GOLDFINGER (1964) // James Bond Review and Whisky Pairing
"Goldfinger" Plot
Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) tries to corner the market on gold with the help of Spectre.
Whiskey Lore Review
You could put this movie at #1 and I wouldn't argue with you. Honestly, it has just about everything - the best cast in the series, a great story line, amazing locations, excellent action, an awesome car, the best of Q, a great villain, iconic scenes, and Bond at least decides to upgrade to a Rolex.
And then, there is the music. Shirley Bassey, I mean, come on! What a voice and the most iconic theme of the series. Barry's soundtrack is top notch and actually brought us a melody that was used in one of the coolest, swankiest, swinging tunes of the 90s...6 Underground by the Sneaker Pimps. Love that song too!
Pussy Galore is one of the most iconic Bond girls and she holds her own. But this was definitely the era of male chauvinism. Slapping a girl on the ass and excusing her with the words, "man talk" - it makes you realize, we've made some progress in the world of respect.
Somehow Director Guy Hamilton didn't screw this one up.
Best of the movie: There are so many great things about this movie. The supporting cast is definitely one of them, from the Mastersons to a top 3 henchman Oddjob, I even like this Felix Leiter. There are also so many cool scenes, the woman in gold paint, Bond talking himself out of dying by laser. Pussy Galore, I must be dreaming and in the hay and how he smiles at the guard and then overwhelms him.
Memorable moment: For me, the most memorable moment is when Tilly Masterson takes a shot at Goldfinger and almost hits Bond. The scenery on the drive through Furka Pass in Switzerland is stunning.
Where it goes wrong: The only thing that annoys the crap out of me in this movie is the timer at the end. It takes 20 minutes to knock 3 minutes off that bomb's timer - and it looks like it is running fast. Why not be more realistic? Funny bit of trivia. Bond says "3 more clicks and Goldfinger would have hit the jackpot." But the clock stopped at 007. The editor decided it would be more fun to stop it at 007 and they decided not to overdub Connery's voice. I'm also not a fan of the excessive overdubbing on Goldfinger, but apparently his accent was too thick and they had to bring in another voice.
Extra: This movie was very good at following the book. In the books Bond drove a Bentley. Only recently did I catch that Q mentions Bond's old Bentley while introducing the Aston Martin DB5. Like with his Beretta, Bond isn't quite ready to part with his trusted old vehicle.
Paired Whisky: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Straight Kentucky Bourbon
Since a lot of the movie takes place in Kentucky, I had to feature a bourbon - and why not a brand that has a history with Kentucky's other prized resource horse racing...thus, I give you Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Heck you might even mix up a mint julip and enjoy it along with Pussy Galore, Auric Goldfinger, and Bond. "Inspired"
Whiskey Lore Rank: #3 (Score 8.12) > Next Movie
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"I hear the bourbon and branch water are really good here" says Bond. Yes, of course. And in case you're confused, branch water is tap water and I tend to drink a lot from the faucet in Kentucky - so he his correct.