Ah, Goldfinger. Now we're clearly in familiar James Bond territory. Quirky gadgets, iconic villains, great one-liners, exciting action, everything is in this movie that has made Bond movies classics for years.
With an even bigger budget than the other two combined, this film also combines the stuff that worked in the other films: an iconic villain and high stakes from the first and the complex turns and moment-to-moment tension of the second. It's easy to see why this movie would establish the blueprint for many of the Bond films to come!
For starters, the action is much better. While it's still a bit campy when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, it's definitely shot and staged better. From the struggle in the hotel room in the cold open, to wrestling with Ms. Galore, to the memorable battle with the unforgettable Mr. OddJob and his hat. We finally see Bond evolve into the action hero he needs to be.
Of course, much of that is undercut by the fact that Bond is held prisoner for most of the movie, and some have criticized that he really doesn't do much to resolve the plot of the movie, but I would disagree with that. Part of the reason Goldfinger keeps him alive is because Bond has gotten inside his head, giving Bond more time and opportunity to beat him. Sure, not all of his ideas work, but that's part of the struggle. He's doing everything he can to foil the villain's plot, and not being able to succeed only raises the tension higher! A truly superb spy would be able to find advantages simply using words as he banters with his opponents.
And speaking of opponents, we have Goldfinger, though I'm certain you know everything there is to know about this guy. With his tunnel-vision and mad schemeing, he is clearly an unforgettable villain who is someone able to upstage even Connery at times, despite most of Goldfinger's lines being overdubbed by someone else! Obviously one of the best Bond Villains, if only because he established the template for the crazies yet to come!
As for Connery, he's clearly enjoying the role and making the most of it. He looks good if he's sneaking around or being social or simply playing golf; his classy swagger fills up the screen like any larger-than-life hero should. There is no reason to wonder why so many people consider him the iconic actor for the character, and this movie tells us that in spades.
So now that the series has its first major blockbuster, making for a successful template to follow, we can only expect great things to come, right? Right?
Bond films by rank:
- Goldfinger
- Dr. No
- From Russia With Love
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