonraker: Bond’s Space Odyssey or Sci-Fi Misstep?

Following the colossal success of 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, James Bond was back in a big way. However, the cinematic landscape was shifting dramatically. George Lucas’s Star Wars had become a phenomenon, a cultural touchstone that redefined blockbuster filmmaking and grossed an astronomical sum, making it the second highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation. In response, Eon Productions, the studio behind the Bond franchise, made a bold pivot: take 007 to space. The result was 1979’s Moonraker, a film that aimed to harness the burgeoning public fascination with space exploration and science fiction. But did Bond’s interstellar adventure soar to new heights, or did it bring the franchise crashing down to Earth? This breakdown delves into the film’s making, its deviations from Ian Fleming’s novel, and its lasting legacy.

From Production Nightmares to Space Race

After the notoriously difficult production of The Spy Who Loved Me, Eon Productions was eager to get back on solid ground. Releasing Moonraker just two years later, the team hit the ground running. Despite initial plans for For Your Eyes Only, the studio, led by Albert R. Broccoli, recognized the cultural zeitgeist. With NASA gearing up for the Space Shuttle program, the world was captivated by space. It was the perfect moment for Bond to embrace science fiction.

Producer Cubby Broccoli himself insisted that Moonraker was “science fact, not science fiction.” This distinction, while perhaps a stretch, underscored the desire to ground the film’s fantastical elements in the era’s technological advancements. Unlike the space opera of Star Wars, Moonraker aimed for a more grounded, albeit still spectacular, narrative. The film’s opening, featuring a man plummeting thousands of feet and landing in a circus tent, was a stark, almost gritty introduction that hinted at a return to a more realistic tone, even as the plot hurtled towards outer space.

Fleming’s Novel vs. The Silver Screen

Coincidentally, Moonraker was the last of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels to be adapted for the screen. However, the film diverges significantly from its source material. In the novel, M tasks Bond with investigating Sir Hugo Drax, the wealthiest man in Britain, who is building rockets for the government. M’s suspicion stems from Drax’s cheating at cards, a perceived personality flaw that M believes makes him unfit for such a sensitive role. Bond infiltrates Drax’s private members’ club, Blades, to observe him. This motif of Bond confronting a villain in a high-stakes game, even cheating, echoes later films like Bond’s encounter with Kamala in Octopussy.

The film’s plot kicks off when a Drax Industries Moonraker space shuttle is hijacked mid-flight from a 747 carrier plane. Bond is sent to investigate the crash site in California, where he meets the enigmatic industrialist Sir Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) and his secretary, Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles), who is secretly a CIA agent. Bond uncovers Drax’s sinister plan: to unleash a deadly virus upon the world from orbit, wiping out humanity and repopulating Earth with a select group of genetically perfect individuals. The film culminates in a space battle aboard Drax’s space station, where Bond must stop the villain’s genocidal scheme.

A Star-Studded Production and Shifting Casts

The making of Moonraker was a complex affair involving international collaboration. Initially, the role of Drax was considered for James Mason, known for his villainous turn in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. Lewis Jordan was also in contention before production shifted to an Anglo-French co-production to qualify for treaty benefits. This led to the casting of French actor Michael Lonsdale as Drax and French actress Corinne Cléry as Corinne Dufour.

Lois Chiles stepped into the role of Holly Goodhead after the initial offer to Anne Archer. Chiles, who had retired from acting, was convinced to take the part after a chance encounter with director Lewis Gilbert on a flight. Gilbert, who had helmed two of the franchise’s most successful films, You Only Live Twice and The Spy Who Loved Me, returned to direct. The film also saw Michael G. Wilson, Broccoli’s stepson, taking on an increasingly significant role, appearing in two cameo roles and contributing to the film’s development.

Jaws’s Redemption Arc and Beloved Henchmen

One of the most talked-about aspects of Moonraker is the return of Richard Kiel as the towering henchman Jaws. Jaws, who debuted in The Spy Who Loved Me, became an instant fan favorite. Initially conceived as the film’s primary antagonist, audience reception, particularly from children, led the filmmakers to give Jaws a redemption arc. He falls in love with Dolly (Blanche Ravalec), a diminutive henchwoman, and ultimately sides with Bond, offering a surprising twist for a franchise villain.

The film also marks the final appearance of Bernard Lee as M. Lee, who had portrayed the character since the very first Bond film, Dr. No, passed away shortly before filming began on For Your Eyes Only. His departure was a significant loss, leaving a void that would be filled by Robert Brown.

A Record-Breaking Budget and Iconic Score

Moonraker boasted the largest production budget of any Bond film to date, costing an estimated $34 million. This massive investment was reflected in the elaborate sets, including Ken Adam’s construction of the largest set ever built for the franchise, and the ambitious special effects required for the space sequences. The film’s score was once again composed by John Barry, who delivered a sultry, laid-back theme song performed by Shirley Bassey. While Bassey’s rendition of “Moonraker” was not a chart success and she initially felt lukewarm about the song, it has since become a notable entry in the Bond song catalog. The film also features an instrumental score by Barry that incorporates disco elements, reflecting the era’s musical trends.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release in 1979, Moonraker was a significant box office success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing Bond film to date and the third highest-grossing film of 1979. Critically, however, the reception was more mixed. While some praised its ambitious scope and special effects, others found its shift towards science fiction and its more cartoonish elements a departure from the franchise’s roots. Roger Moore himself later expressed reservations about the film’s over-reliance on gadgets and its move away from grounded espionage.

Despite the mixed critical consensus, Moonraker remains a memorable entry in the James Bond series. It represents a bold attempt by Eon Productions to adapt to changing cinematic trends and public interests. While it may not be everyone’s favorite Bond film, its audacious vision, iconic villain in Jaws, and groundbreaking special effects cemented its place as a unique and often debated chapter in the enduring saga of 007.

Source: MOONRAKER (1979) Breakdown | James Bond Easter Eggs, Book Changes, Making Of & Review (YouTube)