Typically in the 1960s Bond movies, Blofeld would remain in the shadows or otherwise escape to fight another day. But instead of ripping off the audience with Blofeld escaping in the nick of time, Spectre surprisingly ends with Bond refusing to kill him and M taking the criminal mastermind into custody while supporting villain Max Denbigh is killed. Blofelds arrest is new to the series, and was a smart decision by the writers. Audiences feel closure because Denbigh who is the more irritating villain is killed, but the main villain that can support plenty of future Bond movies, survives in a new way. But while doing that, Blofelds arrest is easy for future writers to get out of the mastermind could easily beat any charges in court with high-priced lawyers or escape custody in a future Bond movie. In terms of the film by itself, though, Blofelds arrest provides an ending to the movie's own story. It's a great double-trick, working on multiple levels. The scheme is foiled, but Blofeld lives on, which leaves open so many story possibilities. And isn't that what good writing is is all about? What do you think the writers of Spectre got right or wrong with the script? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Chris McKittrick is a published author of fiction and non-fiction and has spoken about film and comic books at conferences across the United States. In addition to his work at WhatCulture!, he is a regular contributor to CreativeScreenwriting.com, MovieBuzzers.com, and DailyActor.com, a website focused on acting in all media. For more information, visit his website at http://www.chrismckit.com.
