Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation deploying smoke screen. Photo © Copyright Aston Martin. Used by permission.

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the premiere of the classic James Bond film Goldfinger. The film not only captivated audiences at the time and continues to do so, but also set the gold standard for all future James Bond films. Directed by Guy Hamilton and starring Sean Connery as the iconic 007, Goldfinger introduced several key elements that have become synonymous with the James Bond franchise.

Making of Goldfinger

The novel Goldfinger was inspired by a chance encounter Ian Fleming had with a gold broker at a health spa. The film’s plot, however, differs from the novel in key ways. For example, in the novel, Goldfinger plans to steal all the gold from Fort Knox, while in the film, he plans to irradiate it with a dirty bomb.

Goldfinger was the first Bond film to switch directors. Terence Young, who directed the first two films, was replaced by Guy Hamilton. The producers initially wanted Orson Welles to play Auric Goldfinger, but he was too expensive. They eventually cast Gert Fröbe, who demanded more money during the shoot.

The script originally called for Bond to drive a Bentley, but the producers chose the Aston Martin DB5, which became an iconic part of the Bond franchise. The famous laser scene was originally going to feature a buzzsaw, but the filmmakers opted for a laser to avoid clichés.

Shirley Bassey recorded the iconic theme song while watching the opening credits. She had to sustain the final high note until she almost passed out. The scene where Jill Masterson is covered in gold paint required careful application to ensure the actress’s safety. The paint was applied with a brush and took around 90 minutes to complete.

Sean Connery as James Bond 007 and Tania Mallet as Tilly Masterson in “Goldfinger” while filming at Furka Pass and Andermatt in the Swiss Alps, Credit: ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv / Fotograf: Comet Photo AG (Zürich) / Com_C13-035-007 / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Classic Bond Formula

Goldfinger was the first Bond film to feature a pre-credits scene, a tradition that has continued in every Bond film since. This opening sequence, which often includes a thrilling action scene or a clever gadget, sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

The film’s title song became an instant classic and set the precedent for future Bond theme songs. The powerful and memorable music has become a hallmark of the series.

Goldfinger introduced audiences to the Aston Martin DB5, equipped with an array of gadgets including machine guns, an ejector seat, and an oil slick dispenser. This car became an iconic symbol of the Bond series and established the tradition of featuring high-tech gadgets.

Auric Goldfinger, played by Gert Frobe, and his henchman Oddjob, portrayed by Harold Sakata, set the standard for Bond villains. Their larger-than-life personalities and unique characteristics have influenced the portrayal of villains in subsequent films.

Honor Blackman’s portrayal of Pussy Galore introduced the concept of the “Bond Girl” who is both a romantic interest and a formidable ally or adversary. This character archetype has become a staple of the series.

US Bullion Depository, Fort Knox, Kentucky. Taken in 1968, four years after the movie “Goldfinger”. US Army photo.

Lasting Impact

Goldfinger set new standards for the Bond series and the spy genre as a whole. Its blend of action, humor, and memorable characters has made it a timeless classic. Goldfinger not only solidified the James Bond formula but also left a lasting impact on popular culture. Its blend of action, humor, and memorable characters has made it a timeless classic. The film’s success paved the way for future Bond films to build upon its foundation, ensuring that the legacy of 007 would endure for decades to come. Its influence can still be seen in modern Bond films, making it a pivotal entry in the franchise’s history.

Resource

The Official James Bond 007 Website
007.com

The Official Website for Ian Fleming
IanFleming.com

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

By Eugene Nielsen

Eugene Nielsen provides Protective Intelligence, Red Teaming, Consulting and Training Services. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California. His byline has appeared in numerous national and international journals and magazines.

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