This report explores the representation of class, masculinity and gender in film franchises with specific reference to Skyfall, Kingsman and Moonlight. Throughout my research investigation, i have produced this report which highlights how films have profited from controversial representations and basic stereotypes about everyday people. Although these films have a range of similarities, they do contrast from one another in certain representations.
Masculinity is a continuous theme throughout old and modern films, but James Bond films wouldn't even exist without it. SkyFall(2012) which was directed by S.Mendes is a prime example of how masculinity is over exaggerated to make James Bond save the world in every single movie. Masculinity is the backbone of James Bond. All of their films stereotypically represent that white English men are privileged and upper class with their wealth and power, alongside their line of woman following them. This poorly represents how general people live in England. On the other hand, Kingsman(2014) which was directed by M.Vaughn, takes a different standpoint from the spy film genre. Their view on masculinity is contrasted compared to Skyfall, and the main protagonist "Eggsy" is represented as a lower class teenager with low expectations. Therefore Kingsman's representation of masculinity is suggested to be opposite to Skyfall. But this is not the case, due to the upper class which makes up the entire Kingsman spy organisation. On the other hand, the drama romance hybrid film called Moonlight(2016), which was directed by Barry Jenkins, has a unique representation of men and masculinity, due to its ventures to other views which contradicts to typically stereotypes. This is gradually explored through the main protagonist, who is a homosexual black male named "Chiron". This character breaks the stereotypical and controversial views on masculinity which Skyfall and Kingsman fail to comprehend.
Furthermore, the representation of woman throughout films are limited to objects and damsels in distress. This is suggested in Skyfall due to the gradual increase of woman which James Bond has slept with through the course of the film. This is a common and overlooked theme in all James Bond films since the start of the franchise. Similarly, in Kingsman the relationship between Eggsy and Princess Tilde is simply limited to a controversial sex scene at the end of the film. Additionally, Tilde is also represented as a damsel in distress due to her imprisonment, which relates to a princess locked in a tower, waiting for a strong male hero to rescue her. In addition to this, Moonlight also limits woman who sell their bodies for profit. This is presented by Chiron's mother Paula, she is a drug addicted who actively sleeps with men for money, to then buy more drugs. This gives the audience the impression that she is a prostitute who wants to live like that, but it also suggests that she has no other choice. In contrast to this, Kingsman represents woman in a different light aswell, the Kingsman Spy Roxy, is represented as a independent and strong woman who fights for what she believes in. She is equal or even better than Eggsy, which suggests that Kingsman represents woman in a range of prospectives.
Jordan this is an interesting approach and a nice yet relaxed writing style, however you lack specific examples. You claim throughout the piece to be discussing masculinity but never outline what your definition of it is therefore it is hard to measure by the vague examples you give to what degree masculinity is displayed with in the case studies you discuss.
ReplyDeleteGoing forward draw out particular examples or scenes to evidence your point as you have done with Chirons mother soliciting herself for drugs. More of that please along with a lot more connotation, Comparison and definitely some context. How many women has James Bond slept with across the franchise? why is this sen as masculine? What elements in Moonlight displayed traditional and maybe newly accepted traits of masculinity?
I think that you are just scratching the surface here Jordan and to access the higher grades you need to dig a lot deeper. LETS Hear what YOU have to say.