Goldfinger was the movie that started my lifelong love of spy novels, movies, and, of course, gadgets. Was it the best? In retrospect, no, but it was the first, at least, for me. P.s. Tilly Masterson was driving a Mustang, not a Thunderbird.
Not merely "a" Mustang, but "the" Mustang-- THE FIRST YEAR they made them. On KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER, Darren McGavin drove a '64 Mustang. A decade later, Stacy Keach drove one on MIKE HAMMER! It is a car that, in its own way, is every bit as classic as the Aston Martin DB5! Somewhere around here, I've actually got a BOOK that goes into incredible depth about the long process it took them to design that first model in 1964. Imagine, a whole book dedicated to just that ONE car design!
I recall hearing once Hitchcock saw the film and loved the touch of casting a little old lady at the gate. It was one of his favorite parts of the movie. 😊
love that you do these updates bc I'm fascinated with how movies seem to change as we get older - of course they don't change, we do (hopefully). Roger Ebert described seeing one of his all-time favorite movies, Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" when he was around 20, then later around 30, and 40 and so on. And how each time the movie felt so very different in a positive way - It was revealing new layers of meaning or subtle subtext or he would just find himself sympathizing with different characters. That is very cool stuff to me.
Great retrospective review! Notes: Connery never looked better. Great pre-title mini film. The big brassy bars of the music in the title give an expansive quality, imo, not really matched by any other Bond song. Too, imo, the hardness and sophistication of Shirley Bassey has also remained unmatched. John Barry + Shirley Bassey...what a combination! The changing of the plot from the actual stealing of the gold in the book, to taking the Fort Knox gold off the market by radio activity was inspired. (..would make a great financial thriller.) I will say that the impact of this film cannot truly be understood by recent generations, who are much harder to impress. This is why despite there being better Bond films, I doubt if any, no matter how good, will ever create the excitement of "Goldfinger". Lastly, I would say that ranking the Bond films will have to have some period category cutoff....really cannot compare a 1960's era film to a 2020 era film...it's 60 years already. In whatever earlier category there is, I would put "Goldfinger" at #1. Side note: In the Switzerland scene you can see the registration/inspection sticker of the Rolls Royce: AUG 64....lol, of course!
Goldfinger has to be considered a masterpiece. It created the bombastic adventure bond film. IT has one of the best villains, one of the best henchmen. Created the Q - bond relationship. Peak Connery preformance.
My mother was at Edinburgh Art College in the 1950s and knew Connery as he was both an artist's model and doorman at college dances. She was very surprised when she went to see Dr No in 1962 as she had no idea that Tommy Connery (as she knew him) had become an actor and was now Sean Connery and a film star!
If you're in your 20s and watching it now I can see where you might think it's overrated. It’s impossible for a young person to watch “Goldfinger” and truly appreciate what a cinematic masterpiece it was at the time. So much that was fresh and original in the movie has been copied and done to death by all the other action movies that followed. The rapid-cuts and fast pace of action movies today all started with the early Bond movies, and “Goldfinger” set the standard for the entire genre. Despite moving at a furious pace, it manages (unlike so many other action movies) to maintain a coherent and logical plot. There were so many new and innovative ideas in this movie. In 1964 most people had never heard of lasers or karate or skin suffocation or plastic explosives. No movie had ever featured a tricked-out car like the Aston, a finale with a setting like Fort Knox, a hero that made jokes after killing someone, a character with a name like Pussy Galore, a henchman like Oddjob, a megalomaniac like Goldfinger, or all the unique ways of killing people: electrocuting a villain in a bathtub, painting a woman gold, a lethal “throwing hat", nerve gas, sucking a villain out a depressurized plane window ... All new to cinematic audiences at the time; all passé now. It really had to be seen at the time it was released. Unlike so many of the movies that followed, “Goldfinger” is the perfect blend of the real and the fantastic. It isn’t dark and brooding and un-fun like the Daniel Craig movies, or ridiculous semi-comedies like some of the Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan films. “Goldfinger” is finely balanced, managing to retain a realistic feel despite the implausible plot. It delivers laughs without ever descending into comedy, and despite the light mood of much of the movie, the plot seems serious, the villains are genuinely menacing, and the viewer feels Bond is in real danger. This is not an easy balance for any movie to achieve, and “Goldfinger” does so perfectly.
The classic line "No Mr Bond I expect you to die!" is probably the second most famous Bond movie quote ever, after "Bond, James Bond." I'll sometimes find myself saying it, German accent and all, it's one of the most iconic Bond moments of all time. Great film.
A Chinese friend of mine pointed out that the 'Korean' guards at Goldfinger's factory are speaking Cantonese. Presumably they are extras hired in London or Hong Kong.
To answer the question in the title, I say: MASTERPIECE. Sure, certain things about the movie may be outdated by today's standards but looking at from the perspective of the times, it works. This movie is still a classic to this day.
The people looking older thing is so true. Even Connery looks mid-40s maybe creeping up on 50! I think people smoked, worked harder, started families earlier, all that ages you. Plus today we’re very youth obsessed and people go to lengths to hide their age now more than then.
I think Sean Connery looks like around 35 even if he could be 45 too, I think he has still some freshness in his face even if he has some cigarette or sun wrinkles. But that other guy 39, I'm totally mindblown, there's no way he can be younger than 60, he must have been lying about his age or something, he looks like Sean Connery's father or grandfather.
Great Video! Love the background information at the start lots of facts and jokes throughout but not overwhelming and perfect amount of opinion and consensus you’ve out done yourself can’t wait to watch part 2
Good to see you back. I always thought Goldfinger had a rather plodding plot, but there's so much about the movie that's iconic. The theme tune, the car, the villain/henchman. And the score is arguably the finest in the entire series.
As an adult, I prefer FRWL. As a pre-teen, this movie had babes, great gadgets, good music. I had the Bond attaché case and the Corgi (I think) BD5, with working features.
I will always love this movie for the retro spy feel it gives and retro styles of clothing. The blue one piece by the pool Connery wears and great suits, the jazzy music mixed with spy music, the colors in general. I never thought of Bond being a prisoner because he could have escaped at anytime but chose to stay and learn what the plan was then stay and try the stop it. Nicely done and I also am looking forward to part two!!
Man I love what u doin with those recaps. it's been 8 years since the original and its awesome cuz it's giving me another perspective to look at things...
Re: Karim Bey's girl. I think the giveaway that she was in cahoots with the bad guy, is that she clearly didn't warn Bond when she could see him coming.
Saw Goldfinger and Thunderball in 65 I was 13 Every list I've seen Goldfinger is at the top.or near Recently Casino Royale has been called the best and I have no problem with that
Fun Fact: The late Stuntman Alf Joint (who played Capungo in *"Goldfinger")* will later be a Stunt Coordinator for all 4 Christopher Reeve *"SUPERMAN"* films (he was also a Stunt Double for Gene Hackman in *"SUPERMAN II")* and *"SUPERGIRL"* (1984). He's also the Stunt Gaffer (chief electrician) in *"An American Werewolf in London"* (1981). Plus, he was also a mentor to future 007/Superman/Indiana Jones Stunt Double and Stunt Coordinator Vic Armstrong.
I can understand why this is held up as the Bond pinnacle because it is so accessible to casual fans and even non-Bond fans. It is just a rollicking good ride for a couple of hours. From Russia has a better, tighter plot though and definitely a better true 'spy' thriller which is why it's my favourite.
32.29 "Goldfinger" is the first appearance of Chinese-British actor Burt Kwouk in a Bond film. He turns up in several others including CR67. Kwouk was the go to east Asian actor in a lot of British productions. He is well known as the Japanese camp guard in "Tenko".
I'm sorry but I'm one of the few that think Goldfinger is overrated. I don't hate Goldfinger but James Bond being a prisoner for almost one hour definitely is the reason why I don't watch this film as much. There are 19 James Bond films I rather watch than Goldfinger.
When I read the novel, I was surprised that Bond was really only a prisoner for one THIRD of the book, rather than HALF. Also, and this really stood out, I'm not sure Goldfinger ever found out Bond was British Secret Service, and if he did, it was only at the very end, just before he got killed going down in that plane crash. (Oddjob got sucked out thru the plane's window.) For most of the book, he just thought Bond was some kind of "adventurer" (as if he was Simon Templar!), and once he decided not to kill him, actually offered him a part in "Operation Grand Slam", while keeping an eye on him and Tilly to make sure they wouldn't betray him. One of the biggest changes in the movie, which, looking back on it, MAKES ZERO SENSE to me... is that Goldfinger shows off his scheme to his criminal "business partners". THEN MURDERS THEM ALL (except for Pussy and her pilots). If he was going to kill them all, why show them the plan? And what he does with "Mr. Solo" is so COMPLETELY, outragiously, INSANELY a waste of time. So much better to just have him break his neck falling down the stairs. ("Anyone else care to drop out?" -- Max Zorin) So much of the book wound up in the movie "OCTOPUSSY".
I know where you're coming from. I'd give it a 9/10 if asked, but not one I pull out much. It's down to preference, and similarly to the novels I tend to prefer the adventurous espionage plots over the villain focused ones (think the FRWL vs Moonraker novels). Other than Geneva Bond doesn't go to any great locations. Could be me as an American but Miami and Kentucky don't grab my imagination as much as Jamaica or Italy. Btw, Takao Saito's James Bond- great pfp.
I prefer Thunderball to Goldfinger personally 🤷♂️ very controversial I'm sure. My favourite Connery I think. 4:33 might be my all time favourite Bond moment ever though.
After all the years, I never pieced it together Bond was reacting to a mirror and that's why he crashed the car. I thought they were shining lights at him and when Odd Job looked at the mirror I thought it was some kind of joke about his vanity.
I'm absolutely shocked when you said Smithers was 39, he doesn't look a day younger than 60, unbelievable, it must been the war and smoking. I think Sean Connery looks pretty young and fresh in the first movies actually (around mid 30s) even if he has cigarette or sun wrinkles.
Dutch 🇳🇱Bond Fan cares about Bond Franchise more than Bond's producers To be very Honest they are reason why bond isn't that popular among modern audience.
no I think because they decided to slow walk the last era of Bond, 15 years to do 5 movies, only 2 of which were really any good and by the way they killed Bond in the last movie
Goldfinger is still a masterpiece as it set the bar for all future Bond films. It's a great mix of all ingredients and is filled with iconic moments. The plot always keeps me invested from beginning to end and isn't spelled out to us immediately, which is one of the main issues I have with Thunderball. I understand and respect the fans who claim that it's overrated due to Bond being a prisoner for a large portion of the film, but I was never bothered by that because, while imprisoned, Bond does try to thwart Goldfinger's plan by planting a note with information for the CIA and the tracker gadget in Mr. Solo's pocket. Once he learns that Oddjob killed Solo, Bond then succeeds in converting Pussy Galore to the good side, which ultimately saved the day. It is a shame however that Jack Lord didn't reprise his role of Felix Leiter. It would have been nice to see their bond/friendship develop during the Connery films.
This was the film that really cemented the 'Bond formula' [such as an action heavy pre-title sequence, Bond having 2 or 3 Bond girls per film, the Q-Bond relationship, silent heavy etc] which would be used fairly consistently until Die Another Day nearly 40 years later.
This series is such a fun way of reminding fans of interesting tidbits of information such as the reuse of actors, recasting of characters & dubbing of actors as well as other behind the scene notes on the production. As for “Goldfinger” being a masterpiece I’d rather use the word iconic. It’s truly the gold standard of the Bond movies, where it establishes the series tropes, & is a piece of cinema history that was instrumental to help bring about the movie franchise. It’s impossible not to think about Bond without thinking of the DB 5, a villain like Auric Goldfinger, a deadly henchman like Oddjob, lush locations, gadgets, the PTS, the Bond Song or singer such as the First Lady of Bond Songs Dame Shirley Bassey… I could go on. This film laid out the blueprint that few have managed to better even in other franchises. Is the storyline the best spy thriller, or the script giving Bond his most heroic moments, or the continuity the best. Well no, but it’s a thrill ride that audiences love to go to the cinema for (especially in the 60’s). Plus it has more iconic screen moments than most of today’s output by Hollywood. It’s exciting, it’s escapism (which we need today more than ever) & it’s just a great movie. Iconic actually.
The old lady with the machine gun?? Don't you know by now that's Guy Hamilton's hallmark, Dutchfan? He fills his movies with weird, WTF stuff like this, such as the New Orleans Jazz funeral and a dancing Geoffrey Holder painted half white wearing only a top hat, frock coat and loin-clothe in LALD, or the green Rolls-Royce limo service in TMWTGG. As a Brit, things like the mechanized fast -service funeral parlor and the B&B circus in DAF were crazy to him. His films are almost like a human freak show, Bond's world filled with odd eccentric characters, Wint and Kidd, Knick Knack, etc.
Masterpiece. Every frame, every line, every gadget, every girl, every suit, every Pussy, every soundtrack note, …As for the negative reviews? “it’s like listening to the Beatles - without earmuffs!”
Without comparison to any of the greats who portrayed James Bond ,, Sean Connery is my all time numaro uno, his personality simply fills up the screen, Ian Flemmings description of Bond and Connerys personality superbly mesh, the edge of violence that comes out in most of his scenes is what Bond is all about, I was lucky to see him at the Dubai Gold Market many moons ago, Goldfinger,Thunderball and From Russia with love are in my list of Top Ten Bond movies.
Most of the movie is great but the Kentucky scenes drag the average quality down a bit although Bond's conversation with Goldfinger over a Mint Julep is one of my favourite Connery moments. I still think it is closer to masterpiece than overrated.
So basically you could go by DB-DBF. One point. I think you identified Tilly's car as a Thunderbird. I'm pretty sure Tilly's car is a Mustang. When the entire side is getting inconspicuously shredded you can see the Mustang badge by the wheel well. When I was a child my mother had a burgundy Mustang similar to Tilly "s. Who knew that more than 55 years later I would wish I still had that car!
Sean mocks the Beatles just before meeting Smithers (actually Richard Vernon), playing a man on the train in A Hard Day's Night, who"fought the war for your sort." Ringo responds,"bet you're sorry you won!"
"Goldfinger"(1964) is no doubt a very important film in the franchise. I used to adore this movie. 30 or even 20 years ago. Today, in 2023, not so much anymore. But it's good! *** Well, there are some disturbingly weak points in this film. Firstly: Bond is a prisoner of the bad guy for far too long! I prefer when Bond is always in action! Secondly: The meeting of the mobsters was a bit comical. And why call them together at all? To kill them all, just for fun? Yeah, Goldfinger was a sadistic old man then... Personally, I expect a certain dignity, even from a villain. *** For me, "Thunderball"(1965) and "You Only Live Twice"(1967) were much better films! Aspect ratio 2,35:1 is sooooooo gorgeous looking compared to 1,66:1 or 1,85:1... And in "Thunderball"(1965) Sean Connery was THE MAN AT HIS BEST!!!
The answer to 'secondly' from a screenwriting perspective is that it makes the exposition of 'Operation Grand Slam' more interesting if Goldfinger is presenting it to an audience who's querying him so it's not a dull lecture...and after that the script has no more use for the gangsters [who feel left over from the novel], so get rid of them!
Very great Video! But is there maybe a mistake? On 14:25 you mention "Ringo´s wife would become a future Bond girl" But It was exactly the other way around. (Bond: 1977 Wife: 1981) Or I am missing something?
The movie set the template for the classic Bond formula, but it did establish all the ingredients of the formula at the expense of Bond's agency as a character. There are multiple moments where Bond just sits it out or gets incarcerated. I prefer Bond to be on the move or to directly affect the outcome of events.
I love Goldfinger. Easily in the top 5 movies. But it does lose me small bit in the second half, however the acting continues to drag it along. And the ending just superb with a classic ending one liner. However, not my favourite, but definitely something that deserves all the respect it has gained over the years for everything it has added to the franchise in later movies.
Now on to the important things, another fantasticly reconstructed review, Jeroen. Thank you. These always get a good chuckle out of me and also give me some insight that even 12 years since my introduction to the franchise. You are one of the true legends of the community.
That's what keeps it from being boring, the excellent acting by the leads! I never found it boring, even as a kid I was riveted to the screen for the entire thing. It is also one of the shortest films in the series and does not lose a thing (unlike the bloated Thunderball). A masterpiece not only of Bond but cinema in general.
I became a Bond fan at age 10 watching Goldfinger. I later caught up with the earlier films and never missed a Bond opening. The last film (No time to die) killed Bond for me. They had him whimpering and crying just before he died! Bond crying? Only when his wife Samantha was killed. (On her majesties secret service) I guess it will take an awful lot for me to watch another Bond movie.
Tania Mallet my favorite Bond Girl, she looked so natural and innocent. The sadest collateral kill in the whole Bond Series imo. Of Course Tracy's death as Bond's wife is the sadest moment in Bond history for me. Gerd Fröbe best villain ever. Soundtrack great. Norman Wanstall won an Oscar for best sound editing, the first for the Bond Series. The DB 5. Goldfinger the Bond movie I've watched the most times and ranks highest on my Connery's Bond list and overall on second place. Just OHMSS sentimentally ranks better for me.
8:41 Felix was re-cast every time he appeared before David Hedison's reappearance in Licence to Kill so there never a chance to develop the character or the chemistry between Felix+ Bond. It didn't help that there was no consistency with the character, especially in age [for example Hedison was 23 years older than previous actor John Terry], in contrast to the Craig movies where Jeffery Wright was present for all of the characters 3 appearances. That attitude does explain how Blofeld was recast from Telly Savalas to Charles Grey and Grey's Blofeld has little in common with pervious portrayals.
Jack Lord wasn't unavailable for Goldfinger. He wanted a BIG raise and better billing. So the producers said no thanks. (Source: Richard Maibaum interview in 1983 for Starlog magazine)
In my opinion, David Hedison (who appeared in *"Live and Let Die"* and *"Licence To Kill")* should've been Felix Leiter in *"Goldfinger",* *"Thunderball",* *"Diamonds Are Forever",* and *"The Living Daylights".*
This is the movie that created the true music video opening, the action prologue, the tropes for all following Bond films such as his one liners, frightening main henchman, etc. But, most importantly, it infused the franchise with an air of extravagant eccentricity, highlighting the odd uniquities, all this that would, because of Guy Hamilton's vision, become an expected part of Bond films, though only one or two directors after Hamilton could even come close. I'd also reassess your opinion of the song. It's easily the best in the entire series. Unapologetically in-your-face raunchy, though it sounds huge, it quickly becomes almost minimalist, with only the occasional horn in the background, the main accompaniment being a single acoustic guitar and the drummer; the tune is carried entirely by Bassey's voice. A true work of musical art, the highs and lows are soaring and dynamic, while the disonance makes it unique to almost anything today. It influenced many Bond songs to come after, such as "Thunderball" and "Surrender". Terrence Young made Bond cool and suave, but also infused his films with an intelligent realism only matched by his protege Peter Hunt on OHMSS. Hamilton made Bond's world extravagantly weird, colorful and unpredictable, giving the series its own spectacular identity, making it less stiff than Young's old school Brit outlook. That said.........Hamilton also introduced the worst things about the series as well. Utterly brain-dead humor that would climax with Sheriff J.W. Pepper, TMWTGG's slide whistle sound effect or Kung Fu school girls, etc. Not that bad in "Goldfinger", it's still there slightly, when Leiter, asked by his partner, asks where Bond is going and responds he doesn't know but that "it's either a drink or a dame." I despise political correctness, but that line makes me cringe! Hamilton also created the so-called "James Bond formula". Up until then, each Bond film had its own subject matter, its own feel and pace, but, with Hamilton, after he was told to give Broccoli "another Goldfinger", starting with "Diamonds are Forever" he just started taking various elements of previous films and recombining them into more of the same, which they've been doing ever since, over and over and over again. So one of the men who helped make it what it is today laid within the seeds of the franchise its own deterioration. Is Goldfinger a "masterpiece"? I don't think so, but it is definitely an immortal classic. Without its influence, I doubt the series would have survived near this long.
Another glaring flaw of Hamilton's I completely forgot to include is that his films explode so fast out of the gate that he can't possibly keep up the pace and all his films, including this one, lose their way in the middle and lose focus, only coming back as they head into their climaxes.
That 60's 007 logo is way nicer than the contemporary version. Goldfinger cemented Bond as a cinematic icon. Is it the best one ? no not really. Fun fact : this is the 1st movie where Connery is wearing a Hair piece & Look carefully and you can see it. 🍸
That in the alps was NOT a Thunderbird, it was a newly released Ford Mustang You get to see a new Thunderbird in front of the KFC and following the soon-to-be-crushed-Lincoln later in the movie. Those were all brand new cars back then.
I grew up with spies in the 60s.... but my parents refused to take to me to any of the Bond films! "To much sex and violence", they said. So my first real Bond film was "GOLDFINGER", when ABC ran it in 1973. It remained my favorite... until I saw a theatrical reissue of "FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE" and "GOLDFINGER" around 1980. They're the only early films, to this date, I've ever seen in widescreen (yep, still putting up with tapes I got in the 80s), and "FRWL" is my favorite Connery Bond. Guy Hamilton, I slowly realized, was very into comedy. Please watch & review "THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE" by him, with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and Laurence Olivier, who STEALS the movie!! It seemed strange until 15 minutes in, when it suddenly hit me... it was a COMEDY. I noticed at one point the odd thing that Aston Martin's all look 20 years out of date when they're new. It feels like they look back 2 decades, and then take the BEST design elements of that period, and use them to create a FABULOUS brand-new car. Dalton's car in "THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS" reminds me of a charged-up 60s Mustang! The DB5 looks like it came from the 40s... only, "cooler". The pre-credit sequence actually does connect with the film, but only, thematically. In it, Bond blows something up. At the climax, he has to PREVENT a bomb from blowing something up! This was reused (like so much else from this film) in "OCTOPUSSY", where we see, after many years, Bond's had far more instruction in how to turn off a NUCLEAR bomb. My favorite Cec Linder role is in the TV version of "Quatermass And The Pit" (1958). Hey, until just now, I never noticed he was born in Poland! Having watched most of "VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA" now on DVD, I really wish David Hedison had played Felix in every movie. He's so damned good, and would have been such a perfect fit, especially when you see him in the 1st season. After all these decades, I can't really say I like "Pussy Galore". But my admiration for "Catherine Gale" continues to go up. I recently got the "restored" DVDs of THE AVENGERS seasons 2 & 3, and the only thing I really wish is that they'd put them out on BLU-RAYS. It's not about the quality-- it's the PAL-NTSC problem. PAL DVDs play at the wrong speed in America. (They have both the Diana Rigg & Linda Thorson seasons on Blu-Ray-- which are neither PAL or NTSC! I think most people still don't know that.)
Connery was so bitchy in Dr. No that Jack Lord was just the PERFECT foil! They haven't really nailed it since. Telly as Blofeld; YES, Mads as Le Chiffre:YES! But not one actor has created that same cool tension between Bond and Felix, as Lord did. The Hawaii Five-O star was famously "difficult", and he wasn't gonna let the Brit agent run the scene! By all accounts, Jack Lord was a nightmare to work with, but, to this day, he remains the absolute best Felix Leiter!
I always found the method of Jills murder to be out of character for Goldfinger, in the rest of the movie he is laser-focused (pun intended) on his criminal scheme and even with Pussy Galore he is all about business and nothing else. So why is this one murder so intricate and almost sadistic in its elaborateness? Did Oddjob get an ambiguous order to just "deal with it" and took it upon himself to be "creative" without Goldfinger even knowing? Is it another example of Oddjobs fanatical devotion to his boss (that later shows him sacrificing his life for him) that he sees the betrayal of Jill as much more deserving of punishment than even Goldfinger himself does? It seems to me Goldfinger would be more likely to just shrug and move on.
This film in particular deserves respect as a platform for everything that followed. But is it really a masterpiece? Sorry, but this film simply isn't in the same league as Dr No or From Russia With Love. Watching it on a cinema screen 2 years ago brought all its flaws to the fore. The plot, locations, Bond himself... All a step back from the first 2 films
This is the film when the Bond movies jumped the shark. It's a great watch, the production is superb, but the downward trajectory starts here! The Ipcress File the next year, is a better spy movie, while the Bond movies start to just parody themselves. Diamonds Are Forever is woeful, and the Roger Moore outings are just lame comedy outings. So sad - I really enjoy the novels, which yes can be hit and miss, but Dr. No and From Russia With Love are still my faves.
Goldfinger was such a big deal that in 1972, *eight years* after the movie came out, its U.S. television debut was a big deal at the time. ABC, the U.S. TV network that aired the movie, promoted for much of the summer of 1972.
Goldfinger was a master peace the best oo7 movie ever I think Sean Connery is the best James Bond ever. Hands down he was cool suave and tough guy all in one
People hate on this film because causal fans love it and it's fun and digestible those aren't bad things It's one of the best bond films with Connery being so cool as well I think it's better than most of the films the bond fan's overrate actually like OHMSS
This was the first Bond I saw in the cinema. It features the best villains in all of Bond other than perhaps A View To A Kill, which I always thought was closely modelled on Goldfinger. The quips are hilarious and Sean Connery never better. The car, of course it is unique beyond comparison. I had at least 2 incarnations of it as the Dinky model with ejector seat, machine guns, bullet proof shield etc and the Scalelectrix electric car. I disagree with you about the title song. To me it is the best of the best. Thunderball’s bombastic attempt at bettering it leaves me laughing but Goldfinger- there is only one word- thrilling. George Martin, who produced the Beatles, produced this song and although he doesn’t get the credit due you can hear him working towards it on 2 Beatles songs that were given to Cilla Black, Love of the Loved and It’s For You.
Of course in many ways View to a Kill is an 80's version of Goldfinger [Operation Grand Slam/Main Strike] with Gold replaced by Microchips/electronics.
I do not understand how Bond talked his way out of the laser beam death. Why does Goldfinger think he is more valuable alive? Especially if he’s led to believe MI6 knows the Grand Slam plan…that part baffles me
While you can easily see a lot of gaps in the logic of the film if you stop to think about it, but every time i rewatch it i actually ignore those lips in logic because the film invites you to have fun and enjoy this piece of nonsense!!!
I've never digested Goldfinger. The plot is full of nonsense. Besides for half of the movie 007 is passive being held in captivity. I like much more Dr No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice. To me Goldfinger is one of the worst Connery's 007 second only to Diamonds Are Forever. I don't like Guy Hamilton's approach to 007. It is more suited to Roger Moore.
First of all, I do love all them James Bond Films from 1962 (Dr. No) up to 1989 (Licence To Kill). (After that those Movies bearing the "James Bond" Brand are something else.) Within those beautiful Films I find From Russia with Love a bit boring and Goldfinger even more boring. That underrated Never Say Never Again for instance is way more larger-than-life and entertaining than these aforementioned two.
@@DutchBondFan Thank you. I love to watch and hear your contributions. They are very enjoyable with niveau, expertise & much respect to this unique series.
Tilly Masterson's car is a Mustang, Felix Leiter's is Thunderbird.
Goldfinger was the movie that started my lifelong love of spy novels, movies, and, of course, gadgets. Was it the best? In retrospect, no, but it was the first, at least, for me.
P.s. Tilly Masterson was driving a Mustang, not a Thunderbird.
Mustang... correct.
Not merely "a" Mustang, but "the" Mustang-- THE FIRST YEAR they made them. On KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER, Darren McGavin drove a '64 Mustang. A decade later, Stacy Keach drove one on MIKE HAMMER! It is a car that, in its own way, is every bit as classic as the Aston Martin DB5!
Somewhere around here, I've actually got a BOOK that goes into incredible depth about the long process it took them to design that first model in 1964. Imagine, a whole book dedicated to just that ONE car design!
“We’re having pie?” Good one.
I recall hearing once Hitchcock saw the film and loved the touch of casting a little old lady at the gate. It was one of his favorite parts of the movie. 😊
love that you do these updates bc I'm fascinated with how movies seem to change as we get older - of course they don't change, we do (hopefully).
Roger Ebert described seeing one of his all-time favorite movies, Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" when he was around 20, then later around 30, and 40 and so on. And how each time the movie felt so very different in a positive way - It was revealing new layers of meaning or subtle subtext or he would just find himself sympathizing with different characters. That is very cool stuff to me.
Great retrospective review!
Notes: Connery never looked better.
Great pre-title mini film.
The big brassy bars of the music in the title give an expansive quality, imo, not really matched by any other Bond song. Too, imo, the hardness and sophistication of Shirley Bassey has also remained unmatched. John Barry + Shirley Bassey...what a combination!
The changing of the plot from the actual stealing of the gold in the book, to taking the Fort Knox gold off the market by radio activity was inspired. (..would make a great financial thriller.)
I will say that the impact of this film cannot truly be understood by recent generations, who are much harder to impress. This is why despite there being better Bond films, I doubt if any, no matter how good, will ever create the excitement of "Goldfinger".
Lastly, I would say that ranking the Bond films will have to have some period category cutoff....really cannot compare a 1960's era film to a 2020 era film...it's 60 years already. In whatever earlier category there is, I would put "Goldfinger" at #1.
Side note: In the Switzerland scene you can see the registration/inspection sticker of the Rolls Royce: AUG 64....lol, of course!
One can tell that your narration and your storytelling keeps getting better and better
Goldfinger has to be considered a masterpiece. It created the bombastic adventure bond film. IT has one of the best villains, one of the best henchmen. Created the Q - bond relationship. Peak Connery preformance.
My mother was at Edinburgh Art College in the 1950s and knew Connery as he was both an artist's model and doorman at college dances. She was very surprised when she went to see Dr No in 1962 as she had no idea that Tommy Connery (as she knew him) had become an actor and was now Sean Connery and a film star!
Um, that’s a Mustang, not a T-Bird. 😉
If you're in your 20s and watching it now I can see where you might think it's overrated. It’s impossible for a young person to watch “Goldfinger” and truly appreciate what a cinematic masterpiece it was at the time. So much that was fresh and original in the movie has been copied and done to death by all the other action movies that followed. The rapid-cuts and fast pace of action movies today all started with the early Bond movies, and “Goldfinger” set the standard for the entire genre. Despite moving at a furious pace, it manages (unlike so many other action movies) to maintain a coherent and logical plot.
There were so many new and innovative ideas in this movie. In 1964 most people had never heard of lasers or karate or skin suffocation or plastic explosives. No movie had ever featured a tricked-out car like the Aston, a finale with a setting like Fort Knox, a hero that made jokes after killing someone, a character with a name like Pussy Galore, a henchman like Oddjob, a megalomaniac like Goldfinger, or all the unique ways of killing people: electrocuting a villain in a bathtub, painting a woman gold, a lethal “throwing hat", nerve gas, sucking a villain out a depressurized plane window ... All new to cinematic audiences at the time; all passé now. It really had to be seen at the time it was released.
Unlike so many of the movies that followed, “Goldfinger” is the perfect blend of the real and the fantastic. It isn’t dark and brooding and un-fun like the Daniel Craig movies, or ridiculous semi-comedies like some of the Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan films. “Goldfinger” is finely balanced, managing to retain a realistic feel despite the implausible plot. It delivers laughs without ever descending into comedy, and despite the light mood of much of the movie, the plot seems serious, the villains are genuinely menacing, and the viewer feels Bond is in real danger. This is not an easy balance for any movie to achieve, and “Goldfinger” does so perfectly.
The classic line "No Mr Bond I expect you to die!" is probably the second most famous Bond movie quote ever, after "Bond, James Bond." I'll sometimes find myself saying it, German accent and all, it's one of the most iconic Bond moments of all time. Great film.
A Chinese friend of mine pointed out that the 'Korean' guards at Goldfinger's factory are speaking Cantonese. Presumably they are extras hired in London or Hong Kong.
I noticed that too, one of them was commenting about the vast amount of gold
To answer the question in the title, I say: MASTERPIECE. Sure, certain things about the movie may be outdated by today's standards but looking at from the perspective of the times, it works. This movie is still a classic to this day.
The people looking older thing is so true. Even Connery looks mid-40s maybe creeping up on 50! I think people smoked, worked harder, started families earlier, all that ages you. Plus today we’re very youth obsessed and people go to lengths to hide their age now more than then.
I think were a lot more aware of how to have a good fitness and diet now too [and skin care].
@@jamesatkinsonja Skin care is big. Smoking is bad for the skin and people then embraced being tan year-round.
Agreed but Col Smithers was 39! I looked in my mid to late 20s at 39 (so I was told)
I think Sean Connery looks like around 35 even if he could be 45 too, I think he has still some freshness in his face even if he has some cigarette or sun wrinkles. But that other guy 39, I'm totally mindblown, there's no way he can be younger than 60, he must have been lying about his age or something, he looks like Sean Connery's father or grandfather.
Great Video! Love the background information at the start lots of facts and jokes throughout but not overwhelming and perfect amount of opinion and consensus you’ve out done yourself can’t wait to watch part 2
I think Goldfinger is a good entry point into the James Bond World. Every box it ticks became the gold standard.
Cant wait for part 2
Saw Goldfinger and Thunderball in 65 I was 13 Was never the same
Good to see you back. I always thought Goldfinger had a rather plodding plot, but there's so much about the movie that's iconic. The theme tune, the car, the villain/henchman. And the score is arguably the finest in the entire series.
As an adult, I prefer FRWL. As a pre-teen, this movie had babes, great gadgets, good music. I had the Bond attaché case and the Corgi (I think) BD5, with working features.
I will always love this movie for the retro spy feel it gives and retro styles of clothing. The blue one piece by the pool Connery wears and great suits, the jazzy music mixed with spy music, the colors in general. I never thought of Bond being a prisoner because he could have escaped at anytime but chose to stay and learn what the plan was then stay and try the stop it. Nicely done and I also am looking forward to part two!!
Cec Linder was the only actor of the main cast who went to Miami for the filming there.
I think the problem is 007 spends a lot of the second half of the movie sitting in a little room and doesn't really save the day as stumble around.
Man I love what u doin with those recaps. it's been 8 years since the original and its awesome cuz it's giving me another perspective to look at things...
I can't wait for part 2, thanks for posting. it's been too long!
Re: Karim Bey's girl. I think the giveaway that she was in cahoots with the bad guy, is that she clearly didn't warn Bond when she could see him coming.
I was really looking forward to this, this makes me wanna watch Goldfinger again ! Great job once again 👏😎
Saw Goldfinger and Thunderball in 65 I was 13 Every list I've seen Goldfinger is at the top.or near Recently Casino Royale has been called the best and I have no problem with that
Fun Fact:
The late Stuntman Alf Joint (who
played Capungo in *"Goldfinger")* will later be a Stunt Coordinator for all 4 Christopher Reeve *"SUPERMAN"*
films (he was also a Stunt Double for Gene Hackman in *"SUPERMAN II")*
and *"SUPERGIRL"* (1984). He's also
the Stunt Gaffer (chief electrician) in *"An American Werewolf in London"*
(1981).
Plus, he was also a mentor to
future 007/Superman/Indiana Jones Stunt Double and Stunt Coordinator
Vic Armstrong.
Love the reloaded series. More depth and analysis than the originals which tended to be scene descriptive, but still the excellent humor. Great work!
Thanks a lot for the compliments and feedback! That motivates me to keep remaking more episodes!
It's a great job what you are doing with those revised reviews. Please don't stop.
1964 1/2 Mustang
I can understand why this is held up as the Bond pinnacle because it is so accessible to casual fans and even non-Bond fans. It is just a rollicking good ride for a couple of hours. From Russia has a better, tighter plot though and definitely a better true 'spy' thriller which is why it's my favourite.
32.29 "Goldfinger" is the first appearance of Chinese-British actor Burt Kwouk in a Bond film. He turns up in several others including CR67. Kwouk was the go to east Asian actor in a lot of British productions. He is well known as the Japanese camp guard in "Tenko".
Yooo it’s finally here, can’t wait for part 2 next
I'm sorry but I'm one of the few that think Goldfinger is overrated. I don't hate Goldfinger but James Bond being a prisoner for almost one hour definitely is the reason why I don't watch this film as much. There are 19 James Bond films I rather watch than Goldfinger.
You'll see me adress this in Part 2, as well as giving arguments for Bond still holding an important key role as a prisoner!
Facts, I always skip it when rewatching the franchise
When I read the novel, I was surprised that Bond was really only a prisoner for one THIRD of the book, rather than HALF. Also, and this really stood out, I'm not sure Goldfinger ever found out Bond was British Secret Service, and if he did, it was only at the very end, just before he got killed going down in that plane crash. (Oddjob got sucked out thru the plane's window.) For most of the book, he just thought Bond was some kind of "adventurer" (as if he was Simon Templar!), and once he decided not to kill him, actually offered him a part in "Operation Grand Slam", while keeping an eye on him and Tilly to make sure they wouldn't betray him.
One of the biggest changes in the movie, which, looking back on it, MAKES ZERO SENSE to me... is that Goldfinger shows off his scheme to his criminal "business partners". THEN MURDERS THEM ALL (except for Pussy and her pilots). If he was going to kill them all, why show them the plan? And what he does with "Mr. Solo" is so COMPLETELY, outragiously, INSANELY a waste of time. So much better to just have him break his neck falling down the stairs. ("Anyone else care to drop out?" -- Max Zorin) So much of the book wound up in the movie "OCTOPUSSY".
@@henrykujawa4427And think how much effort was put into the presentation of his plan!
I know where you're coming from. I'd give it a 9/10 if asked, but not one I pull out much. It's down to preference, and similarly to the novels I tend to prefer the adventurous espionage plots over the villain focused ones (think the FRWL vs Moonraker novels). Other than Geneva Bond doesn't go to any great locations. Could be me as an American but Miami and Kentucky don't grab my imagination as much as Jamaica or Italy.
Btw, Takao Saito's James Bond- great pfp.
I prefer Thunderball to Goldfinger personally 🤷♂️ very controversial I'm sure. My favourite Connery I think. 4:33 might be my all time favourite Bond moment ever though.
No way Thunderball is my fav connery too i live goldfinger aswell though
Thunderball is my favorite overall
@@Cheesegrater09 my 3rd favourite overall
Same here! I like "Thunderball" and "You Only Live Twice" much more! One big reason is that better aspect ratio 2,35:1.
Great to find others like myself. Thunderball is my favourite Connery Bond movie. Used to be very highly rated, not sure why it fell out of favour.
I really like to watch this movie in German dub, because Gert Fröbe dubbed himself. He has an Eastgerman accent by the way. Such a great actor.
I don't know if I'd call his accent East German but certainly Gert Fröbe's great voice is what the German version has over the original one.
After all the years, I never pieced it together Bond was reacting to a mirror and that's why he crashed the car. I thought they were shining lights at him and when Odd Job looked at the mirror I thought it was some kind of joke about his vanity.
Yeah its a very unclear part of the film!
I used to think it was some sort of video screen!
Can you do a video about how old the actors looked vs were then vs now? 🤩 loved it here!
I'm absolutely shocked when you said Smithers was 39, he doesn't look a day younger than 60, unbelievable, it must been the war and smoking. I think Sean Connery looks pretty young and fresh in the first movies actually (around mid 30s) even if he has cigarette or sun wrinkles.
Dutch 🇳🇱Bond Fan cares about Bond Franchise more than Bond's producers
To be very Honest they are reason why bond isn't that popular among modern audience.
no I think because they decided to slow walk the last era of Bond, 15 years to do 5 movies, only 2 of which were really any good and by the way they killed Bond in the last movie
Goldfinger is still a masterpiece as it set the bar for all future Bond films. It's a great mix of all ingredients and is filled with iconic moments. The plot always keeps me invested from beginning to end and isn't spelled out to us immediately, which is one of the main issues I have with Thunderball. I understand and respect the fans who claim that it's overrated due to Bond being a prisoner for a large portion of the film, but I was never bothered by that because, while imprisoned, Bond does try to thwart Goldfinger's plan by planting a note with information for the CIA and the tracker gadget in Mr. Solo's pocket. Once he learns that Oddjob killed Solo, Bond then succeeds in converting Pussy Galore to the good side, which ultimately saved the day. It is a shame however that Jack Lord didn't reprise his role of Felix Leiter. It would have been nice to see their bond/friendship develop during the Connery films.
Spot on! Its like you've read the script to Part 2 coming tomorrow!
This was the film that really cemented the 'Bond formula' [such as an action heavy pre-title sequence, Bond having 2 or 3 Bond girls per film, the Q-Bond relationship, silent heavy etc] which would be used fairly consistently until Die Another Day nearly 40 years later.
This series is such a fun way of reminding fans of interesting tidbits of information such as the reuse of actors, recasting of characters & dubbing of actors as well as other behind the scene notes on the production.
As for “Goldfinger” being a masterpiece I’d rather use the word iconic. It’s truly the gold standard of the Bond movies, where it establishes the series tropes, & is a piece of cinema history that was instrumental to help bring about the movie franchise. It’s impossible not to think about Bond without thinking of the DB 5, a villain like Auric Goldfinger, a deadly henchman like Oddjob, lush locations, gadgets, the PTS, the Bond Song or singer such as the First Lady of Bond Songs Dame Shirley Bassey… I could go on.
This film laid out the blueprint that few have managed to better even in other franchises.
Is the storyline the best spy thriller, or the script giving Bond his most heroic moments, or the continuity the best. Well no, but it’s a thrill ride that audiences love to go to the cinema for (especially in the 60’s). Plus it has more iconic screen moments than most of today’s output by Hollywood. It’s exciting, it’s escapism (which we need today more than ever) & it’s just a great movie. Iconic actually.
Tilly is actually driving a mustang not a thunderbird
Sorry, this came off a bit douchey, forgive me I had been drinking 😂 loving the reloaded reviews
Love these bond film recaps
Opening scene: Bond wearing a duckzedo.
We're having pie! That was great.
The old lady with the machine gun?? Don't you know by now that's Guy Hamilton's hallmark, Dutchfan? He fills his movies with weird, WTF stuff like this, such as the New Orleans Jazz funeral and a dancing Geoffrey Holder painted half white wearing only a top hat, frock coat and loin-clothe in LALD, or the green Rolls-Royce limo service in TMWTGG. As a Brit, things like the mechanized fast -service funeral parlor and the B&B circus in DAF were crazy to him. His films are almost like a human freak show, Bond's world filled with odd eccentric characters, Wint and Kidd, Knick Knack, etc.
Great to have you back
Masterpiece. Every frame, every line, every gadget, every girl, every suit, every Pussy, every soundtrack note, …As for the negative reviews? “it’s like listening to the Beatles - without earmuffs!”
Without comparison to any of the greats who portrayed James Bond ,, Sean Connery is my all time numaro uno, his personality simply fills up the screen, Ian Flemmings description of Bond and Connerys personality superbly mesh, the edge of violence that comes out in most of his scenes is what Bond is all about, I was lucky to see him at the Dubai Gold Market many moons ago, Goldfinger,Thunderball and From Russia with love are in my list of Top Ten Bond movies.
Most of the movie is great but the Kentucky scenes drag the average quality down a bit although Bond's conversation with Goldfinger over a Mint Julep is one of my favourite Connery moments. I still think it is closer to masterpiece than overrated.
So basically you could go by DB-DBF. One point. I think you identified Tilly's car as a Thunderbird. I'm pretty sure Tilly's car is a Mustang. When the entire side is getting inconspicuously shredded you can see the Mustang badge by the wheel well. When I was a child my mother had a burgundy Mustang similar to Tilly "s. Who knew that more than 55 years later I would wish I still had that car!
It is Mustang, according to iMDB.
Sean mocks the Beatles just before meeting Smithers (actually Richard Vernon), playing a man on the train in A Hard Day's Night, who"fought the war for your sort." Ringo responds,"bet you're sorry you won!"
"Goldfinger"(1964) is no doubt a very important film in the franchise. I used to adore this movie. 30 or even 20 years ago. Today, in 2023, not so much anymore. But it's good! *** Well, there are some disturbingly weak points in this film. Firstly: Bond is a prisoner of the bad guy for far too long! I prefer when Bond is always in action! Secondly: The meeting of the mobsters was a bit comical. And why call them together at all? To kill them all, just for fun? Yeah, Goldfinger was a sadistic old man then... Personally, I expect a certain dignity, even from a villain. *** For me, "Thunderball"(1965) and "You Only Live Twice"(1967) were much better films! Aspect ratio 2,35:1 is sooooooo gorgeous looking compared to 1,66:1 or 1,85:1... And in "Thunderball"(1965) Sean Connery was THE MAN AT HIS BEST!!!
The answer to 'secondly' from a screenwriting perspective is that it makes the exposition of 'Operation Grand Slam' more interesting if Goldfinger is presenting it to an audience who's querying him so it's not a dull lecture...and after that the script has no more use for the gangsters [who feel left over from the novel], so get rid of them!
Very great Video! But is there maybe a mistake? On 14:25 you mention "Ringo´s wife would become a future Bond girl" But It was exactly the other way around. (Bond: 1977 Wife: 1981) Or I am missing something?
Yes that is more exact indeed
I believe you meant the Mustang girl...not "the Thunderbird girl".
The movie set the template for the classic Bond formula, but it did establish all the ingredients of the formula at the expense of Bond's agency as a character. There are multiple moments where Bond just sits it out or gets incarcerated. I prefer Bond to be on the move or to directly affect the outcome of events.
Just discovering the mint julep, wich I love, makes this a masterpiece. Not my favourite Bond movie, but the most pivotal one.
I love Goldfinger. Easily in the top 5 movies. But it does lose me small bit in the second half, however the acting continues to drag it along. And the ending just superb with a classic ending one liner. However, not my favourite, but definitely something that deserves all the respect it has gained over the years for everything it has added to the franchise in later movies.
Now on to the important things, another fantasticly reconstructed review, Jeroen. Thank you. These always get a good chuckle out of me and also give me some insight that even 12 years since my introduction to the franchise. You are one of the true legends of the community.
That's what keeps it from being boring, the excellent acting by the leads! I never found it boring, even as a kid I was riveted to the screen for the entire thing. It is also one of the shortest films in the series and does not lose a thing (unlike the bloated Thunderball). A masterpiece not only of Bond but cinema in general.
That was a hard speech check for bond to survive the laser lol
I became a Bond fan at age 10 watching Goldfinger.
I later caught up with the earlier films and never missed a Bond opening.
The last film (No time to die) killed Bond for me.
They had him whimpering and crying just before he died!
Bond crying? Only when his wife Samantha was killed. (On her majesties secret service)
I guess it will take an awful lot for me to watch another Bond movie.
Tania Mallet my favorite Bond Girl, she looked so natural and innocent. The sadest collateral kill in the whole Bond Series imo. Of Course Tracy's death as Bond's wife is the sadest moment in Bond history for me. Gerd Fröbe best villain ever. Soundtrack great. Norman Wanstall won an Oscar for best sound editing, the first for the Bond Series. The DB 5. Goldfinger the Bond movie I've watched the most times and ranks highest on my Connery's Bond list and overall on second place. Just OHMSS sentimentally ranks better for me.
8:41 Felix was re-cast every time he appeared before David Hedison's reappearance in Licence to Kill so there never a chance to develop the character or the chemistry between Felix+ Bond. It didn't help that there was no consistency with the character, especially in age [for example Hedison was 23 years older than previous actor John Terry], in contrast to the Craig movies where Jeffery Wright was present for all of the characters 3 appearances. That attitude does explain how Blofeld was recast from Telly Savalas to Charles Grey and Grey's Blofeld has little in common with pervious portrayals.
Enjoyed it once more, great job!
Jack Lord wasn't unavailable for Goldfinger. He wanted a BIG raise and better billing. So the producers said no thanks. (Source: Richard Maibaum interview in 1983 for Starlog magazine)
🎉nice recap
In my opinion, David Hedison (who
appeared in *"Live and Let Die"*
and *"Licence To Kill")* should've
been Felix Leiter in *"Goldfinger",*
*"Thunderball",* *"Diamonds Are Forever",* and *"The Living Daylights".*
This is the movie that created the true music video opening, the action prologue, the tropes for all following Bond films such as his one liners, frightening main henchman, etc. But, most importantly, it infused the franchise with an air of extravagant eccentricity, highlighting the odd uniquities, all this that would, because of Guy Hamilton's vision, become an expected part of Bond films, though only one or two directors after Hamilton could even come close.
I'd also reassess your opinion of the song. It's easily the best in the entire series. Unapologetically in-your-face raunchy, though it sounds huge, it quickly becomes almost minimalist, with only the occasional horn in the background, the main accompaniment being a single acoustic guitar and the drummer; the tune is carried entirely by Bassey's voice. A true work of musical art, the highs and lows are soaring and dynamic, while the disonance makes it unique to almost anything today. It influenced many Bond songs to come after, such as "Thunderball" and "Surrender".
Terrence Young made Bond cool and suave, but also infused his films with an intelligent realism only matched by his protege Peter Hunt on OHMSS. Hamilton made Bond's world extravagantly weird, colorful and unpredictable, giving the series its own spectacular identity, making it less stiff than Young's old school Brit outlook. That said.........Hamilton also introduced the worst things about the series as well. Utterly brain-dead humor that would climax with Sheriff J.W. Pepper, TMWTGG's slide whistle sound effect or Kung Fu school girls, etc. Not that bad in "Goldfinger", it's still there slightly, when Leiter, asked by his partner, asks where Bond is going and responds he doesn't know but that "it's either a drink or a dame." I despise political correctness, but that line makes me cringe! Hamilton also created the so-called "James Bond formula". Up until then, each Bond film had its own subject matter, its own feel and pace, but, with Hamilton, after he was told to give Broccoli "another Goldfinger", starting with "Diamonds are Forever" he just started taking various elements of previous films and recombining them into more of the same, which they've been doing ever since, over and over and over again. So one of the men who helped make it what it is today laid within the seeds of the franchise its own deterioration.
Is Goldfinger a "masterpiece"? I don't think so, but it is definitely an immortal classic. Without its influence, I doubt the series would have survived near this long.
Another glaring flaw of Hamilton's I completely forgot to include is that his films explode so fast out of the gate that he can't possibly keep up the pace and all his films, including this one, lose their way in the middle and lose focus, only coming back as they head into their climaxes.
That 60's 007 logo is way nicer than the contemporary version.
Goldfinger cemented Bond as a cinematic icon. Is it the best one ? no not really.
Fun fact : this is the 1st movie where
Connery is wearing a Hair piece & Look carefully and you can see it. 🍸
In many ways Goldfinger is the best of all Bond films I love the Golf scene
That in the alps was NOT a Thunderbird, it was a newly released Ford Mustang
You get to see a new Thunderbird in front of the KFC and following the soon-to-be-crushed-Lincoln later in the movie.
Those were all brand new cars back then.
My honest answer is....both
It's on hell of a John Barry music score.
I grew up with spies in the 60s.... but my parents refused to take to me to any of the Bond films! "To much sex and violence", they said. So my first real Bond film was "GOLDFINGER", when ABC ran it in 1973. It remained my favorite... until I saw a theatrical reissue of "FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE" and "GOLDFINGER" around 1980. They're the only early films, to this date, I've ever seen in widescreen (yep, still putting up with tapes I got in the 80s), and "FRWL" is my favorite Connery Bond.
Guy Hamilton, I slowly realized, was very into comedy. Please watch & review "THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE" by him, with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and Laurence Olivier, who STEALS the movie!! It seemed strange until 15 minutes in, when it suddenly hit me... it was a COMEDY.
I noticed at one point the odd thing that Aston Martin's all look 20 years out of date when they're new. It feels like they look back 2 decades, and then take the BEST design elements of that period, and use them to create a FABULOUS brand-new car. Dalton's car in "THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS" reminds me of a charged-up 60s Mustang! The DB5 looks like it came from the 40s... only, "cooler".
The pre-credit sequence actually does connect with the film, but only, thematically. In it, Bond blows something up. At the climax, he has to PREVENT a bomb from blowing something up! This was reused (like so much else from this film) in "OCTOPUSSY", where we see, after many years, Bond's had far more instruction in how to turn off a NUCLEAR bomb.
My favorite Cec Linder role is in the TV version of "Quatermass And The Pit" (1958). Hey, until just now, I never noticed he was born in Poland!
Having watched most of "VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA" now on DVD, I really wish David Hedison had played Felix in every movie. He's so damned good, and would have been such a perfect fit, especially when you see him in the 1st season.
After all these decades, I can't really say I like "Pussy Galore". But my admiration for "Catherine Gale" continues to go up. I recently got the "restored" DVDs of THE AVENGERS seasons 2 & 3, and the only thing I really wish is that they'd put them out on BLU-RAYS. It's not about the quality-- it's the PAL-NTSC problem. PAL DVDs play at the wrong speed in America. (They have both the Diana Rigg & Linda Thorson seasons on Blu-Ray-- which are neither PAL or NTSC! I think most people still don't know that.)
Connery was so bitchy in Dr. No that Jack Lord was just the PERFECT foil! They haven't really nailed it since. Telly as Blofeld; YES, Mads as Le Chiffre:YES! But not one actor has created that same cool tension between Bond and Felix, as Lord did. The Hawaii Five-O star was famously "difficult", and he wasn't gonna let the Brit agent run the scene! By all accounts, Jack Lord was a nightmare to work with, but, to this day, he remains the absolute best Felix Leiter!
I always found the method of Jills murder to be out of character for Goldfinger, in the rest of the movie he is laser-focused (pun intended) on his criminal scheme and even with Pussy Galore he is all about business and nothing else. So why is this one murder so intricate and almost sadistic in its elaborateness? Did Oddjob get an ambiguous order to just "deal with it" and took it upon himself to be "creative" without Goldfinger even knowing? Is it another example of Oddjobs fanatical devotion to his boss (that later shows him sacrificing his life for him) that he sees the betrayal of Jill as much more deserving of punishment than even Goldfinger himself does? It seems to me Goldfinger would be more likely to just shrug and move on.
Goldfinger is one of my favorites
This film in particular deserves respect as a platform for everything that followed. But is it really a masterpiece?
Sorry, but this film simply isn't in the same league as Dr No or From Russia With Love. Watching it on a cinema screen 2 years ago brought all its flaws to the fore.
The plot, locations, Bond himself... All a step back from the first 2 films
👌
29:25
Could someone give a source? Also this guy looks familiar
This is the film when the Bond movies jumped the shark. It's a great watch, the production is superb, but the downward trajectory starts here! The Ipcress File the next year, is a better spy movie, while the Bond movies start to just parody themselves. Diamonds Are Forever is woeful, and the Roger Moore outings are just lame comedy outings. So sad - I really enjoy the novels, which yes can be hit and miss, but Dr. No and From Russia With Love are still my faves.
Goldfinger was such a big deal that in 1972, *eight years* after the movie came out, its U.S. television debut was a big deal at the time. ABC, the U.S. TV network that aired the movie, promoted for much of the summer of 1972.
Goldfinger was a master peace the best oo7 movie ever I think Sean Connery is the best James Bond ever. Hands down he was cool suave and tough guy all in one
Definitely Bad*ss...5
😂Never change DBF, never change.😂
Goldfinger is my personal favourite film other than Dr No
People hate on this film because causal fans love it and it's fun and digestible those aren't bad things It's one of the best bond films with Connery being so cool as well I think it's better than most of the films the bond fan's overrate actually like OHMSS
Magnificent!
Great content! Thx
Love the video
If you don't rank this Bond title song among your tmmp ten, you have NO EAR for music. Shirley Basseys Goldfinger is the number 1 iconic Bond theme.
This was the first Bond I saw in the cinema. It features the best villains in all of Bond other than perhaps A View To A Kill, which I always thought was closely modelled on Goldfinger. The quips are hilarious and Sean Connery never better. The car, of course it is unique beyond comparison. I had at least 2 incarnations of it as the Dinky model with ejector seat, machine guns, bullet proof shield etc and the Scalelectrix electric car. I disagree with you about the title song. To me it is the best of the best. Thunderball’s bombastic attempt at bettering it leaves me laughing but Goldfinger- there is only one word- thrilling. George Martin, who produced the Beatles, produced this song and although he doesn’t get the credit due you can hear him working towards it on 2 Beatles songs that were given to Cilla Black, Love of the Loved and It’s For You.
Of course in many ways View to a Kill is an 80's version of Goldfinger [Operation Grand Slam/Main Strike] with Gold replaced by Microchips/electronics.
I do not understand how Bond talked his way out of the laser beam death. Why does Goldfinger think he is more valuable alive? Especially if he’s led to believe MI6 knows the Grand Slam plan…that part baffles me
Ah I see you covered that plot hole
Jeroen,
Two things you didn’t capture correctly. Tom Jones sings two Bond theme songs and Tilly Masterson’s car is a Ford Mustang.
Enough with the Ford already. Over 10 people pointed it out. Tom jones two songs though?
Tania Mallet was one of the most beautiful ladies ever! ❤
While you can easily see a lot of gaps in the logic of the film if you stop to think about it, but every time i rewatch it i actually ignore those lips in logic because the film invites you to have fun and enjoy this piece of nonsense!!!
I've never digested Goldfinger. The plot is full of nonsense. Besides for half of the movie 007 is passive being held in captivity. I like much more Dr No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice. To me Goldfinger is one of the worst Connery's 007 second only to Diamonds Are Forever. I don't like Guy Hamilton's approach to 007. It is more suited to Roger Moore.
Totally agree!
Brilliant
First of all, I do love all them James Bond Films from 1962 (Dr. No) up to 1989 (Licence To Kill). (After that those Movies bearing the "James Bond" Brand are something else.) Within those beautiful Films I find From Russia with Love a bit boring and Goldfinger even more boring. That underrated Never Say Never Again for instance is way more larger-than-life and entertaining than these aforementioned two.
Certainly a unique opinion I've never heard before! (And I'm not hating! More power to you!)
@@DutchBondFan Thank you. I love to watch and hear your contributions. They are very enjoyable with niveau, expertise & much respect to this unique series.
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