Dying can wait, especially when it comes to women !
“Dying can wait, especially when it comes to women. Feel free to leave a comment. In the 2021 addition to the Bond series, ‘No Time to Die,’ the story takes an unusual turn by ending with the death of the hero, departing from the typical happy endings where the hero completes his mission, typically saving the capitalist world from the clutches of anti-capitalists, specifically, the Communists. However, their ideology of sharing now seems to be mixed with selfishness and non-Marxist-Leninist individualism.
This ending is more symbolic than real and signifies the conclusion of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Agent 007 rather than the demise of a hero. Notably, neither Conan Doyle with Sherlock Holmes nor Maurice Leblanc with Arsène Lupin ventured into such territory during their time. Nevertheless, this shift is significant as it reflects the producers’ commitment, including Daniel Craig, to put an end to the prevalent portrayal of violence against women that was common in the Bond series. This included the victimization of Bond’s girlfriends, the portrayal of female villains (who were always subordinate to 007’s primary adversary), and the fleeting romantic encounters of the suave British agent.
In ‘No Time to Die,’ women are shown to be strong and capable, unharmed during battles that they fully understand and participate in. After the opening credits, the destruction of Vesper Lynd’s tomb, Bond’s love interest who met a tragic end in both the 1967 and 2006 versions of ‘Casino Royale,’ can be seen as a symbolic end to the frequent portrayal of female deaths in the series, which is a positive development. Bond is no longer portrayed as the protector of women, sometimes weak or morally ambiguous, and he certainly doesn’t play the role of their sexual educator (as seen in ‘Goldfinger’ with its lesbophobia). This signifies a departure from the past, emphasizing gender equality. Hopefully, this feminist perspective will continue in future Bond films.
Similarly, on the hero’s side, the transformation into a man who sees women as equals is now complete, possibly leading to his demise. He sheds his mask of impassivity and coldness to embrace the warmth of love and fatherhood. This represents a significant departure from the lone wolf persona originally described by Ian Fleming and portrayed since 1962 in ‘Dr. No.’ In the 2021 installment, James Bond comes to realize that his pride has cost him five years of happiness with Madeleine Swann (played by Léa Seydoux) and their daughter Mathilde (Lisa-Dorah Sonnet), along with the cherished stuffed rabbit of the latter. He proudly carries this rabbit on his belt at the end of the film, not as a trophy but as a precious keepsake, reminiscent of the ancient Egyptians who preserved personal belongings in their final resting places.
Furthermore, ‘No Time to Die’ serves as a stunning showcase for the picturesque Puglia region in the southeast of Italy. Without resorting to cynicism or irony, it’s almost regrettable that the characters are set against the backdrop of charming hilltop villages with their beautiful houses and squares, bathed in sunlight. This exotic setting aligns with the cinematic tradition of James Bond films, along with the ever-impressive technological gadgets and stylish cars.
In conclusion, ‘No Time to Die’ is a film worth watching and pondering, while we eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Bond series featuring a new actor.”
