Review of Goldfinger (1964) by Randomwhiterun G — 13 Mar 2018

Still the quintessential Bond flick all these decades later, and it's not hard to see why. The gorgeous souped-up cars, the classy ladies, the superbaddies, the gadgets, the villain traps, the one-liners; it's the one that laid the groundwork for those that came after.

It still holds up now, at least most of the time. The writing and the attitude towards women is questionable at best and reprehensible at worst. Imagine if in a film nowadays a man forced himself onto a woman and romantic music started playing.

There would be justifiable outrage, and it really marks the film out as a product of its time. The effects are also pretty laughable, as is the decision to artificially enhance the speed of cars chases by filming it in fast motion.

Also, and I'm not sure whether this was intentional, but Bond is more of an observer in this film than a participant. Most of his time is spent as Goldfinger's prisoner, powerless to stop him.

He could be easily disposed of course, but Bond Villain has to Bond Villain. Aside from the odd dodgy patch here and there's its still a great film, an enjoyable experience, and a testament to Bond's continuing popularity.