James Bond and M: The love that dare not speak its name

LAST year Sam Taylor-Wood made a striking film for International Women’s Day, in which Daniel Craig, as James Bond, was scolded by Judi Dench, as M, on whether someone “with such a fondness for women had ever considered what it might be like to be one”.

Bond then returns in a dress and make–up, while M describes the unequal treatment of men and women worldwide, from differing pay scales to scary sexual assault statistics. “As a man you are less likely to be judged for promiscuous behaviour, which is just as well,” she tutted.

At the time, I wrote a column arguing that the most interesting romantic relationship by far in recent Bond films has been the one between 007 and his boss. Sure, they often show disdain for each other, but so has just about every memorable couple in Hollywood history, from Bogey and Hepburn in The African Queen to Han and Leia.

The twist here is that the woman is older and controls the credit cards. A real statement of sexual equality, I suggested, would be a scene in which Bond and M give in to their feelings and passionately kiss.

Skyfall has forever ruled out that possibility (for reasons I won’t go into to avoid spoilers) but it was fascinating to see how close it got – with Bond turning up, once again, in M’s flat, and the chief villain coming across rather like a spurned former lover.