Women in James Bon films from a feminist perspective Essay

Women in James Bon films from a feminist perspective - Essay Example Some of the Bond women and Bond female characters are now seen as more than sexual interest for the lead character, but as characters also toting guns, karate chops, heroism, and villainy (Garland, 2009). Still, Bond women are viewed in general by society as simply entertaining eye-candy. This paper shall present an analysis of women in James Bond films from a feminist perspective, using some of the thoughts laid out by feminist philosopher Luce Irigaray. An analysis of the evolution of these female roles shall also be evaluated, mostly determining how the perspectives have changes and how feminism has impacted on how these female roles have been portrayed in the films. According to Jenkins (2005), the James Bond films have a persistent appeal based on the fantasy world from its parade of attractive female Bond characters. Such distinct female roles are often crucial to the story being told including the overall feel of these films. Each Bond movie has numerous female characters who are usually meant to distract and also help Bond in his spy mission. More often than not, there is one distinct, strikingly beautiful and, svelte Bond girl who is presented as a potential love interest for Bond; she is usually cunning, and judging from the name she goes by (Pussy Galore, Honey Ryder, Holly Goodhead), also self-assured (Rubin, 2003). Bond girls have become a staple in Bond movies and the casting of such female role has often attracted major global attention, with the chosen female often gaining much media attention even before the films start to shoot (d’Abo and Cork, 2003). The dominant preference of the Western culture for the lead female charac ter in the Bond films to comply with such attractive and often sexist parameters have been viewed by feminists with much disdain (Carpenter, 2000). Through the many incarnations