The Spy Who Loved Me (film) could not help but stand up. Even Prince Charles stood up." It was Roger Moore's favourite Bond film, and many reviewers consider it the best installment to star the actor. Christopher Null praised the gadgets, particularly the Lotus Esprit car. James Berardinelli of Reelviews said that the film is "suave and sophisticated", and Barbara Bach proves to be an ideal Bond girl – "attractive, smart, sexy, and dangerous". Brian Webster stated the special effects were "good for a 1979 [sic] film", and Marvin Hamlisch's music, "memorable". Danny Peary described "The Spy Who Loved Me" as "exceptional ... For once, the
The Spy Who Loved Me (film) the symptoms of clinical depression in himself. Another troubling aspect of the production was the difficulty in obtaining a director. The producers approached Steven Spielberg, who was in post-production of "Jaws", but ultimately decided against him. The first director attached to the film was Guy Hamilton, who directed the previous three Bond films as well as "Goldfinger", but he left after being offered the opportunity to direct the 1978 film "Superman", although Richard Donner took over the project. Eon Productions later turned to Lewis Gilbert, who had directed the earlier Bond film "You Only Live Twice". With a director finally