Octopussy
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| Octopussy | |
|---|---|
| Name | Octopussy |
| Director | John Glen |
| Producer | Albert R. Broccoli |
| Writer | George MacDonald Fraser, Richard Maibaum, Michael G. Wilson |
| Starring | Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Louis Jourdan, Kristina Wayborn, Kabir Bedi, Steven Berkoff, David Meyer, Vijay Amritraj |
| Music | John Barry |
| Cinematography | Alan Hume |
| Editing | Peter Davies, Henry Richardson |
| Studio | Eon Productions |
| Distributor | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, United Artists |
| Runtime | 131 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $27.5 million |
| Gross | $187.5 million |
Octopussy. The thirteenth installment in the James Bond film series produced by Eon Productions, it features Roger Moore returning as the iconic British secret agent. The plot involves James Bond investigating the murder of a fellow 00 Agent and uncovering a scheme involving a wealthy Afghan prince and a mysterious woman who runs a circus. The film is notable for its extensive use of locations in West Germany and India, alongside elaborate action sequences.
Plot
After a fellow 00 Agent is murdered in East Germany, James Bond is assigned to investigate a connection to a priceless Fabergé egg being auctioned at Sotheby's in London. His investigation leads him to Kamal Khan, an exiled Afghan prince living in Udaipur, and the enigmatic Octopussy, the leader of a traveling circus and smuggling ring. Bond uncovers a plot by renegade Soviet General Orlov to use a nuclear device disguised as circus equipment to detonate at a United States Air Force base in West Germany, aiming to force NATO disarmament in Europe. The climax involves Bond racing to disarm the bomb during a performance at the Circus in West Berlin.
Cast
Roger Moore portrays James Bond, with Maud Adams starring as the title character Octopussy, a role distinct from her earlier appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun. Louis Jourdan plays the primary antagonist, Kamal Khan, while Steven Berkoff portrays the fanatical Soviet General Orlov. Kristina Wayborn appears as Magda, Octopussy's chief lieutenant, and Kabir Bedi plays Gobinda, Khan's loyal bodyguard. Supporting roles include Vijay Amritraj as Vijay, Bond's ally in India, David Meyer as Twin One, and Robert Brown making his first appearance as M, head of the Secret Intelligence Service.
Production
Development began with producer Albert R. Broccoli securing the film rights to Ian Fleming's short story "Octopussy" and incorporating elements from "The Property of a Lady". Director John Glen, after his work on For Your Eyes Only, returned to helm the project, emphasizing practical stunts and action. Principal photography took place at renowned studios including Pinewood Studios and on location across India, such as the Monsoon Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur, and in West Germany, including Neuschwanstein Castle and Berlin. The film faced competition from the rival Bond project Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery.
Release
The film premiered in London on 6 June 1983, with a wide release across the United Kingdom and United States shortly thereafter. Its marketing campaign highlighted the exotic locations and the rivalry with Never Say Never Again. The premiere was a significant event, attended by members of the British royal family and numerous celebrities. Distribution was handled by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and United Artists, utilizing their extensive international network to launch the film globally throughout the summer of 1983.
Reception
Initial critical reception was mixed, with some praise for the action sequences and Roger Moore's performance but criticism for a perceived convoluted plot and lighter tone. The film performed strongly at the box office, grossing over $187 million worldwide, proving the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise. It was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects. Over time, assessments have become more favorable, with particular appreciation for its stunts, the score by John Barry, and the performance of Maud Adams.
Legacy
The film is remembered for its iconic scenes, such as the opening sequence with a Acrostar Mini jet and the climactic fight on the wing of an airborne airplane. It solidified John Glen's directorial style for the series and marked the final appearance of Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny opposite Roger Moore's Bond. The movie's success amidst the competition with Never Say Never Again demonstrated the strength of the official Eon Productions series. Elements like the Fabergé egg plot device and the use of the Circus as a front have influenced subsequent espionage thrillers.