For Your Eyes Only (1981)

[zen007]

For Your Eyes Only (FYEO) is an essential film in the Bond portfolio. In the 1970s, Bond films saw significant departures from Fleming's books apart from mainly using titles, characters, and locations. FYEO kicked off the 80s where Bond films reverted to utilizing/building on Fleming material. After the 60s, the 80s is the decade with most films that bank on incorporating Fleming elements into their storylines.

Additionally, with this film, director John Glen began his journey of directing every Bond film, a total of 5, in the 80s.

FYEO also brings Bond back to earth (or basics) after his sojourn in space in the previous film - Moonraker. Back to the basics also means relying more on wits than gadgets. Examples include Bond getting out of a hopeless situation using his street smartness in the pre-title sequence. In the Spain segment, his "high-tech" Lotus is destroyed, therefore, he has to rely on his driving skills to maneuver a Citroen 2CV to outrun the chasing henchmen. There is a segment where he is tied and dragged underwater, which required Bond to bank on his environment to get out of the situation. Finally, his climbing skills are tested in the finale.

Roger Moore gives a well-measured performance, leaning more toward the serious side. This is often rated to be among his best performances.

FYEO is an adaption of Fleming's short stories - "For Your Eyes Only" and "Risico". Bond and Melina being dragged in water is from the book Live and Let Die.


As far as negatives are concerned, if I have to be picky, the score in some segments may not have aged as well as I would have preferred. However, the generous use of the Bond theme ensures that the overall score remains competitive. The villain relies on intrigue/deception, therefore, needs to remain understated.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY | Pre-title sequence - YouTube

How do you rate FYEO? ... For me, this is one of the top-tier Bond films. It is almost flawless as a Bond film.