From Quantum to Competence: Daniel Craig's Bond and the Modern Masculine Evolution on International Men's Day
In a world where International Men's Day often goes unnoticed, the cinematic world has become a battleground for redefining masculinity. As a self-proclaimed cinephile, my journey through the action-packed movies of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other iconic leading men of the '80s and '90s shaped my appreciation for the evolving archetype of the action hero. Yet, none has left a more lasting impression on the modern male psyche than Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond.
Growing up, I revelled in the action drama of Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" and the high kicks of Jet Lee in "The Enforcer." My fascination with the cinematic hero led me to explore the stark contrasts between Hollywood and Hong Kong interpretations during my university days for my dissertation. However, it was Daniel Craig's Bond, particularly in "Casino Royale," that left me spellbound in 2006. As International Men's Day 2023 approaches, I felt compelled to delve into the roots of my Bond fandom, unravelling the layers of masculinity within the franchise and its contemporary significance.
Quantum of Solace means ‘a certain amount of peace or comfort’.
“I suppose you could say that all love and friendship is based in the end on that. Human beings are very insecure. When the other person not only makes you feel insecure but actually seems to want to destroy you, it's obviously the end. The Quantum of Solace stands at zero. You've got to get away to save yourself.'
- Daniel Craig as James Bond in Quantum of Solace, 2008
The title for the sequel "Quantum of Solace," is an enigmatic title. It encapsulates the essence of Craig's Bond and I argue paves the way for discourse on modern masculinity. To me it's an allegory.
In a society where men are often portrayed as perpetrators of historical wrongs, Craig's Bond grapples with the challenges of being a man in an era sceptical of male empowerment. The character Q, in Craig's universe, epitomises this societal shift. In SkyFall when he meets Bond for the first time Q challenges Bond's relevance in a world that questions traditional masculinity in what I think is a great scene in the franchise. The conversation in this particular scene and the direction by Marc Foster is superb. Allowing characters to observe art and articulate their perceptions proves to be a brilliant method for character delineation. As frequently witnessed in the Craig universe, Bond's knack for deciphering the subtle nuances of the evolved society and surroundings becomes evident. This is especially highlighted towards the end of the scene when Bond succinctly declares, "it's a brave new world," encapsulating the zeitgeist of the moment and the intricate web of societal shifts enveloping this enduring character, this hero - who has graced our screens for six decades.
Among other things in the Craig universe, the Q meeting in Skyfall, among its various moving parts, exudes an unmistakable British flair. Much like many other scenes in this iteration of the Bond franchise, it resonates with responses and actions that can be interpreted as dry, sarcastic, and occasionally teetering on contempt, depending on the context—even when the situation seemingly doesn't demand it. However, this distinctive British demeanour is intricately woven with an underlying thread of mutual respect.
Despite this however, this particular depiction of British identity and character nuances on screen, is a departure from the Bonds of the past. Unlike his predecessors, in the Craig universe, nationality is portrayed as a parochial notion, paradoxically underscoring Bond's perceived irrelevance. The very essence of Bond's character, rooted in British attributes, undergoes a curious transformation, challenging traditional notions of identity within this evolving cinematic landscape. In layman's terms Daniel Craig doesn’t jump from a mountain on skis to reveal a Union Jack parachute as he glides to safety.
Roger Moore’s famous pre-title sequence stunt in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ (1977). Iconic but times have changed.
As the narrative unfolds across all of his movies, Craig's Bond defies these previously established stereotypes, emerging as the embodiment of the modern male fantasy—a competent man in a world increasingly deeming men irrelevant. A world where men do not womanise and chauvinism is bordering on extinction. His journey mirrors the sentiment of the modern man, bombarded by media messages declaring “the future is female” and his redundancy in it. Nobody believes in Daniel Craig's Bond, yet he earns everyone's respect, epitomising "I can take it, Is that all you’ve got? I can take anything you throw at me."
As the series progresses, this Bond has become a symbol of competence in a shifting Hollywood landscape. The once universally admired chauvinistic macho heroes of the past now find themselves on the wrong side of public opinion. The question looms: is it because they are what used to be good, or is it a consequence of Hollywood's general shift towards subversive, postmodern storytelling? Today's male heroes no longer adhere to the stoic, unyielding figures of the past; they embody a new archetype—the good "softer" men or the subversive villain who you would understand if you simply saw their issues from his or her perspective and so they too are often heroes.
Michael B. Jordan as ‘Killmonger’ in Black Panther (2018) is a superb example of well written and well acted subversive villain.
The Modern Masculine Archetype?
Daniel Craig's Bond embodies the aspirations of many young men today. Why? His unparalleled capability is hard to overlook. An expert in hand-to-hand combat, parkour, poker, sailing, computer hacking, and maintaining peak physical shape, he epitomises the underlying message that men should inherently know how to navigate life's challenges. In a world where reactions to slights and setbacks often lead to needless anger, frustration, and worry, Bond's calm and calculated demeanour serves as a beacon. He exemplifies the mantra: if something can be changed to one's benefit, act on it; otherwise, move forward without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Caterina Murino and Daniel Craig in Casino Royale (2006).
In addition to all his capabilities, Craig's Bond, like his predecessors, is beloved by women. While Bond may be a scripted male fantasy, there's a kernel of truth in women's on-screen reactions to him. Women are drawn to his capability and un-reactive nature. Bond is never pushy or cowardly; he flirts without fear of rejection. Flirting fearlessly is admirable, but it's crucial to note that adopting this approach doesn't guarantee real-world success. Nevertheless, it illustrates a practical scenario—inevitable rejection. Responding with playfulness, akin to Bond, rather than allowing rejection to trigger upset, opens the door to potential reconsideration.
James Bond's willingness to endure torture for his ideals, while metaphorical in most contexts, underscores the admiration for his commitment to his mission despite facing pain. In our life pursuits, metaphorical beatings and setbacks may occur, yet what propels us forward isn't material possessions or external validations. It's the inner conviction to stay true to our principles—a sentiment echoed by Vesper in "Casino Royale."
Sticking to one's guns in the face of adversity transcends gender. As International Men's Day approaches, we should all examine the hardships in our lives. Do they dissuade us from persisting, or can we laugh them off and stay the course?
In the eyes of Dr. Jordan Peterson, the confusion between competence and power often leads to the punishment of competence, fostering an attraction to weakness. I argue this is why Hollywood action movies that try to reinvent or subvert traditional masculinity and the traditional male fantasy fail more often than not. Daniel Craig's Bond disrupts this paradigm. He stands as a testament to competence, challenging the prevailing notion that all institutions are inherently corrupt. The Bond series, represented by MI6, the country, and the government, defies the Hollywood narrative of institutional corruption.
As International Men's Day beckons, the evolution of James Bond mirrors the broader transformation of modern masculinity and the male fantasy. Craig's Bond transcends the limitations of the traditional Hollywood hero, embodying the competence and resilience craved by the modern man in a postmodern world. I believe his journey prompts reflection on the changing face of masculinity, making this International Men's Day which I think is a fitting occasion to celebrate the enduring legacy of 007.
