33 replies to this topic

[TortillaFactory]

Okay, it may simply be a function of Bond's being a post-war figure...but doesn't that support my premise as well? Patriotism [used to] run higher during times of war - by his very nature, Bond is not as much of a flag-waving character as Supes, who existed before and during the war.

I've no doubt Bond appeared in racist comics, but that's not the same thing as wartime propoganda.

[Loomis]

My point is simply that Bond is not identified with England as strongly as Superman is identified with America. This is, of course, a matter of opinion, but I think it's a reasonable assumption.

Without wishing to come across as a Brit who by virtue of his nationality takes a kind of proprietorial attitude towards Bond, I don't see why you seem to feel that the character isn't particularly identified with England. The films, especially, hammer home his Englishness constantly, usually in a jokey way: "Forgive me, gentlemen, but not being English, I find your sense of humour hard to fathom" (sorry if I'm misquoting, but this is all of the top of my head), "St. John Smythe.... I'm English", "....a hearty 'well done' from Her Majesty the Queen", "Of course, the English don't consider it sporting to kill in cold blood", "It's pathetic how you British still feel you have the right to police the world", "You're that English secret agent from England"....

[dunmall]

is it possible that the line (i have not yet seen superman returns, but it's said by Perry White isn't it?) is meant in an ironic sense? That many people, American's included I would think, might not see Truth and Justice as particularly strong American virtues at the present time? A nod to the fact that there is high level corruption, sex scandles, cover ups, back door deals with big buisness and the like? (obviously such things are not unique to the American government of course)

Or could it even be a joke on the fact that as a Newspaper man Perry White is not concerned about truth and justice but just a good story?

As I said I havent seen the film so forgive me if Perry is not the one who says the line this is just my humble interpretation based on this discussion.

[TheSaint]

Perry is the one who says the line in the film.