James Bond’s Worst Movie Is Also Madonna’s Cringiest Performance

James Bond’s Worst Movie Is Also Madonna’s Cringiest Performance

The worst James Bond film has its fair share of criticisms. But one of its cringiest blemishes revolves around Madonna’s famous cameo.

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James Bond’s Worst Movie Is Also Madonna’s Cringiest Performance

Over the decades, James Bond films have had their fair share of outlandish villains, convoluted plots and surprise appearances by actors. That being said, no matter how many times it happens, audiences are still left surprised, impressed or repulsed by the reveals of these elements. A modern example of this can be found in the 2002 film Die Another Day, which also serves as Pierce Brosnan’s last outing as 007. Not only is the film considered one of the mid to lower-end entries for the franchise, but it also features an awkward and downright cringey performance by the musician of the film’s theme song, Madonna.

Die Another Day follows James Bond’s return from captivity as a North Korean prisoner. Upon his return, he finds his 00 status suspended as it’s believed he leaked secrets to the enemy. However, Bond goes on a mission of his own to clear his name and uncover a much larger conspiracy. In doing so, he meets all manner of unique characters, including his ally and romantic interest NSA Agent Jinx Johnson and MI6 traitor Miranda Frost, but one of the more surprising cameos comes when Bond goes to a fencing competition to meet the film’s antagonist, Gustav Graves.

James Bond’s Worst Movie Is Also Madonna’s Cringiest Performance

Before being introduced, he encounters Graves’ fencing instructor Verity, played by Madonna. Before she offers careful foreshadowing and exposition about Graves’ and Frost’s skills in fencing, she and Bond exchange in a brief crossing of swords to introduce one another, but rather than keep the scene professional, the moment is filled with sexual innuendos that are off-putting even for a Bond film. Verity opens the conversation stating, “I see you handle your weapon well,” referencing his fencing skills before Bond replies with a quip of his own and proceeds to tie up her outfit as it seems she’s “come undone.” Although the scene still has the classic tropes of a Bond film, the exchange feels more forced and misplaced due to the amount of story information that comes immediately after.

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Even worse is the fact that it takes place with two actors who have experience in front of the camera. Brosnan is one of the most beloved Bonds for many fans and is known for his clever delivery of bold lines, but the scene puts him in a position where he can’t have an opportunity to be more creative than corny. However, with films like A League of Their Own and Desperately Seeking Susan, Madonna has had her own time to shine as an actress, but even though she has proven herself as a dramatic actor, the scene feels very flat and as the two try to make their lines work.

The scene plays out following their introduction, and as she introduces him to Gustav, there still feels like there’s tension in the room. However, no one is necessarily playing off of one another. When the scene ends with Graves challenging Bond to a duel, as he accepts, Verity leaves, making one more innuendo. The moment only solidifies the awkwardness of her cameo while speaking to the franchise as a whole.

Ultimately, while cringe-inducing, the scene serves as a unique time capsule for an era of Bond films that will never return. Now, any clever flirtatious comments are fleeting but still snappy, as the films now try to be more grounded. While awkward, Madonna’s cameo will be both off-putting and a reminder of a time when Bond dared to be strange, even if the series didn’t always stick the landing.

Link Source : https://www.cbr.com/james-bond-die-another-day-madonna-worst-performance/

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