Posted 05 July 2012 - 04:20 AM
The producers didn't let Brozza down, and he didn't let them down. Brozza proved in GE that he was a good enough Bond to put in the middle of the type of films that would make Eon a bag of money, and Eon rewarded their star by offering him the option on the fourth film of his original three-with-an-option-for-a-fourth contract. Everyone goes home happy, right?
Now from a writing perspective, the 90s were probably not Eon's most creative spell, but let's be truly honest with ourselves, Eon stopped pushing the envelope about forty years ago - the series has, with a few exceptions, done little more than cannibalize or retread itself when it comes to putting bums on seats. Babs and Mike then, were really only following the company playbook during Brozza's tenure.
Did Brozza deserve more? I've consistently said that Brozza is the best thing about his films, but I'm not sure that his full resume would fill you with confidence that he could have done much more - all his roles are variations of a theme, and when he's tried to break that mould (the Irish movie with the kid, and the western) he's not been that great and the films have bombed. So from a producer perspective, on what basis do you take a creative risk, when every film from GE on made more money than the one before it?
Brozza did want to do more with the role after TND, and he approved when they brought in Apted who remember did not have an action background. And long time members know, I have always defended TWINE when it frequently takes a pounding in these parts! We hate how Bond behaves, the interaction with Marceau, too much M, the action is just dropped in etc, etc, but then conveniently forget that script and choice of director was all to assuage Brozza's desire to "peel the layers" (ooh, haven't typed that one in awhile!!!).
we can't have it both ways - we can't say Brozza was owed more, and then give him a pass when TWINE takes a beating.
Again, I think Brozza did a great job with what he was given but I'm unconvinced he was capable of more, and more importantly, Eon and MGM (and everyone on the payroll, including actors) were making too much money to care.