Masculinity: From Connery to Moore

          When the Bond films switch from Connery as 007 to Moore as the seductive spy, I feel as though Bond looses a bit of charisma. While Connery seems more ruggedly masculine, Moore appears softer--from his emotions to his facial features.
          In several ways, Moore's personality and the ways in which he presents and holds himself contribute to the decline in charisma. For example, Moore just cannot seem to banter with Miss. Moneypenny in the same way that Connery did; he doesn't make very much eye contact, and he seems as though he is thinking of other things when he is with a woman. While it is no question that a secret serviceman has other important things to think about--like stopping a bomb from detonating--Moore let's his worry show on his face, while Connery seemed to always "keep it cool." Similarly, Moore appears to use his brain before his fist quite often. He makes rationale decisions when defending himself in the dojo in The Man with the Golden Gun, and even forfeits asserting his masculinity by making an intelligent choice in stepping back and allowing the sisters who are masters in martial arts take on the men of the dojo.
          Of course, these decisions are not choices of Moore, but of the filmmakers and directors. Obviously, the filmmakers began to show Bond using a sort of "mind over matter" logic, and, although Connery played a logical Bond, he often chose to exert himself physically before mentally. For instance, Connery's Bond was not mentally quick enough to prevent Quarrel from his unfortunate death in Dr No because he was far too concerned with finding a place for Honeychile--his new love interest--and him to hide.
          It seems as though as the films progress, what Bond lacks in charm, he makes up for in cleverness. While both Connery and Moore undoubtedly exert masculinity, they are different forms of male power--Connery with an aggressive and consistent force, and Moore with a more quiet but forceful wit and fervor.