It was hard to predict the fate of the James Bond franchise if Guy Hamilton didn't direct "Goldfinger". It was released on September 18, 1964, which was more than a month after Ian Fleming's death. It was possible that Fleming, the created of Agent 007, saw the initial print. And he would approve of it.
"Goldfinger", the seventh novel in the James Bond series, had all the elements of a gripping spy story. A villain who was obsessed with gold, such that he preferred yellow-bound erotic photographs. And he had a strong Korean manservant who would do his dirty job. The film version featured a lifeless image of Jill Masterson, completely covered in gold. It was an enduring scene, which made the movie a huge box-office hit. The English filmmaker, who was born in Paris, also thought of Shirley Bassey for the theme song. The celluloid version of "Goldfinger" retained the brutal edge (of Fleming's works), while making light of the happenings. And 007 must be a man of style.
“Don't take a train when you can take a plane, and if you're going to take a plane, take the newest one around,†Hamilton said. “And if you give Bond a car, don't show what's been seen - show what's not out yet.â€
Hamilton would direct three more Bond films, namely "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), "Live and Let Die" (1973), and "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). He saw the transition of the franchise, as Bond became a romantic lead. Hamilton wasn't in favor. Roger Moore, who replaced Sean Connery as 007, didn't share his view.
“I suggested my Bond would have charmed the information out of her by bedding her first. My Bond was a lover and a giggler, but I went along with Guy,†said Moore.
Hamilton could be called a genre filmmaker, but he would object to it. After all, he was assistant director on three of Carol Reed films. He was definitely proud of "The Third Man", which was voted the Best British film of the 20th century.
And how Carol Reeds played a part in Guy Hamilton's career
Reeds helped get Hamilton his first directorial job, on the mystery film “The Ringers†(1952). It was far from the post-World War II years, where viewers saw British Cinema reach a new high of creativity. American studios financially supported British films, as producers wanted to capitalize on swinging London. The young-oriented phenomenon would emphasize on the new and modern, and in this regard, Harry Palmer would come to mind.
Harry Palmer would be the anti-Bond, a working class who knew how to cook. This was the opening scene of "The IPCRESS File", which would warn moviegoers that they won't see stylish cars and beautiful women. The production team behind "The IPCRESS File" would be the same one behind Bond, but local viewers could relate to the life in East End. Hamilton, who was behind the sequel, "Funeral in Berlin", didn't forget the limited budget and endless paperwork.
Hamilton also directed a comedy ("The Best of Enemies"), a big-budget war film ("The Battle of Britain"), and an adaptation of an Agatha Christie's mystery novel ("Evil Under the Sun"). He was a versatile filmmaker. He could be special (like David Lean). James Bond would cast a long shadow.
(Guy Hamilton died on April 20. He was 93.)
