Review of Goldfinger (1964) by Russell G — 29 Nov 2015

Perhaps this is the most stylish and charming of the Bond movies. This movie hit all the notes at the right time in history. It solidifies the successful formula and acts as the foundation that carries the series through the next fifty years.

The Golfinger character is an iconic greedy villain with a bold plan to spike the cost of gold by blowing up Fort Knox. His henchman, Odd Job, has super strength and provides the needed physical opposition to complement such a thinking villain.

Brining Bond to the United States for this adventure was a brilliant marketing move that greatly expanded the fan base of the franchise. Under Guy Hamilton's direction, this movie is a spectacle. It is more expensive and flexes a bigger in concept than the previous two movies.

With stimulating global locations and sleek sexy interior set designs, this movie looks fantastic. There is incredible creativity with an abundance of forward-thinking gadgetry in this movie. Q's gadgets are one of the most important aspects differentiating Bond from other action movies.

Some of the technology may seem dated, but if you remind yourself that it is set in 1964, you will appreciate the innovation that captivated audiences at the time. Sean Connery is in his peak here. He is funny, smart, charming, and convincingly tough with the action and fighting.

Connery's physical movements, fashion, facial expressions, and attitude become a part of the character. It even influenced the way Ian Flemming's novels. All subsequent actors to play the role will face the comparison to Connery's performance in this movie.

Female supporting roles played by Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton, and Tania Mallet are memorable as well. This is the quintessential Bond movie; it is one of the most successful and probably the best all-around of the series.

It captures its time beautifully and shaped action movies in general for years to come.