I Watch Films: Live And Let Die

 

Live And Let Die

Three British agents are killed on the same day, one at the United Nations in New York (killed by translator), one in New Orleans (killed by Jazz funeral) and one on the small Caribbean island nation of San Monique (killed by voodoo). All of them were working cases more or less linked to the island’s ruler, Dr Kananga. British agent James Bond 007 is sent to investigate, for the first time played by Roger Moore.

An assassination attempt on Bond occurs on the way into New York from the airport, suggesting that either British Intelligence or the CIA (who he’s working with there) are leaking like a sieve. Bond and the film ignore that, instead following a lead to a voodoo shop. This turns out to be a front for Mr Big, the leader of black gangsters in America*. After some confusing adventures in New York Bond goes to San Monique, where he finds yet more voodoo. Also CIA agent Rosie Carver who he seduces and then threatens when he realises she’s a double agent; she’s killed**. Having encountered Solitaire, Dr Kananga’s spiritual adviser, he fools her by using a deck of tarot cards that is entirely The Lovers, seducing her and learning Kananga’s plans.

Black gangsters, voodoo, drugs, a network of black-owned restaurants across America that are fronts – is it possible that film is a bit racist? Yes, yes it is. Indeed it’s major saving grace is the charisma and skill of the black actors, a Bond film tradition of hiring the best talent of a location that they’re then going to show in the most cliched manner. And despite everything several setpieces that remain iconic to this day, the lovers deck, the jazz funeral, the Filet O’Soul restaurant and a trio of iconic henchmen in Whisper, Tee Hee and Baron Samedi.

Watch This: Spooky spy adventure in the Bond film that dares to ask, what if voodoo was real?
Don’t Watch This: Voodoo is a real religion and black people are real and this film treats them appallingly

* In Goldfinger, Goldfinger kills several organised crime leaders, all of who are white, presumably leaving plenty of room for Mr Big to move in.

** He treats women very badly, not merely as assets, means to an end, but disposable assets. A hangover from the Connery years or am I merely remembering fondly some of the later ones, when an aging Moore takes on the idea that threats, beatings and sexual assault aren't actually cool and classy.