Maybe you’ve never heard of it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see it. Or maybe you’re just tired of the new. Whatever your reason, the classics are always worth a nod. Every Friday in Stay Classy, we look some of the films that started it all and how they hold up today. So sit back while we reel through the past.
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Does anyone really do it classier than Bond? In black tuxes with slicked back hair and timed precision in everything he does, from planting bombs, framing bad guys and opening fire to save the day. Not to mention, he also gets the gal and a shiny, souped-up Aston Martin. That's just Bond for you.
Sean Connery is the original Bond and to many, Goldfinger will forever be untopped. In this film, our hero is on the tail of Auric Goldfinger, trying to figure out and bust his gold smuggling operation. Along the way, he sets off explosives, high-speed chases and love affairs. I mean, come on, he's Bond, James Bond. Supposedly, Goldfinger outsmarts everyone but of course, that's until he's got the smoother spy on his case.
It's a very slow-paced film, definitely one for fans to savour but it can quickly turn off non-Bond aficionados. Dialogue builds slowly and scenes progress in small steps, all in great build up to action that hits hard.
Connery himself is also a compliment to the tone in his calm coolness. He carries a silent you-can't-touch-me attitude, and who wouldn't when it's true. He carries the ideal characteristics of a spy: quick-thinking, collected and always ready. Of course, that is also because he set the precedent for a lot of spy films that followed. He's also got the perfect spy expression, like he always has a secret, and he almost always does.
Another thing Bond films are often noted for are the theme songs and "Goldfinger" sung by Shirley Bassey is a great fit to the intro in her rich, swelling voice over scenes form the film projected onto a woman's body painted in gold, as the sound of violins and brass slither through the hair. It almost feels like contemporary art. It's such a beautiful lead into the film.
Although it was the third film in the series, the film was also a great set-up to the others that would follow, but because it was so successful, some fans say newer additions can never compare. For younger generations, a more relevant comparison would be Goldmember, the Austin Powers series spoof of the film, sort of. Totally different but iconic just the same.
However, if you like Goldmember, there's a good chance that Goldfinger won't be to your taste. Goldfinger is a film that requires patience and an afternoon dedicated solely to relaxing. You won't feel like doing much after this film unwinds your brain into slow-mo world. But if you're looking for something chill and laid-back, this is where it's at.
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