Writing in “Live and Let Die”

by Adam Huddleston

Roger Moore’s debut at 007 occurs in the eighth film in the series, “Live and Let Die.” The plot centers on James Bond investigating the deaths of three agents. He discovers that a Caribbean dictator, Dr. Kananga is involved and is growing a massive crop of poppy plants to produce heroin. Kananga is using the fear of tarot cards and the occult to keep the locals away from his headquarters. Although he is captured by Kananga’s henchmen, Bond ultimately kills Kananga, destroys the poppy fields, and escapes.

The plot was not horrible, but the editing left a lot to be desired. One particular boat chase scene near the end drug on for an insanely long amount of time. Several of the characters were beyond stereotypical and the Blaxploitation seen in many movies of that era was a little sickening. Moore’s portrayal as 007 was a breath of fresh air and I am looking forward to seeing more of his Bond films.