Liberation

From James Bond, to Superman v Batman, the protective type hero fighting for justice evolves but remains the same. Idris Elba is the modern day hero in the recently released ‘Bastille Day’.

He plays the role of the strong reliable male character with an overdeveloped ego, but who works for others, towards liberating the oppressed.

This would very likely appeal to male audiences who can identify with him, and to female viewers who can romanticise about him. 

The main characters, are a pragmatic hero and an idealist type protagonist who lead opposing lives and are joined by circumstances. This formula is to be found in the latest Superman v Batman released production as well.

Batman is more disguised and hides his pain whereas Superman is open about his emotions. The same applies to Idris Elba and his supporting character in ‘Bastille Day’: one (Richard Madden) is more hardened by life and disguised; he falls into his new life accidentally, whereas the other (Idris Elba) choses to become a beacon of justice of his own free will and is more outspoken about his feelings.

In both films, some crucial scenes show the pragmatic hero fighting against the idealist hero, but they eventually come together to save humanity's faith in justice and in a united front.

Bastille Day has a strong story line within the police thriller plot genre.

The themes of liberation and justice are at the forefront of the movie, and can be found in the James Bond productions, as well as in the Superman and Batman films.

Conflict is a main part of the story’s development with two opposing factions uniting to protect the innocent from an unknown threat. The mystery in this film is amplified by conflict as well as by the chameleon type characters who are ‘pass partout’. These characters play the parts of untrustworthy and unreliable individuals, at different times in the production.

There are not many noticeable special effects in the film but it has very entertaining action scenes.

The Paris setting gives it a European type feel which would appeal to a wider audience. The dialogue is in both English and French.

Definitely worth the time. ‘Amusez-vous bien’!