Toxic Masculinity of James Bond in The Skyfall

For over 56 years, James Bond has woven his outdated and unacceptable traits into the 21st century, and with this, Bond’s masculinity has influenced the ideology that to be like one, they must be like Bond. The sleaze in a suit is an embodiment of toxic traits 21st century want to avoid. Bond’s notion is overstepping all values and is no longer fitting the archetype of a man today. Bond is an unacceptable version of masculinity in regard to his ideology concerning women and alcohol abuse. 

Bond, in the film Skyfall, is a quintessential symbol of toxic masculinity. Throughout this misogynistic film, Bond treats women as if they are candy wrappers. Through a number of scenes, where Bond is holding a stubby in one and a woman in the other, there is no dialogue, no eye contact, no nothing. This silent treatment is far from an act of love. A mid shot, where Severine has her hands tied and a shot of scotch upon her head, is a scene in which depicts Bond’s toxic façade. “Let’s see who wins up on top”. Bond perceives this as target practice and blindsides the fact that Severine’s life is hanging by a thread. After Severine died moments later, there isn’t a tear to be seen by Bond. “What a waste of bloody good scotch”. Bond reacts in a way that is absolutely callous. It qualifies Severine, to be a ‘dart board’ and to be a worthless object that is to be never mentioned again. The thing that is wrong here is that the franchise is condoning that it’s okay to dispose women. In the 21st century, it’s all about the movement of women. This film is teaching the polar opposite on what parents are wanting to educate future generations. Bond although you’re fictional, you’re damaging modern society.

Bond has the ability to shut off everything, and here’s the issue. Today, in the 21st century, it’s all about the push to open up and get help, through help lines such as Beyond Blue, Skyfall is extensively modulated with toxic norms, from things like “men don’t cry” or “grow balls”. Mendes, through a mid-shot, captures the moment of truth when Bond tries to gain entry into MI6. The audience can clearly begin to tell what is really going on, and that is that Bond is struggling, but he’s scared to admit. Heavy breathing and saturated in sweat, come on Bond it’s obvious. When you’re wheezing and have veins popping, it really is logical to understand that Bond is finding it all strenuous. Agents stop the testing and Bond agrees, but not just because Bond wants to be compliable but because he is shocked to possess vulnerability. Once the agents leave, he crumbles to the ground. His eyes... he isn’t happy. The issue here is that in the 21st century it’s a norm for men to hurt. This film is a mind virus. An epidemic that is fuelling the 21st century to think wrong and do wrong.

Men have learnt from an early age that shedding a tear will make them look feeble and it hasn’t helped that Skyfall is supporting these toxic notions. The ideology of masculinity is prejudicial, as it reinforces the belief that men mustn’t portray emotion. This notion is the reason behind suicides rates of men in Australia. For every 3 women that sought help, one man did and 75% of intentional self-harm (3128) were men (2349). This underpins the belief that because men mustn’t show emotion or seek help, they are left to kill themselves. These statistics clearly recognise the outdated and ludicrous views of Bond. It depicts that those who idolise Bond, will succumb to a notion that is dangerous and toxic for the 21st century, thanks James.

Skyfall by no means advocates what an archetype of a man is in the 21st century. The stereotypical notions woven into society, is damaging. Too damaging. The gender norms are outdated and teaching viewers to fight your tears. Toxic masculinity has no place in society today and with this franchise, the idea of being manly with exotic Aston’s, is an unacceptable version of masculinity for the 21st century.