A spy satire from Joseph Losey? Losey's films are always rich in texture but are completely alienating. His askewed vision--usually defended by the intelligentsia set--leaves viewers out of the mix, and one is left to ponder what the hell he was trying to say. "Modesty Blaise" is, sadly, no different. Loosely-structured (to say the least), the plot has something to do with curvy thief-turned-secret agent protecting diamond shipment from a mama's boy villain. James Bond fanatics won't find much to bond with here: film's trick cuts and mod settings cannot detract from limply-staged, perplexing puzzle of a "comedy". In the lead, Monica Vitti is an intriguing presence but she has no music in her voice (in fact, she sounds dubbed). Director Losey was in way over his head here, and he drags everyone down with the ship. * from ****
Review of Modesty Blaise
