James Bond subject of writing course at University of Victoria
007 course looks at the series, its history and problematic aspects over time
John Threlfall is teaching a course at the University of Victoria that will raise the Spectre of interesting subject matter.
Hopefully the tuition fees don't scare The Living Daylights out of you, and remember, the exam is closed book — that means For Your Eyes Only.
In case you couldn't guess, Threlfall's course is about James Bond. It's a writing course that deconstructs a film series, that while entertaining and high-grossing, has some aspects worthy of critical discussion.
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"I'm looking at the entire 63-year history of Bond. It's a huge history, to go to the original novels through their development into the films," Threlfall told All Points West host Robyn Burns. "The cultural impact of the films, how the films have reflected changes in society over the years, and then I'm looking at issues with Bond."
"Bond is misogynist, there's product placement in the films, treatment of different ethnicities, and the central problem of Bond as a role model. He's a hero, but he's a brutal killer. Is this somebody we should be celebrating?"
Threlfall says one of the challenges with Bond is that he's a changing character. He's gone form Ian Fleming's original vision of a snobby, womanizing World War II spy to someone who has tackled issues throughout the Cold War and into the globalized 21st Century.
"Some of the stuff in the books is just shocking"
The series' treatment of women is a major part of the course, Threlfall says. Not only is Bond a womanizer, but he treats women quite badly, especially in the earlier films.
"The books are very explicit. I mean, some of the stuff in the books is just shocking," he says, but he adds the films aren't much better. He has a 12-minute reel of violence against women throughout the series featuring slapping, arm-twisting, clubbing, threats and sexualized violence.
He says the Daniel Craig era of Bond has brought some notable changes, possibly, he says, because the lead producer is a woman, Babara Broccoli.
He says that reel is especially shocking for women in the class, but men as well. The same is true of a reel of token ethnicities and their treatment throughout the series.
Interesting homework
Threlfall says that most students are 35 to 75, and have grown up watching Bond, so the course can be eye opening for them.
And with the new film out, homework for this week was to go out and watch Spectre and look for issues discussed in the course within the film — a film that Threlfall saw already, and plans to have seen two or three times before next week's class.
"I enjoyed it. It's not an immediately great film. It can't top Skyfall, which was so fantastic" he said. "It's a good movie. It's a think-y movie. It put it as similar to On Her Majesty's Secret Service which is not a lot of people's favourite Bond."
Threlfall says the Bond series is setting up for a "next chapter" with Daniel Craig set to leave the role, and believes the resilient series could go on for many more decades.
To hear the full story, click on the audio labelled: University course deconstructs 63-year history of Bond. James Bond.