MovieChat Forums > Goldfinger (1965) Discussion > Can anybody explain what convinced Goldf...

Can anybody explain what convinced Goldfinger to turn off the laser beam during the famous "I expect you to die" scene?

posted 2 years ago by MiamiFootball001 (82)
5 replies | jump to latest

So Bond tells Goldfinger that if he does not report in, 008 will replace him. Goldfinger is not worried by this notion. Bond adds that 008 knows what he knows, and mentions "Operation Grand Slam" and how Goldfinger should not take that chance. I never understood why Goldfinger was convinced enough by this to spare Bond? I mean, logistically speaking, it would make more sense for Goldfinger to get rid of Bond and have his security personnel in his organization crack down and tighten things up to prevent any future spies/double 0's from infiltrating his company.

Why was Goldfinger convinced to spare 007 at that point in time? It really seems out of character for a guy like Goldfinger who was as successful as he was

[–] javie (2216) 2 years ago

Why would you do that?

[–] millsey72 (10363) 2 years ago

That question is asked in every Bond movie

[–] MCguy (1168) 2 years ago

The plot required it is the reason. Keeping Bond alive AND dragging him to Kentucky makes no sense. The novel may have explained why, but it has been years since I read it.

My particular belief is that Goldfinger was gay and had a crush on Bond. In the movie, Jill Masterson says she is paid to be to be seen (and seen only) with Goldfinger. That makes her sound suspiciously like a beard. He shows no attraction to women. Pussy is a lesbian in the book and the movie, though that angle is played close to the vest in the movie.

In the novel, Goldfinger is portrayed as straight, but that angle is removed from the movie and he does wear a flamboyant jacket.

[–] Egosomnia (863) 10 months ago

It's in the dialogue. In answer to Goldfinger's dismissal of all Bond's cautions, Bond asks, "Can you afford to take that chance?"

To a money-obsessed character like Gold finger, the word "afford" struck a note.

[–] Jwhale9382 (23) 10 months ago

Okay, if my understanding of this scene is correct…

Bond is strapped to a metal table with a sci-fi laser inching towards his, um, tenders. (Get me my brown pants!) Realizing this isn’t an interrogation (No, Mr. Bond, I expect u to die!) and not having a gadget for the situation (Bond always has a gadget for the situation!), Bond decides that his only way out is to bluff.

Bond tells Goldfinger that if he dies, 008 takes over, and he knows what Bond knows, including Operation Grandslam, and he’s not strapped to a laser table. All lies, of course, Bond doesn’t know anything about Goldfinger’s plans. All Bond is trying to do is convince Goldfinger that he wants him alive. I think Goldfinger ultimately decides to let him live out of a combination of ‘maybe he’s right and I don’t want to deal with whoever comes next’ and ‘eh, Bond is just begging for his life. I guess I’ll let him live a little longer.’ Although, I love the bit where Goldfinger stops to talk this over with his associates, while Bond is still panicking about the death laser.

Hope that clears things up.