Goldfinger (1964)

 

Is there a more quintessential Bondfilm than 'Goldfinger'? Well, it's tough to say so, but without a doubt, this is one of those entries into the series that has stood the test of time and is often fondly remembered, for good reason. It did pretty much set the tone for everything.

Bond is brought back from a vacation because strange things are afoot in the world of gold. Person of interest is Auric Goldfinger, a magnate who not only has a love for gold, but who is also one of the few  people around with a pretty extensive hoard of his own. Yet, no one knows how or when he transports and deals with it. So Bond has to find out and if there are nefarious deeds happening, then he should stop them. 

But it seems Bond has found an adversary worthy of him as he is soon captured by Goldfinger and his henchman Oddjob and this time, Bond doesn't get away all too easily. In fact, he doesn't get away at all. So yes, this is perhaps the first time the villain is on Bond's level. But James does make Goldfinger's pilot (Pussy Galore) his ally, so there is hope for our intrepid spy.

I honestly can't be the only one who, even as a child, thought the name 'Pussy Galore' was rather silly, right? And even if the most dubious name for a female lead in this franchise goes to Holly Goodhead, Pussy Galore still sounds even more nudge-nudge-wink-wink. If the nudge was a right hook and the wink was a massive neon sign on display about 2 inches from one's eyes. 

But why does this one work so well? It is a fun adventure, that is why. Connery is on point with his portrayal and delivery: this is where he made the part all his own at last. You also get the first gadgets and banter with Q, so there's a nice addition to the legacy. This film introduces the Aston Martin DB5, probably the most iconic Bond-car ever. There's a reason they brought it back for 'Skyfall'. You also get a feisty Bondgirl in Pussy Galore.

I'm sorry, I can't even type that name without sniggering.

But what truly makes this one enjoyable, are our two villains: Goldfinger and Oddjob. Gert Fröbe plays Goldfinger as a jolly uncle, yet who has that tinge of menace about him. He has layers (no, not like an onion hashtag reference) and is quite the credible threat. His plan to contaminate the US gold supply with radiation and thus ensuring his gold stocks will skyrocket actually makes sense. And then you have Oddjob, Goldfinger's mute muscle. It speaks volumes that Harold Sakata looks the part, because Oddjob is most likely the best known evil henchman of the series together with Jaws. Is it the steel-rimmed bowlerhat? Is it Sakata's menacing on screen presence? Who truly knows? Fact is, they are a joy to watch. 

Oh, and you get one of the most iconic title songs ever, sung by the human tornado Shirley Bassey. The lady has some set of pipes, I can assure you. 

So all in all: this is absolutely a must-watch in the Bond franchise. Sit down and enjoy!