Notes regarding the pre-title are my longest by far from first project viewing of Goldfinger yesterday afternoon. To me they’re both a key structural element in defining “the James Bond movie,” and an aspect that cannot be duplicated by following rote formula or mechanics. It’s not uncommon for a motion picture to begin in medias… Continue reading First assessment of Goldfinger pre-title sequence, in terms of other James Bond movies that followed
Viewings for project: Goldfinger [001]
Rough notes, taken during first project viewing Gunbarrel Pre-title: Establishing context, “clever” w/ bird on water gear. Quickly dispatches guard, then on to mission, confidently; clever access to enclosure. Sets explosives. White evening jacket under wetsuit: Adds red carnation. Casually checks watch with flame from cigarette lighter in nightclub; dancer. Makes contact. Ref Illegal drug… Continue reading Viewings for project: Goldfinger [001]
Why we don’t simply “go back to the original Fleming”
My bone fides regarding the late Ian Fleming and his indispensable role as creator of the fictional Agent Double-0 Seven character speak for themselves. In fact, I welcome having them scrutinized against anyone in a similar position who has or may at any point in the future step up to opine on the James Bond… Continue reading Why we don’t simply “go back to the original Fleming”
cue The Aston Martin DB5
Half the James Bond actors in official canon have driven some variation of the iconic Aston Martin DB5. Count Roger Moore “James Bond” in The Cannonball Run, and I’ll allow that the needle moves firmly to “majority” side. Either way, it was always gonna get its own Tag on this site. However, nicely, the 007 car… Continue reading cue The Aston Martin DB5
Factors such as marketing, history, and societal context viz “timelessness”
Although the many books I own on the matter of James Bond motion pictures have only become more scattered hither and yon as acquisitions mount, a 1983 edition of The James Bond Films: A Behind-the-Scenes History (including Octopussy & Never Say Never Again) continues to hold favored place in the glass-doored bookshelf, some ten feet… Continue reading Factors such as marketing, history, and societal context viz “timelessness”
Work needed on “guidelines” for practical application of Goldfinger Standard
While I think development and application of “rules” for assessing James Bond movies against a structured “Goldfinger Standard” here, I also have my eyes on practical need to establish general boundaries. This harkens to an experience I had when visiting the “Bond, James Bond” special exhibition gallery at The Henry Ford in 2003. Billed as… Continue reading Work needed on “guidelines” for practical application of Goldfinger Standard
One of my biggest fears in launching The Goldfinger Project
My attachment to the James Bond character took root in the early 1970s. That by way of original stories written by Ian Fleming — back when the best of what was worth reading meant ink on paper. If the first of among this had been his 1959 novel Goldfinger, this would be the place to… Continue reading One of my biggest fears in launching The Goldfinger Project
Blog entries set to accept Comments
Master settings changed to allow 120 days for public to draft Comments, submit them on Blog entries; clock starts on date of each Post. All contributors required to disclose a bit of information before submitting content — which itself will be subject to moderator approval. Tested last night by non-administrator entry on December 1, 2021… Continue reading Blog entries set to accept Comments
“Goldfinger” movie review by Roger Ebert
Posted to RogerEbert.com on January 31, 1999— Goldfinger [four stars] “James Bond is the most durable of this century’s movie heroes, and the one most likely to last well into the next …. Of all the Bonds, ‘Goldfinger’ (1964) is the best, and can stand as a surrogate for the others …. [It] contains all… Continue reading “Goldfinger” movie review by Roger Ebert
Why a “Goldfinger Standard”?
When asked which James Bond movie is best, the most frequently heard — and especially from among those inside productions, “official” — answer given is “Goldfinger.” This motion picture is also cited in books, by researchers, historians, commentators. Post to Follow-Up Page: Daniel Craig, recent Pierce Brosnan Roger Moore viz portrayal of Agent 007 in… Continue reading Why a “Goldfinger Standard”?