So, we meet again Skyfall?

I find myself appropriating Goldfinger's famous line as I return to Skyfall as the subject of a presentation I am preparing for the European Popular Culture Association Conference next week. Having previously written about Skyfall's use of nationalism as a marketing tool and mapping the shifts in Craig's Bond's British identity throughout his first 3 films, this presentation will focus more specifically on the nationalist ideology in Skyfall: through the analysis of strong ideological moments in the film and a consideration of the socio-politcal context at the time of production and distribution, I will attempt to shed light on the influences on its nationalist content and hugely positive response from audiences.

On Her Majesty’s Service: Skyfall (2012) and Nationalist Ideology

‘Agent 007, reporting for duty,’ says James Bond to M as he emerges from the shadows of her study in Skyfall. He appears to have returned from the dead – he was presumed so as a result of being hit by a misfired shot in the opening sequence. This is an important moment in the film not just for the narrative but also in terms of establishing its ideals and values. It is in this instant that Bond declares his commitment to his country, the UK, after a period of disowning it. This nationalist theme is built upon throughout the film as shots of Union Jacks and London landmarks come thick and fast and the plot culminates in Bond and M fighting to prove that the traditional government agency that they represent is still vital in defending the UK from modern terrorism. It is arguably the most patriotic Bond film to date and its nationalist ideology is explicit but where do these ideas come from? After all, films are not made in vacuums. What are the contextual factors which may have informed the nationalist ideology in Skyfall? When one considers the success of the film (the most successful British film to date, grossing $1,108,348,855 worldwide in its four month run at cinemas) it seems even more important to investigate the origins of an ideology that was accepted so enthusiastically by a very large audience.

My research involves analysing the film for aspects of narrative and representation, which are key to the conveyance of its nationalist ideology. I will then look beyond the film and link these aspects to important UK national events, which occurred in the lead up to Skyfall’s production and release.