First-Year Seminar: Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: James Bond in Film, Literature and Popular Culture

3 units

Originally a character in Cold War spy literature, James Bond has emerged as an international pop culture phenomenon. In this course, we will explore the evolution of James Bond from Ian Fleming to the spy parodies in international cinema. We will read several of Fleming's novels and short stories, including Casino Royale (1953), Octopussy (1966) and The Property of a Lady (1967), and discuss these texts in light of post-war spy literature. We will screen numerous Bond films, and compare and contrast James Bond the literary and cinematic character, how Bond emerged as a franchise hero through the vision of producers Harry Saltzman and Albert Cubby Broccoli, and critical aspects of the film franchise, including its storytelling roots in Hollywood serials, its use of gadgets and special effects, and the role of stardom in their marketing (Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Roger Moore, Madonna, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig). Finally, we will explore the re-envisioning of Bond in various media and art forms in global popular culture, including music, DC and Marvel Comics, games, children's television and in Asian cinema (Stephen Chow's 1994 From Beijing with Love). Required Screenings.