James Bond’s treatment of women and the depiction of women in the James Bond series is linked closely to the societal values of the context the text was written in. The James Bond film series was originally created in 1962, which was before the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s-1970’s. Throughout the Bond films, regardless of the actor representing the fictional character, James Bond, women have played an essential role in the shaping of James Bond in the public eye. By this notion the Bond series of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and the 2000’s all mirror the societal perception of women, despite different contexts. James Bond’s treatment of women reflects the role and treatment of women in the time period of publication. The James Bond series was …show more content…
The first Bond movies starring Sean Connery as James Bond, while misogynistic, reflected the prevailing attitude of the time it was made. The rise for gender equality was not yet in full force, when the 1964 movie Goldfinger was made, the movie displayed many ideologies and portrayals of women of the previously patriarchal society of the 1950’s. In Goldfinger, Bond hits the behind of the young woman who is applying sunscreen on him when Felix Leiter appears, telling her to, “Run along Man talk.” The downgrading approach to women was still present because in 1964 Feminism and it’s ideals was not yet firmly planted in society. By hitting the young woman in a sexual manner, Bond views women as possessions and sexual playthings. Furthermore, in Goldfinger, James Bond’s lack of respect for women is shown when he sexually assaults the homosexual villain, Pussy Galore. Bond’s dominance is shown when his sexual advances are met with objection, so he wrestles her to the ground and she submits to his kisses. The womanising James Bond carries out on a regular basis is consistent to society at the time, in the midst of the increased sexual activity due to contraception and the Second-wave Feminism. Women could discuss their sexuality and with the approval of the contraceptive pill in 1960 by the American government, women could be more open with their sexuality. This allows the sexual encounter between Bond and Pussy Galore to barely be questioned, because of the apparent context. Overall, the portrayal of women in the 1960’s is reflected in the James Bond films of the same time