Bond .... James Bond (Tomorrow Never Dies (DVD))

Member Name: sweetlady

Product:	Tomorrow Never Dies (DVD)
Date:	16/10/01 (170 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: stronger female characters

Disadvantages: none

"Bond...James Bond." This phrase has been intoxicating cinema audiences, and Indeed television audiences, since the release of Dr. No in 1962. James Bond films are formula films, each one different with the same basic plot, probably the reason for it's success. Ingredients for a bond movie; fast cars, big guns, evil geniuses and have, of course, 'the Bond Women'.

In the earlier films, women were always damsels in distress, can’t protect themselves so Bond has to save them. They never really played important roles, usually just a love interest. Now, in the 21st century, things are beginning to look up. Women are receiving bigger roles more and more, but there are still the sexist jokes that make Bond, well Bond. Jokes such as what Bond says to a parking attendant watching his car (which has a female voice), "Don't let her push you around."

In the 'Tomorrow Never Dies', one of the latest films, right away we see the sexist message. M, even though she is important, as soon as something goes wrong ranks are pulled and M is ignored. At the beginning of the film Bond is on a covert operation to stop a group of arms dealers. When it looks as if the mission will fail the admiral launches a missile before they realise the presence of nuclear torpedoes in the area. Bond does his spy thing, but sufficed to say he saves the day. Point being that when the admiral messed up M took charge. When he referres to balls M says, "I don't think with them all the time". M has been in all the Bond films, although has only been a woman in the latest ones showing that it's different these days. She has become more and more a mother figure to Bond, as their relationship has grown over the films. A powerful women M is very serious about her job but can tolerate Bonds playful attitude. A lot of the time we see close-ups or low angles to make her seem powerful. It usually switches to her fac
e when something goes wrong, to see her expression. Judi Dench plays the role very well. One thing that makes her stand out is her choice of clothing. All the agents and other people that work at HQ dress very dark, M opts for lighter clothes.

Next we see Moneypenny (played by Samantha Bond). Although she isn't a greatly important to the plot, she does have an important job. Moneypenny is an interesting character, apart from her name; she does not fit the stereotypical female role. If Bond tries to hit on her she'll give it right back with one of her sexual innuendoes. For example, she makes reference to Bond sleeping with his language instructor, "You always were a cunning linguist".

Paris (Terri Hatchet) is a former lover of Bond's, and is now wife to Carver (Villain). She does not play any vital role she is only used as bate (to lure Bond) and for sex. Mostly we see Paris from Bond's perspective (Although there is a behind view in the sex scene). The shot's are high angle, either to make Bond look more important or simply because he's taller. At first she punches Bond and orders a drink emphasising on her new title of Mrs. Carver. Later she says to Bond, "I've made my bed and you don't sleep in it anymore," Although she sleeps with him anyway. Carver has her killed when he suspects she and Bond have been together, "I think we should get my wife an appointment with the doctor." So ultimately she is used as bait to lure Bond.

Wai Ling plays a vital role in the movie. She is also a spy. Not quite as experienced as Bond though, as we see in one of the scenes. When Bond infiltrates one of Carvers posts, he is very cool, calculating and efficient, using hi-tech gadgets to avoid arousing suspicion, whereas Wai Ling rushes in the front door tripping the alarm. Making Bond seem the better spy. From the start there is an immediate attraction between the two (common
in Bond films), but their loyalty to their work is primary. In one scene we see Wai Ling having hand-to-hand combat with six men, but Bond has to rush in at the last minute and save her. This is the old damsel in distress scenario. Bond does however rely on her Hong Kong knowledge, and has to take a back seat when trying to access computer terminals.

In conclusion all the characters, with the exception of his language instructor (who has no lines, just sex), are in their own way important, but the Bond flare is still there. I enjoyed the film and feel I now analyse things more carefully not taking them for granted. In a way Bond is a stereotypical spy, but then again it was Bond that started the trend.

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