Goldfinger Attempted Assassination Question

The Gachet · February 2008

Hi,

When Tilly Masterson tries to kill Goldfinger in Switzerland with the one rifle shot but almost kills JB by mistake, why does Odd Job then smirk before getting back in the car since he wouldn't of known what was going on would he and wouldn't there be more panic if you had just heard a shot or possibly been shot at !?

It's almost like he and Goldfinger knew it was going to happen and knew that she would miss almost hitting Bond !?

Cheers,

The G.

Tilly Masterson 007 · February 2008

Good question!

I always wondered about that scene too.

Maybe Oddjob smirked because she missed?

Napoleon Plural · February 2008

I think when we watch it we're meant to suppose that the sniper has been set up by Goldfinger and Oddjob to get Bond, like it's a warning shot. (We don't know who Tilly is at that point.) So he could be smirking at Bond's discomfort, or just to be inscrutable.

Hardyboy · February 2008

It's a good question. Oddjob's reaction could be because Goldfinger has been a target before--he is, after all, filthy rich and has a long, long enemies list. The smirk could be saying, "Another failed attempt." Just my guess, anyway.

highhopes · February 2008

My take on that scene is that Goldfinger and Oddjob were not aware of the assassination attempt, but they were aware that Bond was following them. There was a silencer on the rifle, if I recall correctly. I thought Bond only became aware of it because he saw the dust kicked up by the bullet when it struck the ground at his feet.

I the "smirk," if it had any special meaning at all, was that they were aware Bond was following them.

Hardyboy · February 2008

'Fraid there was no silencer, HH--the shot is loud and there's even an echo.

sinlum · August 2025

Interesting points above. I always assumed Oddjob was smirking at the fact that he simply heard a gunshot. In the Alps it is legal to hunt using guns so maybe he assumed that a huntsman had hit his target.

emtiem · August 2025

Must admit I’d never quite understood that reaction. I guess it’s a choice to show that the villains are one step ahead, even if it makes no sense if you think about it.

I remember highhopes.

Goldfinger Attempted Assassination Question

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