In this paper, the character M, played by Judi Dench, in the latest Bond films will be examined. In particular her role in Casino Royale and Skyfall will be analysed. The underlying question of this analysis is whether M is just an authority figure to Bond or if she takes on a maternal role. First, the term “authority” will be defined. After that, the differences between male and female authority will be accentuated and questioned. In the fourth paragraph, the maternal role will be further examined to better understand what it means. After that, the analysis of M will begin. First, the character in Casino Royale will be analysed. After that, her role in the movie Skyfall will be examined. After analysing her role in these movies, I will conclude on whether M is an authority figure or if she takes on a maternal role in these movies.
Casino Royale (2006) marks a new chapter in the James Bond saga. Judi Dench has been playing M since Golden Eye (1995), but with Casino Royale a new Double-0 agent, Daniel Craig, entered the field. Before that Judi Dench as M has always been interacting with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. "As in Ian Fleming’s book series, Casino Royale is a prequel and presents the origin story of James Bond". James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, has just received his 00 status which marks the start of the movie.
Skyfall (2012) is a contrast to Casino Royale, because Judi Dench as M plays a much bigger role in it. It is her last film in this role. As James Chapman describes it in his book “Licence To Thrill” Daniel Craig in his role as Bond has always been "controlled by female authority" and this era will end with Skyfall. Partly already in Casino Royale, but increasingly in Skyfall M leaves her role as a pure authority person. According to Hobbs the film is "centrally concerned with M" because M is facing a battle that is primarily directed against her.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definition of Authority
- 3. "Male" Authority in comparison to "Female" Authority
- 4. Definition of a maternal role
- 5. Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Casino Royale
- 6. Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Skyfall
- 7. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the character of M, as portrayed by Judi Dench in the post-9/11 James Bond films Casino Royale and Skyfall. The central question explored is whether M's role transcends that of a simple authority figure to Bond and encompasses a maternal aspect. The analysis will examine definitions of authority, contrasting male and female authority figures, and defining a maternal role before delving into a character analysis of M in both films.
- The definition and nature of authority
- Contrasting male and female portrayals of authority
- The definition and characteristics of a maternal role
- Analysis of M's character in Casino Royale
- Analysis of M's character in Skyfall
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the paper's scope, focusing on the analysis of Judi Dench's portrayal of M in Casino Royale and Skyfall. It poses the central research question: Does M function solely as an authority figure to Bond, or does her role include maternal aspects? The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, indicating the sequential examination of authority, gendered authority, maternal roles, and finally, the character analysis of M in the two films.
2. Definition of Authority: This chapter explores the multifaceted concept of authority, drawing upon the Cambridge Dictionary's definition of authority as "the moral or legal right or ability to control." It delves into Hannah Arendt's perspective on authority, highlighting the distinction between authority and coercion or persuasion. The chapter also incorporates Schieman's definition of authority as holding legitimate power to direct others' behavior, emphasizing its importance in the workplace. The chapter concludes by noting the influence of factors such as gender, race, age, and expertise on the exercise of authority, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion on gendered authority.
3. "Male" Authority in comparison to "Female" Authority: This chapter examines the Western conception of gender as a binary system and its impact on the understanding of authority. It explores the stereotypical traits associated with male and female authority figures, referencing studies on leadership styles that suggest women in leadership positions may adopt more collaborative and less hierarchical approaches compared to their male counterparts. The chapter uses the concepts of "agentic" and "communal" attributes to analyze these differing leadership styles, laying the groundwork for a nuanced analysis of M’s character in the following chapters.
4. Definition of a maternal role: This chapter would provide a definition and exploration of the concept of a maternal role, essential for understanding the nuanced relationship between M and Bond. It would explore the various aspects of motherhood, including emotional support, guidance, and protection, setting the stage for the analysis of whether these aspects are present in M's interactions with Bond.
5. Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Casino Royale: This chapter would analyze Judi Dench's performance as M in Casino Royale, examining her interactions with Bond and other characters to determine the extent to which her role manifests as an authority figure or maternal figure. Specific scenes and dialogue would be used as evidence.
6. Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Skyfall: Similar to the previous chapter, this section would delve into a detailed analysis of M's characterization in Skyfall. The chapter would compare and contrast her portrayal in Skyfall with that in Casino Royale, looking for shifts or consistencies in her relationship with Bond and exploring how those changes (or lack thereof) contribute to the overall understanding of her character.
Keywords
Authority, maternal role, gendered authority, James Bond, Judi Dench, Casino Royale, Skyfall, leadership, film analysis, character analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Judi Dench's Portrayal of M in Casino Royale and Skyfall
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
The paper analyzes Judi Dench's portrayal of M in the James Bond films Casino Royale and Skyfall. It explores whether M's role transcends that of a simple authority figure to Bond and includes maternal aspects.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper examines the definitions of authority, contrasting male and female authority figures, and defining a maternal role. It then delves into a detailed character analysis of M in both films, comparing and contrasting her portrayal across the two movies.
What is the central research question addressed in the paper?
The central question is: Does M function solely as an authority figure to Bond, or does her role include maternal aspects?
How does the paper define authority?
The paper explores the multifaceted concept of authority, drawing upon various definitions, including the Cambridge Dictionary's definition and Hannah Arendt's perspective. It also considers Schieman's definition of authority as holding legitimate power to direct others' behavior, emphasizing its importance in the workplace. The paper notes the influence of gender, race, age, and expertise on the exercise of authority.
How does the paper compare "male" and "female" authority?
The paper examines the Western conception of gender as a binary system and its impact on the understanding of authority. It explores stereotypical traits associated with male and female authority figures, referencing studies on leadership styles that suggest women in leadership positions may adopt more collaborative and less hierarchical approaches compared to their male counterparts. The concepts of "agentic" and "communal" attributes are used to analyze these differing leadership styles.
How does the paper define a maternal role?
The paper explores the various aspects of motherhood, including emotional support, guidance, and protection, to establish a framework for analyzing whether these aspects are present in M's interactions with Bond.
How does the paper analyze M's character in Casino Royale and Skyfall?
The paper analyzes Judi Dench's performance as M in both films through detailed examination of her interactions with Bond and other characters. Specific scenes and dialogue are used as evidence to determine the extent to which her role manifests as an authority figure or a maternal figure. The analysis compares and contrasts her portrayal in both films, highlighting any shifts or consistencies in her relationship with Bond.
What are the key chapters of the paper?
The paper includes chapters on: Introduction, Definition of Authority, "Male" Authority in comparison to "Female" Authority, Definition of a Maternal Role, Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Casino Royale, Characterization of Judi Dench as M in Skyfall, and Conclusion.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include: Authority, maternal role, gendered authority, James Bond, Judi Dench, Casino Royale, Skyfall, leadership, film analysis, character analysis.
- Quote paper
- Lena Wolter (Author), 2020, The character of "M" in Casino Royale and Skyfall. Authority figure or maternal role?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/977939
