Over 50 Years on Culture’s Service? Intercultural Competence and the Representation of Foreign Realities in James Bond Films

Abstract

Films depict the world and convey perspectives on it. The same can be said of the extensively well distributed James Bond film series which has been critically acclaimed and successful for the last several decades from “Dr. No” (1962) to “Spectre” (2015). In 2012, it celebrated its 50^th anniversary and can be considered an especially influential cultural medium and a transmitter of cultural practices and values. Because the plots are set in various regions of the globe, the spectator is not only confronted with unfamiliar cultural mores, but is also shown how a travelling secret agent (who is successful when interacting with foreign cultural realities so as to achieve the goals of his secret mission) uses his abilities. Indeed, from our perspective, certain questions arise as to whether this really occurs on the basis of James Bond’s intercultural competence. Using as a starting point for discussion the concept of intercultural competence, this article will critically analyze James Bond’s cultural contacts, their filmic representation and their implications for legions of fans throughout the world, while examining the possibilities of them picking-up a few intercultural tips and tricks at the same time.