Hmmmm. Their initials are all JB. All three come from very different time periods but still captivate audiences today. In an interview regarding the last of the Bourne triology, Matt Damon didn’t have anything nice to say about the first JB- Bond. He called him misogynist and imperialistic. So I got to thinking.
I grew up watching James Bond movies. I think the first one I saw in the theatre was Live and Let Die over 30 years ago. He was, as noted, a product of the Cold War and has lots of Cold War cynicism. He loves his country, loves sex and loves dispatching bad guys. He doesn’t quite fit Damon’s sensibilities. I don’t blame him- I don’t want to defend Bond’s womanizing ways. Austin Powers started as a playful nod to all that was Bond before degenerating into ever-increasing crudity.
The Bond franchise got a much needed shot in the arm with Casino Royale (reviewed here). It sought to explain the man- his cynicism and womanizing. I see it as the inevitable and necessary hardening of his heart to cope with what he has to do. It doesn’t justify it- just explains it. Bond is not a virtuous man, but one who is defending his country.
I read the Bourne books in the 80’s, and really enjoyed them. Jason was more a product of the 70’s with its suspicion of the government. He’s a typical anti-hero: an individualist who really only cares for himself. He’s not cynical, but paranoid. He is faithful to a fault, pining for the woman he loved. Unlike Bond, he does not descend into womanizing. He does not protect our freedom, but pursues his own. He’s not looking for solutions, but answers. He is the existential man.
Then there is Jack Bauer- a product of 9/11. Unlike Bond, he does not enjoy what he does. Unlike Bourne, he does not fight for himself but for his country. He is a man of honor, who sacrifices himself for others. He is not suave, but often brutal. That is because he knows many thousands or even millions may die if he fails. He is driven in a way that Bourne cannot understand.
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 what I’m thinking. 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’s a type of Christ. This is why Bauer beats them both, hands down.
This is why Bauer beats them both, hands down.
Brilliant. I like your comparison. I can give hearty amens to everything you’ve said. It will be interesting to see how Bauer continues his ways next season.
[…] Cavman pontificates on the three JB superstars… Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne, and James Bond. He comes to some fascinating conclusions. Funny thing is, I was just wondering out loud with some friends the other day who would beat whom in a fist fight, James Bond or Jason Bourne. My vote was for Bourne. […]
Hmm . . . action heroes and/or superstars with the initials JB
James Bond
Jason Bourne
Jack Bauer
And let’s not forget
Jolly . . . Blogger!
Is there a movie in the works about the Jolly Bloggers exploits? Will there be a Cavman character? 🙂
Jim Brown
Jim Bowden
James Brown
John Smith [as in Captain]
John Brown [Abolitionist]
Ben Johnson [JB in reverse] 🙂
There will absolutely be a cavman in the movie. The question is, do we make him a good guy or a bad guy.
I envision this scene where JB and the cavman are playing table hockey on a Sunday evening, when all of a sudden . . .
… dude, air hockey any day! You had quite the homefield advantage on the ancient table hockey game.
Did somebody say “Hockey”?
Count me in, Cavman!
Great thoughts. I never knew the backstory behind the Bourne series (I had no idea the books have been around since the 80’s) and can totally see the individualistic nature of the character (even though I have loved the movies). I think you’re right, there is something about Bauer as a character that typifies more of a sacrificial attitude. That’s why I like him. It will be interesting to see where the writers take his character this next season – I’ve heard its going to be more “personal” dealing with/around Jack than any season previous.
Thanks for the post
[…] on 3 of my favorite “characters” in the world of entertainment. You can check it out here about the 3 JB’s. In his post, Cavman makes a great observation, and asks some really great […]
[…] can read my previous thoughts about the character here. Jolly Blogger had some thoughts too. Now, to the […]
There are theories that Jack Bauer’s name and mind-set are heavily influenced by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham, which can also be the case for James Bond and Jason Bourne who all share initials, as well as values.