James Bond films have been one of the most successful franchises of all time – having made over 11 billion dollars (after adjusting for inflation) and spanning 50 years. With Bond’s longevity, there is bound to be discussion about how the films should evolve and develop. After all, people’s beliefs, standards, and thoughts change over 50 years and James Bond must change with them.
In fact, with the recent Time’s Up movement, fans –especially millennials— realize that the actions of the Sean Connery and Roger More Bonds shouldn’t be acceptable, especially in today’s society.
For example, a scene from Goldfinger where Bond forces himself on Pussy Galore recently saw internet backlash with videos and commentary depicting it as rape. In fact, the further back you go with Bond films, the more sexist and uncomfortable scenes are when it comes to the spy’s sexual conquests.
James Bond has been considered problematic even before the #MeToo and Time Up moments and not just for their attitudes to sex. Many viewers consider Live and Let Die’s storyline racist. In Dr. No, Bond orders Quarrel, a black character, to fetch his shoes. Unfortunately, the racism didn’t just extend to the script. The producers miscast cast Jewish-Canadian Joseph Wiseman as a Chinese-German villain giving the entire film a racist overtone.
Daniel Craig, the most recent Bond who will revisit the role for at least one last time, said earlier this year he wants Bond to move away from being a classical womaniser and potential sex addict. Indeed we have seen a softer, more political correct side to James Bond in the last few outings. But have the film gone far enough in light of Hollywood’s recent scandals?
Even organizations like Planned Parenthood Association are weighing in on the popular film franchise. They are urging characters like Bond should not be portrayed in sex scenes that involve violence, threats, pressure or persistence.
They hope that a closer look at Hollywood’s sex scenes will encourage healthier depictions of consent on the big screen which will then trickle down into society and prevent – or at least allow women to be more comfortable speaking up about rape and sexual assault. James Bond in particular, famed for his strength and sexual prowess, should set a good example to filmgoers by slowing down the action and getting an enthusiastic yes before having sex.
So what is next for James Bond? There has already been disagreement between famed director Danny Boyle and the producers causing Boyle to leave the film over creative differences.
Should we continue the James Bond series or just lay him to rest – an end to an era and invite new heroes that represent a modern age? It might be easier accept Bond’s demise if it wasn’t for the fact he represents a suave and dapper representative of supposedly positive male traits. Whatever side of the argument you are on, we do know one thing for certain: James Bond movies will still be filmed until they stop making money. The call of dollar signs for producers is just too tempting.
In fact, with the recent Time’s Up movement, fans –especially millennials— realize that the actions of the Sean Connery and Roger More Bonds shouldn’t be acceptable, especially in today’s society.
For example, a scene from Goldfinger where Bond forces himself on Pussy Galore recently saw internet backlash with videos and commentary depicting it as rape. In fact, the further back you go with Bond films, the more sexist and uncomfortable scenes are when it comes to the spy’s sexual conquests.
James Bond has been considered problematic even before the #MeToo and Time Up moments and not just for their attitudes to sex. Many viewers consider Live and Let Die’s storyline racist. In Dr. No, Bond orders Quarrel, a black character, to fetch his shoes. Unfortunately, the racism didn’t just extend to the script. The producers miscast cast Jewish-Canadian Joseph Wiseman as a Chinese-German villain giving the entire film a racist overtone.
Daniel Craig, the most recent Bond who will revisit the role for at least one last time, said earlier this year he wants Bond to move away from being a classical womaniser and potential sex addict. Indeed we have seen a softer, more political correct side to James Bond in the last few outings. But have the film gone far enough in light of Hollywood’s recent scandals?
Even organizations like Planned Parenthood Association are weighing in on the popular film franchise. They are urging characters like Bond should not be portrayed in sex scenes that involve violence, threats, pressure or persistence.
They hope that a closer look at Hollywood’s sex scenes will encourage healthier depictions of consent on the big screen which will then trickle down into society and prevent – or at least allow women to be more comfortable speaking up about rape and sexual assault. James Bond in particular, famed for his strength and sexual prowess, should set a good example to filmgoers by slowing down the action and getting an enthusiastic yes before having sex.
So what is next for James Bond? There has already been disagreement between famed director Danny Boyle and the producers causing Boyle to leave the film over creative differences.
Should we continue the James Bond series or just lay him to rest – an end to an era and invite new heroes that represent a modern age? It might be easier accept Bond’s demise if it wasn’t for the fact he represents a suave and dapper representative of supposedly positive male traits. Whatever side of the argument you are on, we do know one thing for certain: James Bond movies will still be filmed until they stop making money. The call of dollar signs for producers is just too tempting.