Yeah so I thought my first blog of the year was going to be something profound and inspiring... naaaa... it's about James Bond.
It dawned on me watching "Casino Royale" with Daniel Craig how the James Bond character is a physical manifestation of the male Id. Now just so we're on the same page, by Id I'm referring to that part of the personality that is pure and basic drive not guided by morals or societal rules like the ego or the super ego. It's the child in us all that just wants to take what we want without concern of consequence and is ruled by the "pleasure principle", seeking to avoid pain or unpleasure aroused by increases in instinctual tension.
For anyone who has seen the Bond franchise this is not news but the last two Bond films, "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" provides background to why the character behaves the way he does and more importantly it provides a glimpse into why men in general behave the way we do. I know I'm biting off a lot here but stick with me.
The movie is based on the original Ian Fleming novel written in 1953 which I have not read but which I hear is wildly misogynistic, even more so than the 22 movies it spawned. The plot is centered on Bond who has just acquired his infamous double 0 licensed to kill status, which he uses liberally without remorse, however unlike the earlier 20 films, he seems to be driven either by self preservation or honor.
During an active operation, he genuinely falls in love, which reveals a human side to this womanizing, killing automaton and when he realizes she has betrayed him he does the unthinkable... he forgives her further revealing a soul. All of this is very unlike the Bond we have come to know but upon closer inspection it all makes sense and as I've have stated above, provides a glimpse into the motives behind men's actions.
The Bond we know is cool, calculating, emotionally closed off. He's able to park his gorgeous Aston Martin, kill the villain on the walk from this car to wherever he is going to meet some stunning woman that he will sleep with, walk away from and do it all without batting an eye. All things that fall under the motivation of the male Id; driving around in a conspicuous symbol of success, with the trust and approval to exact justice to the point of death on evil-doers all in the admiration of women that are unsuccessfully pursued by others. It is the ultimate male fantasy. But when you look deeper we see the insecurity that plagues us men.
Why is Bond emotionally closed off? Well he appears to be closed off even before he meets Vesper the love interest but she is smart, witty, strong as well as beautiful. Not his type as he tells her when she asked if she will have a problem with him keeping his hands to himself. She thinks it's because she is smart, he tells her it's because she's single. Avoidance of complications... shear physical pleasure. But she is exactly his type as he is unable to see it for himself. Because she is a challenge that acknowledges his charms yet does not fall for them mindlessly like so many before. This combination is intriguing and allows her to move into his heart where she takes up residence. Near the end, he actually contemplates leaving the service to live happily ever after with her. He tells her he loves her. Who is this? Surely not James Bond, but in an attempt to salvage what is left of his soul and find happiness, he walks down this path only to have it taken from him in a dramatic double denial by fate. First he realizes she has betrayed him, which could mean she never shared his feelings. But he is able to excuse that based on the situation she was forced into. Her death was a message from fate that happiness would not be his and it was enough for him to emotionally close himself off because it may be lonely in there but at least it doesn't hurt as much.
I think this is an appropriate analogy for most men and our emotions. It can actually be extended to almost all people men and women alike, except women don't display this self-preservation tendency in the same way.
Men are so misunderstood. There is much fragility in our strength. Under calm cool facades we sacrifice emotional health because despite what people say, if you're an emotional wreak, and we all are from time to time, no one will take you seriously. Yeah sure, people will excuse it, and even support you, but forget about you taking the lead on anything.
I admit, I don't show a great deal of emotion. In fact I reveal very little, especially when I need people the most. I know this to be an issue and I'm actively working on it, however, I'm very verbal. Although I don't show it, I have no problems talking about it which is immensely cathartic. Being able to get shit off your chest and just purge is something all my fellow brothers need to practice. Now actually showing it? That needs a little work but it's only the 3rd day of the new year, I've got 362 more days to make some progress.
Happy New Year.
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