Ian Fleming’s character James Bond, who is a fictional secret agent of British descent, became a popular action hero for the middle classes within British borders in the mid twentieth century. The loss of British influence and prestige in international affairs fostered political, cultural, and social changes. In this respect, the presentation of the Bond figure as a marker of Englishness was no longer acceptable on an international level. In order to maintain its popularity, the basic Bond formula was rethought; it acquired the ability to adjust to the new political, cultural, and social changes. According to Bennett and Woollacott, in the period of such global transformations, Bond became a hero of modernization representing a break with the constraints of dodoism and tradition. In this respect, the new Bond formula becomes capable of taking up new cultural and ideological tendencies.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Who is James Bond?
- The Secret Agent in the Age of Technology
- A Fashionable Member of the Upper Class
- The Superhero on the Global Arena
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the evolution of James Bond's image in the film Skyfall, focusing on how the character's portrayal aligns with contemporary technological and cultural trends. It investigates the modernization of Bond's identity and analyzes the significance of his new image within modern culture.
- The impact of technology on James Bond's character and role as a secret agent
- The evolving portrayal of James Bond as a symbol of masculinity and global identity
- The influence of consumerism and merchandising on the James Bond franchise
- The transition of James Bond from a British icon to a global superhero
- The role of visual effects and innovative adaptations in shaping the modern James Bond image
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction explores the shift in James Bond's image from a marker of British identity in the mid-twentieth century to a symbol of global modernization in the twenty-first century. It highlights the influence of technology, consumerism, and globalization on the character's development.
The second chapter delves into the multifaceted identity of James Bond, examining his proficiency in technology, his stylish demeanor, and his evolving position as a global hero. It analyzes how Bond's technological skills, exemplified by his mastery of computer networks and advanced gadgets, contribute to his image as a master spy.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this work include: James Bond, Skyfall, technology, modernization, consumerism, globalization, action hero, secret agent, cyber-terrorism, visual effects, cultural trends, identity, masculinity, and global identity. The analysis focuses on the intersection of these concepts within the context of contemporary culture and the evolution of the James Bond franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the image of James Bond changed in "Skyfall"?
Bond has evolved from a specific marker of "Englishness" to a hero of modernization and globalization, adapting to contemporary cultural and technological trends.
Why was the traditional Bond formula rethought?
The loss of British international prestige made the old portrayal of Bond less acceptable globally, necessitating a shift towards a more modern, international identity.
What role does technology play in the modern Bond image?
In "Skyfall," Bond's proficiency in dealing with cyber-terrorism and advanced technology is highlighted, making him a "secret agent in the age of technology."
Is James Bond still a British icon?
While his roots remain British, he has transitioned into a "global superhero" whose appeal is based on international ideological and cultural tendencies.
How do consumerism and merchandising affect the franchise?
The Bond image is heavily influenced by his portrayal as a fashionable member of the upper class, which links the character to luxury brands and global merchandising.
- Quote paper
- Alina Müller (Author), 2014, The new image of James Bond in "Skyfall", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/512969
