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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The iconic Bond movie, 4 Aug 2007
As is oft quoted, this movie is where all the ingredients came together. Whether this is your favourite Bond movie or not, probably depends mostly on how you appreciated the change in tone that happened with this movie. Guy Hamilton took over directing duties, and recognised the whole tongue in cheek potential of the franchise, as exemplified by the opening sequence, and ran with that. This opening sequence has Bond swim up `disguised' with a duck on his head, and run around setting charges in an extravagant Ken Adams designed set, before suavely peeling back the dry suit to reveal an immaculate white suit, flourishing a carnation for his lapel from who-knows-where, and sauntering in to seduce a lady in a bar. This mini-story within a story exemplifies all that was to come in the movie and movies to follow. Suave, funny, action packed, and of course just a little bit over the top.
Much is said of the fact that gadgets came to the fore - the Aston Martin is introduced in spectacular form, and the women are both beautiful and played by talented actresses. Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore was the first leading Bond lady who actually had previous acting experience (and at 36, the oldest actress to play a Bond lady). John Barry has also crafted a fully realised score for the movie far superior to his earlier work on Bond movies. However, two things above all make Goldfinger a success. Firstly, Sean Connery is by now completely at home with the character. His comfort in the role without yet being tired of it adds immeasurably to the charm of the movie. Secondly, the true measure of a Bond movie is in how good the villain is - and Gert Frobe makes a fantastic megalomaniac. You only have to check out the two screen tests for other actors to realise just how different the movie would have been without his exuberant style. The character, as well as key movie plotlines, rely on his bombastic enthusiasm for boasting, and Frobe makes this a believable trait.
Whether you like the comedic elements or not, the fact is that Guy Hamilton clearly got the balance right to appeal to the widest possible audience. Goldfinger was not just a hit - it was a phenomenon. This is amply demonstrated in the extras, which include all of the Special Edition extras plus various period interviews and feauturettes, including an open-ended interview with Honor Blackman, on set chat with Connery, the aforementioned screen tests and a 10 minute BBC feature on the Aston Martin touring to promote the film. Despite these additions, the best of all is still the entertaining and thorough half hour documentary and movie commentary from the Special Edition.
In reality, as a film Goldfinger does not deserve 5 stars. But this is not reality - this is entertainment. And as the most defining iconic movie of a 20th Century hero, this movie has more than enough entertainment value to override the quibbles and make this a 5 star success.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb DVD and an Excellent film, 11 Jun 2001
By A Customer
The DVD is extraordinarily good, with two informative commentaries. The two documentaries cover similar ground, but one incorporates a fascinating glimspe at a screen test for the title role. The picture quality is excellent for such an old film, and the sound is crisp. The film has all the ingredients of Gadgets, girls and Vodkatini's. 'Goldfinger' is often sited as the best Bond, however while the film introduces all the dominant themes of the series, it lacks the humour and sense of fun in all the Seventies Bonds. People should except that Moore and Connery are brilliant Bonds, but in different ways.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I must be dreaming..., 11 Oct 2003
This is a must for any self-respecting Bond fan - the ultimate in the series! Pussy Galore has to be the best Bond-girl, Gert Frobe is the best villain and Connery, of course, is the best Bond - no contest there! Be blown away by the power of Shirley Bassey's voice, by the fantastic plot, the wonderful script, great casting and most definitely by 007's sexy smile (especially in that infamous aeroplane scene with Pussy Galore).
This is the Bond film with the best 007 to villain repartee -
Bond: "Do you expect me to talk?"
Goldfinger: "No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!" Buy it now and you won't ever have to wait for it to come on TV ever again! As soon as you get it delivered, put it in the DVD player, sit back and be sure that you won't be disappointed!
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