In what is the strangest show of support imaginable, and possibly the most ill-conceived, Daniel Craig has made a short film in which James Bond appears in drag as Dame Judi Dench's M recites the many inequalities women face on a daily basis.
Created for the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, the short was directed by Sam Taylor-Wood (Nowhere Boy), written by Jane Goldman (Kick Ass) and produced by Barbara Broccoli (protector of the 007 legacy).
I understand the message being sent. The film literally puts James Bond — who, depending on who you talk to, is a ladies' man, a chauvinist or a misogynist — in women's shoes. And it's oddly effective. But 007 has been having a bit of trouble lately. For a while, it looked like Bond was dead in the water. There were money troubles and questions about the viability of the James Bond franchise. But all has been worked out and "Bond 23" is set to hit theaters on November 9, 2012, just in time to commemorate the franchise's 50th anniversary. But, truthfully, there is still a bit of a pall hanging over the series. Which begs the question: Is now the best time to subvert the masculinity of cinema's most celebrated roué?
You know what, maybe it is. Now might well be the perfect opportunity to drag 007 into the 21st century. Perhaps this short film is a stroke of genius — the first step in rebranding Bond. Take a look and see what you think.
In what is the strangest show of support imaginable, and possibly the most ill-conceived, Daniel Craig has made a short film in which James Bond appears in drag as Dame Judi Dench's M recites the many inequalities women face on a daily basis.
This is very powerful, and Judi Dench and Daniel Craig rule, as usual.