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The Spy Who Loved Me has so much going for it, but I think Barbara Bach holds it back from being an all-time classic. She doesn’t seem tough enough to be a spy of Bond’s caliber, and her line readings are so awkward, I thought for sure that English is not her first language. Imagine my surprise when I learned she grew up in Queens! Amasova’s more important to the plot than the average Bond Girl of the era, so having that important role fall flat is a big disappointment.
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Wait, wait, wait...Barbara Bach is AMERICAN??
NYC born and raised.
Wow I could excuse her bad delivery thinking it was a language thing….I guess she was acting as if she was Russian but wow…
Isn’t the voice dubbed?
I don't think so.
She doesn’t hold it Bach imo
OP doesn't hold Bach (me neither).
I think what lets TSWLM down is Barbara Bach's performance. She seems like she can't handle herself and is constantly in need of Bond helping her out of difficult situations.
Moonraker although it's considered not as good as TSWLM has a far better Bond girl in Holly Goodhead who shows that she can handle herself.
She is good in the scene when she confronts Bond about the death of her lover but I find her performance rather wooden.
I absolutely agree. Can you picture her on that survival course in Siberia that she and Bond make reference to? Not to mention she sounds like she's speaking through a mouthful of syrup. Everyone gives Denise Richards a hard time for not being "credible" as a nuclear physicist, yet they somehow find Bach credible as a tough-as-nails KGB agent.
Easily. Say what you will about Stromberg, he was BRILLIANTLY cast.
I disagree. I'm sure the guy is a good actor, but he didn't elevate the part the way Hugo Drax's performer did in Moonraker
One more reason why I think Moonraker is a better version of TSWLM.
Ahh, but does it have disco music?
I’d argue TSWLM is an all-time great despite Barbara Bach. Sure she might be the weakest part of the film, but there is plenty more about TSWLM that places it above most other Bond films, so for me this is not a “fatal flaw.”
I think she fit the role of what a cold, stereotypical Russian agent at that time who is a tough female, but not overshadowing Bond, at that time. It was definitely a step up over their betrayal of women compared to Goodnight in the TMWTGG.
You meant "portrayal", but this also makes sense.
Yeah, typing fast on a phone and over relying on autocorrect is a bad habit.
The truth be told, Barbara Bach simply wasn't a good actress.
Her character is Russian.
Yes. And?