How James Bond Shaped the Modern Spy Genre

When thinking about the ultimate spy or the character that is synonymous with the genre, James Bond is the first thought of many. 007 is the man that everyone knows and instantly thinks about.

The Ian Fleming creation has gone on to become popular across the world, with millions having watched the various films that have been released. In fact, while there have been several actors to have portrayed him, there is always a huge buzz around who could play him next. There have been many names thrown into the hat, all of which have been divisive or have created discussion.

Nonetheless, whoever is chosen next to play 007 after Daniel Craig, most will agree that the James Bond character and franchise has shaped the modern spy genre.

How has the modern spy genre taken inspiration from James Bond?

Although there have been several different spy-themed films that don’t involve the world-famous secret agent, it’s pretty easy to see the influence the films have had on others.

There are many aspects of a Bond film that can be seen within modern spy films that are released in the cinema today and over the last few years. For instance, the stories that are followed often follow the same type of format:

• A spy is tasked with trying to stop a villain with trying to take over the world or steal something.

• The secret agent finds himself being discovered or gets himself into danger.

• Other aspects of the mission become involved or accompany the mission to make it look like a life of luxury or more dangerous.

• The agent gets out of trouble and ends up saving the day.

  
  

Admittedly, when laid out in the way that it has, a spy film doesn’t sound all that exciting when knowing what is likely to happen. However, it’s clearly a tried and tested formula that works. There have been calls for it to change and be modernized, which is something the newest Bond films have looked to do.

Bond franchise’s influence: traditions and casinos

As mentioned, there are aspects within Bond that have become synonymous with modern spy films. The danger that is encountered, the love/romance that can be experienced, or even the traditions or preferences that an agent has have become synonymous with the character.

For some, the usage of certain environments or plotlines has also become popular. Casinos are widely used, with Bond having shown that he has several skills when sitting at the table. While most can engage in the same games that 007 plays at a live casino, they won’t usually have the high stakes that he (or other modern-day spy characters) have facing them, such as being a matter of life or death, depending on the cards they have.

Technological features and innovations that have been made available to Bond have also been seen in modern spy franchises and flicks. It’s not uncommon to see spies have weapons or useful gadgets that would look similiar in a 007 movie. For example, a pen that acts as a laser can be something that has seen multiple times, as can a lighter that acts as an explosive device. A sportscar also seems to be the choice of vehicle for a spy, matching the Aston Martin’s that Bond uses.

It’s easy to understand why these aspects are used, as they can help to build a character and keep them memorable with audiences. The skills they have at a casino table can show off certain traits or tendencies they may have, highlight how they deal with pressure, or show how well they can strategize. The other elements help to keep the movie genre moving forward and give viewers a sense of familiarity.

Can modern spy films move away from Bond’s influences?

While it’s important to recognize what the creation of James Bond has done for the spy genre, some would find it possible to argue that the movie format could change.

As highlighted, the latest flicks featuring 007 have started to change and go in a different direction. They have been modernized to reflect a changing society and be more accessible. Rumors regarding who could be the new Bond highlight this, while recent releases have shifted away from classic features older films have included.

Of course, with a winning formula, it’s hard to deviate. Nonetheless, modern spy films could still do so much more without using features or aspects used by Ian Fleming’s character.