Richard Kiel, the towering figure known for his distinctive height and menacing grin, left an indelible mark on cinematic history, most notably for his portrayal of the steel-toothed assassin, Jaws. While Kiel’s presence permeated popular culture, his association with the James Bond franchise is finite: Jaws appeared in only two James Bond films.
Jaws: More Than Just a Metal Mouth
Jaws, portrayed with remarkable physical presence by Richard Kiel, became an instantly recognizable villain, not just within the Bond universe, but across the entire cinematic landscape. Beyond his physical stature and intimidating metal teeth, Jaws resonated with audiences due to a unique blend of menace and, surprisingly, moments of near-comedic charm. This ambiguity made him a memorable adversary for 007, and contributed to his surprisingly long run in the Bond franchise, comparatively speaking.
From Menacing Thug to Unlikely Ally
The character’s evolution is particularly noteworthy. Originally conceived as a ruthless, almost inhuman assassin, Jaws undergoes a significant shift in character development, particularly evident in his second outing. The transition from cold-blooded killer to an individual capable of empathy and, arguably, even heroism, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the character and the creative choices of the filmmakers. This shift allowed Jaws to transcend the typical “henchman” archetype, becoming a more complex and relatable figure, despite his continued allegiance to the villains of the day.
The Films Where Jaws Made His Mark
Let’s delve into the specific Bond films where Jaws’ presence was felt most powerfully:
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
This film marked Jaws’ introduction to the Bond universe. He served as the primary henchman for the villain Karl Stromberg, a shipping magnate with megalomaniacal plans to create an underwater civilization. In The Spy Who Loved Me, Jaws is portrayed as an almost indestructible force, surviving numerous near-death experiences that showcased his seemingly superhuman resilience. This included falling from great heights, being run over by vehicles, and even surviving an underwater explosion. His unwavering dedication to his assignments, coupled with his unique physical abilities, cemented his status as a formidable foe for James Bond (Roger Moore).
Moonraker (1979)
In Moonraker, Jaws returns, initially serving the villain Hugo Drax, a billionaire industrialist with a plan to release deadly nerve gas from space and repopulate Earth with a master race. However, this film sees a significant shift in Jaws’ character. He falls in love with Dolly, a young woman with pigtails, and ultimately betrays Drax, helping Bond to defeat him. This surprising change in allegiance transformed Jaws from a purely menacing figure into a more nuanced character capable of love and redemption. It’s the culmination of this unlikely romance that leads to Jaws’ final scene, escaping the destruction of Drax’s space station alongside Dolly, seemingly set to begin a new life.
FAQs: Unveiling More About Jaws in Bond
Here are frequently asked questions about Jaws in the Bond franchise, offering a deeper dive into the character and his impact:
Q1: Why was Jaws so popular with audiences?
Jaws’ popularity stemmed from a combination of factors. His imposing physical presence, coupled with his memorable metal teeth, made him visually striking. Furthermore, his near-invulnerability and surprising moments of humor provided a unique blend of menace and entertainment that resonated with viewers. Finally, his eventual redemption arc in Moonraker added a layer of complexity that made him more than just a one-dimensional villain.
Q2: How tall was Richard Kiel, the actor who played Jaws?
Richard Kiel stood at an impressive 7 feet 1.5 inches (217 cm) tall, contributing significantly to the character’s imposing presence.
Q3: Were Jaws’ metal teeth real?
No, the metal teeth were a prosthetic appliance worn by Richard Kiel. The original design was uncomfortable, forcing Kiel to wear them for limited periods. Later designs were more comfortable and allowed for more extended wear.
Q4: Did Richard Kiel perform his own stunts in the Bond films?
Kiel performed many of his own stunts, especially in The Spy Who Loved Me. However, due to the dangerous nature of some stunts, a stunt double was sometimes used.
Q5: Was Jaws intended to appear in more Bond films?
While there were no confirmed plans for Jaws to return in subsequent Bond films after Moonraker, the character’s popularity certainly left the door open for potential future appearances. Ultimately, creative decisions led the franchise in other directions.
Q6: What was the critical reception to Jaws’ character?
Critical reception to Jaws was mixed. Some praised his memorable portrayal and imposing presence, while others criticized his characterization as cartoonish and unrealistic, especially in Moonraker. Despite this, he remains a beloved and iconic figure in Bond history.
Q7: Which Bond actor did Jaws fight against?
Jaws faced off against Roger Moore in both The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
Q8: Was there any inspiration for the Jaws character from previous Bond films or literature?
While not a direct adaptation, Jaws shares similarities with other physically imposing henchmen in Bond films, such as Oddjob. However, Jaws’ unique metal teeth and near-invulnerability set him apart.
Q9: What happened to Richard Kiel after his Bond appearances?
Richard Kiel continued to act in various films and television shows, often playing characters that capitalized on his height and intimidating presence. He also became a writer and producer.
Q10: How did Jaws’ character arc in Moonraker affect the overall tone of the film?
Jaws’ transformation in Moonraker, particularly his romance with Dolly, contributed to the film’s more lighthearted and comedic tone, which was a departure from previous Bond films.
Q11: Could Jaws bite through metal with his teeth?
While the character’s name and metal teeth suggest that he could bite through metal, there is no definitive on-screen evidence of this happening in either of the Bond films he appeared in. His teeth primarily served as a symbol of his menace and were used to bite other, softer objects.
Q12: Why did Jaws switch sides in Moonraker?
Jaws’ switch to Bond’s side in Moonraker was primarily motivated by his falling in love with Dolly. This unlikely romance introduced a human element to the character, making him question his loyalty to Drax and ultimately leading him to choose love over allegiance to a villainous cause.
Jaws: An Enduring Legacy
Despite appearing in only two Bond films, Jaws remains one of the most memorable and iconic villains in the franchise’s history. Richard Kiel’s portrayal of the steel-toothed assassin continues to captivate audiences, solidifying Jaws’ place in cinematic legend. His blend of menace, humor, and eventual redemption ensures that he will be remembered for generations to come. The unique character arc and the actor’s undeniable screen presence continue to be topics of discussion and admiration within the Bond fan community.