List the similarities between these posters (focus on the image).

Think about lighting, posing, costume, props etc.

Masculinity

The genre tropes that exist within the action genre, give us some clues to a dominant representation of masculinity.

Genre Codes:

How have genre codes been used in the Casino Royale poster to construct a notion of masculinity?

Some ideas...

Gun – a symbol of power, but also (arguably) a phallic symbol, which specifies male power and dominance (what has been termed as the anthropomorphised phallus).

Some ideas...

Composition – The man is centre of the frame, almost filling the picture. This emphasises his importance, but also highlights his bulk and muscular form. He physically dominates the frame.

Some ideas...

Lighting – the man is half-hidden in shadow, connoting that he is mysterious and secretive. The darkness symbolises a ruthless and violent side of his personality, but the light reminds the audience that this violence is justifiable, as he is fighting the good of others.

Some ideas...

Halo of light – the subject is surrounded by light. These arguably resemble angels’ wings, which again symbolises that he is a force for good. It also connotes that he has powers that are ‘above’ the average person. Or it could resemble a spotlight, positioning the man as a celebrity or ‘star’. Either interpretation puts him in a position of power.

Some additional ideas...

Smart clothing– unmistakably masculine, but also middle/upper class. The dominant male is also a member of the dominant social group.

Some additional ideas...

Poker chips – a signifier of wealth (and, again, power), but also suggests that this man is intelligent and skilled. The fact that he is a risk-taker enhances the notion that men are adventurous and playful, but that a successful man will always win.

Some additional ideas...

Facial expression – the hero has a serious, intent look on their face. They are active, looking as if they are on an important mission. This gives them a superiority (in that everyone else’s needs seem unimportant, by comparison) and also enhances a perception of men as dangerous and potentially violent.

In summary...

Representations of men in the action genre appear to reinforce patriarchy. Men are constructed as dominant and successful. Audiences are positioned to forgive any negative traits of masculinity (e.g. men as forceful and destructive), as these traits are usually necessary for the man to achieve justice in these films.

In summary...

Importantly, men are active in these posters (it is obvious that they are ‘on a mission’). To quote John Berger: “men act”, which is a contrast to the passive representation we often see of women, who “appear” as objects of beauty for the male gaze.

Hegemony

Representations, where men are positioned as Bond is here, are repeated so often, that they become ‘common sense’ and seem almost natural.

Yes, the character of M is now played by Dame Judi Dench, who is Bond’s boss – but Bond never seems to take her orders seriously (she often seems undermined, like a nagging mother), and, more importantly, she doesn’t appear on the posters.

Hegemony in practice

1. How does Bond embody the concept of hegemonic masculinity? (What is so good about being a man?)

2. Using your own examples, what evidence do we have to suggest that hegemonic masculinity is supported by mass-media?

3. Using your own examples, what evidence do we have to suggest that hegemonic masculinity is being subverted in the mass-media?