Ricky Church counts down to the release of Spectre with a retro review of Goldfinger…
Goldfinger is arguably the best and most beloved Bond film yet made. What the previous two films lacked in the typical Bond formula, Goldfinger has it all: beautiful women, one of the most diabolical Bond villains, the villain’s tough sidekick and, most memorably, the dazzling car. Dr. No and From Russia with Love set the foundation, but its Goldfinger that truly delivers on what viewers can expect from a Bond film.
007 is assigned to take a closer look at Auric Goldfinger, a successful businessman and gold magnate, who is suspected of smuggling gold internationally. Goldfinger’s plan proves to be even more nefarious, resulting in Bond having to use everything at his disposal to stop the mad villain’s plans. Their battle eventually has the most famous confrontation between Bond and a villain, as he’s strapped to a table with a laser slowly moving towards his nether regions. The exchange between Bond and Goldfinger remains one of the most quoted lines of the franchise and Goldfinger himself has proven to be a favourite villain among fans.
The plot of the film is engaging and suspenseful as Bond uncovers its mystery. It’s at first believed Goldfinger’s intention is to rob Fort Knox until he reveals his actual goal is to destroy it, creating economic chaos in America and raising the price of his own gold. Funny enough, in the original Goldfinger novel his plan was to rob Fort Knox, but the plot was met with heavy criticism as it would take days, if not weeks, to simply empty the compound. It’s humourous in the film when Bond points out all the logistical errors Goldfinger would face robbing Fort Knox, making a fun Easter Egg for those who read the books.
Goldfinger also introduced three traditional elements found in the Bond films: a stellar opening number, an elaborate death trap and the over-the-top gadgets. Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” is one of the most memorable and addictive Bond themes and, as mentioned above, Bond’s death by laser is a fan-favourite scene. While Goldfinger doesn’t have crazy gadgets like the later films, its main gadget is quite notable: the Aston Martin DB5, a beauty of a car full of tricks and one of the most famous vehicles in the world. While Bond has driven many distinguished cars over the franchise, the Aston Martin will always remain the Bond car.
The cast in Goldfinger is quite an unforgettable one as well. Gert Frobe makes a commanding presence throughout the film yet I can only comment on his physicality. His German accent was so thick that production hired actor Michael Collins to dub over him. Harold Sakata’s silent performance of Oddjob is an intimidating one, marking him as one of the most formidable henchmen Bond has ever faced. Shirley Eaton and Tania Mallet are great additions as the Masterson sisters, Mallet especially, but its Honor Blackman who steals the show, sometimes even right out from Connery, as Pussy Galore. Blackman exudes a no-nonsense, confident persona, one who makes more than a match for James Bond, both personally and physically. Her dry sense of humour and wit make Pussy a standout among the Bond girls. Name aside, it’s no wonder why she’s considered by many to be Bond’s best leading lady.
Director Guy Hamilton replaced Terence Young for this film and he showed he was more than capable to play in Bond’s world. Hamilton showed he had a good eye for the cinematography, giving Goldfinger stunning sets, locations, and action pieces. Because of this, the film has become one of the most visually stunning Bond films to date. Goldfinger set the bar high for the franchise and put in place the final elements that would become familiar to all Bond viewers. It certainly doesn’t hurt the film’s reputation by inspiring countless parodies surrounding it, ranging from Austin Powers’ Random Task and Goldmember to The Simpsons’ Hank Scorpio. Even years after its release and so many films following it, Goldfinger remains a standard among the 007 franchise.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ricky Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=sbXoZXr2goI
Originally published October 2, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
