Plot Flaw in Goldfinger Weakens Esteemed James Bond Film
The 1964 James Bond film *Goldfinger* is often regarded as one of the finest entries in the franchise. Directed by Guy Hamilton, this installment marked Sean Connery’s third portrayal of the iconic spy. Despite its acclaim, the movie features a significant plot flaw that has not diminished its status.
Overview of *Goldfinger*
*Goldfinger* was released on September 20, 1964, and has a runtime of 110 minutes. The film showcases the villainous Auric Goldfinger, played by Gert Fröbe, and his scheme to manipulate the gold market.
Box Office Success
- Budget: $3 million
- Box Office Earnings: Over $100 million
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99% (highest-rated Bond film)
- Fan Score: 89%
Goldfinger’s Flawed Plan
Goldfinger’s plot centers around a plan to irradiate the gold at Fort Knox, thereby increasing the value of his own gold reserves. Rather than stealing precious metals, his intention was to release a nerve agent called Delta-9 from high altitudes, which he thought would incapacitate the forces guarding Fort Knox.
Contradictions in Execution
While the idea of using nerve gas seems plausible, the method employed by Goldfinger lacks scientific validity. The gas, dispersed from a significant height, would not reach the ground in an effective manner to achieve his goals. Additionally, Bond’s influence leads Pussy Galore, played by Honor Blackman, to swap the Delta-9 with a harmless gas, unveiling further inconsistencies in Goldfinger’s strategy.
Implications of the Plan
Although Goldfinger’s plan hinges on a series of elaborate steps, there are critical flaws that characters, including Goldfinger himself, overlook. Had Pussy not betrayed him, the narrative suggests that a catastrophic outcome could have transpired at Fort Knox.
*Goldfinger* remains a seminal piece in the Bond legacy, blending adventure with intrigue. Nonetheless, the film’s logical inconsistencies prompt discussions among fans and critics alike regarding its overall narrative cohesion.
