Sophie portrayed the stunning Elektra King in The World Is Not Enough (1999), a kidnap victim and Stockholm Syndrome survivor who has embraced her kidnapper, the dangerous Renard (Robert Carlyle). Another in the “ice princess” category of Bond girl – think Holly Goodhead in Moonraker (1979) and Miranda Frost in Die Another Day (2002) – Electra appears at first to appreciate James Bond’s (Pierce Brosnan) protection against oil pipeline terrorists, but it’s all a carefully planned ruse.
James Bond movies are not really known for their tender moments, but I have to admit the scene in which Elektra tries to comfort Renard, who has a bullet lodged in his brain, and cannot feel pain or pleasure, qualifies.
Eventually, Elektra shows her dark side and traps Bond in a medieval torture device, which can eventually snap his neck. It’s right out of Goldfinger (1964) laser beam inching towards James’ privates country. So let’s hoist another vodka to a terrific Bond girl who challenges 007 in every frame. Happy Birthday, Sophie.
Elektra King and James Bond chased by Renard's men in The World Is Not Enough
Incidentlally, on this day in 1995, Pierce Brosnan made his debut as Bond in GoldenEye (1995), which opened on that day.