So I’ve been to see the new James Bond movie, and I must say that women do not come off very well. The movie is your typical James Bond, men on top, extraordinary stunts type of “action” movie, which I suppose is what one should expect if going to see a James Bond movie. It was however interesting seeing the role that women played.
One of the first women on the scene is a beautiful, exotic woman who Bond seduces to get information on her husband. She is tortured and murdered early on, and he literally shrugs it off. She is actually very inconsequential. And so as the movie progresses, we see the villian’s girlfriend who goes out on a limb for him and helps him in his crimes even when there is no gain for her. And then there is the woman who loves and yet betrays in the name of love. We see, in this amazing, technologically advanced glorification of violence and gambling, the age old tale of back-stabbing woman. It is not a stretch to see Adam and Eve (and other parallel narratives) being played out James Bond style. Temptation and deception are very present as themes in this movie.
But if James Bond is your thing, then you definitely want to see Casino Royale. It’s quite well done, and all the new fangled techy stuff make it all quite cool. James Bond himself has a new look too. Gone are the chiseled pretty boy features of Pierce Brosnan and even Sean Connery in his heyday. Say hello to the blue-eyed, blond haired Daniel Craig.
I find it interesting that women have always and continue to credibly occupy the same place in popular culture. It’s something to think about as you watch this movie (if it’s on your “to watch” list). And don’t miss the signature line: “The name is Bond…James Bond!”
Tags: James Bond Movies
