Monday, February 11, 2008

A Masculinity Showdown For The Ages


Who would win in a three way grudge match, Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne, or James Bond?

Steven Cavallaro, writes an interesting article here called, Considering Three Pictures of Manhood: James Bond, Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer. He sums up by saying:

Three ‘heroes' that have captivated audiences. Three very different men reflecting very different eras. Three men driven by different motives. Three men who should cause us to ask questions about ourselves.

1. What effect does what I do have on me?

2. What effect does what I do have on others?

3. Is it all about me, or am I willing to sacrifice for something greater?

Here is my perspective: I enjoy the action found in (some) Bond movies, and the Bourne movies. But I'm stirred by Jack Bauer's self-sacrifice. While Bond would retreat to booze and women, and Bourne would seek safety, Bauer would try to save me even at the cost of his life. This is why Mark Driscoll wonders if he is a type of Christ. This is why Bauer beats them both, hands down.

Here is my question: How in the world could a Christ figure have the most annoying character ever created on TV as his daughter? Kim Bauer, you have forever ruined that show for me.

3 comments:

Los said...

John McClain from Die Hard can kill all three, while saving his wife and daughter from terrorists!!! He does not need no stinkin' team to do it either like Bauer, although Borne could give him a run, Officer McClain still would blow Jason up!!!


Yipee Kye Yay....

The Campbells said...

Bourne is the man...just how it is.

Unfortunately...the 3 you mentioned, and McClain would all fall over dead just from the shock wave resulting from Chuck Norris dropping a full clip into his piece.

Vitamin Z said...

Aaron, great point. I forgot about Chuck. He doesn't sleep, he waits.