You Only Live Twice (1967)

"Bond. James Bond." A classic line from the man himself. The 1967 version, You Only Live Twice, the movie is an action packed film filled with violence, women, and one hero--James Bond. The movie begins during a routine US space mission a manned American rocket mysteriously disappears while in orbit. The Americans naturally suspect the Soviets and threaten retaliation. However, the British are more cautious after one of their tracking stations indicates that the space craft may have come down near the Sea of Japan. Then, secret Service swings into action by "killing" James Bond in Hong Kong - a ruse so Bond can move about Japan unmolested by his enemies. During his investigation in Japan, the Soviets lose one of their space craft in similar circumstances, 007 has only a few days to locate the launch site and prevent the outbreak of World War III.

The way this plot is portrayed is a direct reaction to what is going on with the world during the 1960's. As you can see from the story line, movie directly relates to the Cold War as well as space race between America and the Soviet's. However, the movie is portrayed in a way (mostly with James Bond) that presents itself to mainly the baby boomers who are now in their teenage years. Bond's elegant nonchalance yet machismo outlook make all the ladies in the movies fall for him with just one look. It's no wonder all the teenage boys during the 1960's are idealizing him. All the baby boomers from after WWII are right about at there teenage years and the boys are very awkward when it comes to their sexuality and other women. But not for Bond. He is the smoothest guy around who's getting all the ladies. Also, because the women's rights movement is going on during the time of the movie, it takes advantage of the fact of women allowing sex before marriage. However, the actual reaction to women's rights is portrayed in a negative light in the film.

During the bath scene while Bond is in Japan, one of his friends is showing him around--showing him the culture. Six women walk into the bath house and begin washing bond and his friend. His Japanese friend gives him a short lesson on women in their culture by simply saying, "Men are always first here. Women are second," and "never do something when a women can do it for you." The negative reaction to women's rights for equality is apparent and is directly shown in this scene as well as others. But that should come no surprise. Bond movies have always been like this--seducing women and then leaving them out to dry like a piece of meat. Either way, this poses to be a controversial aspect to the movie because its reactions to what is going on during the 1960's.

The New York Times was also hesitant about this movie. Its review was mediocre, saying that it is a "noisy and wildly violent picture" and just plain "absurd." And well, it is. Besides the fact that Bond is a manifestation of what teenage boys idealize, the movie was blown out of proportion with the idea of a WW III and one man's mission save the world. I also don't think any women during that time appreciated the portrayal of their sex. But what can you do... its Bond.

Hairspray

In the new version of Hairspray, Tracy Turnblad is the star of the show, yet again, only this time, she's back with music. This new film is jam packed with more music, dancing and integration of both blacks and whites.The general plot remains the same with a few minor change ups, however, these differences pose to be the key points in the way the old film (1988 version) and the new film interacts with ideology.

Hairspray” has always been a bit of an unbelievable fairy tale.The basic story line of both are about a plump, teenage girl and her big dreams of making it on the local television show for young dancers, Corney Collins Show.  Link, Baltimore’s most sought-after teen hunk on the Corny Collins Show, is attracted to heavy-set high-schooler Tracy Turnblad from the moment he sees her. She gets recognized as a great dancer by Corny himself and becomes the newest member on the show. Amber, everyone's favorite stuck up snot, is the major protagonist in both films. the is against integration and against Tracy.

However, the new Hairspray is extra special because it’s such a life-affirming musical. By show’s end, black and white and young and old have all come together. All illustrate just how wonderful the world could be if we all pulled together. That’s terrifically expressed in one of musical theater’s best-ever eleven o’clock numbers, “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” I feel that this is one of the major differences between the old version and the new version. Although they still have the same ideals for integration, the old movie focuses more deeply on the importance of fame, fortune, and glamour. This ideology is reaffirmed in the last scene when Tracy gets crowned as queen and she comes out in new, stylish clothes. The focus is set on her famous and glamorous self rather than the importance of integration. In contrast, the new version of Hairspray shows Seaweeds little sister (a young black girl) winning the crown. This diffuses the ideology in the first movie of fame, fortune, and glamour, and redirects it to integration and how wonderful the world is with it.

Both of these films express a large amount of camp because of their outrageous and overdone plot lines that never cease to amuse. However, I believe that because of the way in which the old version interacts with ideology gives it more motive for a camp like movie. It's idea of fame, fortune and glamour is so outrageous and overdone, this movie could be nothing else but camp. On the other hand, the new version of Hairspray interacts with ideology in a different way that reduces its form of camp. Even though it still has the same overdone storyline, its major focus on integration shines through and gives a less camp like feel to the movie.

But either way, "the overall mood of “Hairspray” is so joyful, so full of unforced enthusiasm, that only the most ferocious cynic could resist it. It imagines a world where no one is an outsider and no one is a square, and invites everyone in. How can you refuse? "a review from the New York Times states. Its true. In both movies, although there are minor differences, is so full of smiles that you just cant turn it down. If you tried, ts campy amusement would rope you back in.