call for papers: GOLDFINGER!
JAMES BOND AS POPULAR ICON: GOLDFINGER AT 60 (AND 55)
Call For Papers for SAMLA ’91 — Goldfinger—the seventh James Bond novel by Ian Fleming published in 1959—has achieved an iconic status in the series. The novel brings together many of Fleming’s chief strengths as a writer—such as his vivid creation of larger-than-life-villains, suspenseful description of competitive games, and evocation of the power of precious metals and stones. The novel also introduces key “gadgets” such as the Aston Martin DBIII, and explores key Fleming themes such as organized crime, homosexuality, and American culture. Equally, if one film can claim to have established the identity of Bond as a global cinematic icon, that film is Goldfinger. Guy Hamilton’s 1964 adaptation set the formula of the Bond movie for decades, complete with thrilling pre-title sequence, dazzling opening credits and powerful theme song (sung here by Shirley Bassey), deadly henchman (Oddjob) and the gadget-laden car (the Aston Martin DBV). This panel will use the 60th and 55th anniversaries of novel and film in 2019 as an opportunity to examine the enduring power of various elements of the Bond “formula” created by Fleming and the filmmakers, and to reevaluate the continuing popularity of Bond in popular culture. Paper proposals are invited on any aspect of Fleming’s novel, Hamilton’s film, and the relationship between the novel and its adaptation. Given the conference theme of “Languages: Power, Identity, Relationships,” papers that explore the language of Fleming, and/or issues of power, identity, and relationships in Goldfinger are especially welcome. Please send 250-word proposals, brief bios, and A/V requirements to Oliver Buckton (obuckton@fau.edu) and Matt Sherman (baconbond@gmail.com) by May 15th, 2019.
BondFanEvents has a coupon we can share with buyers of The Many Facets of Diamonds Are Forever–the book that arose from a set of prior SAMLA discussions–a 30% discount when purchased direct from Lexington books (in either an electronic or hardcover edition)!
Send us a PM, and note the new book cover as shown here and on site: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498567589/The-Many-Facets-of-Diamonds-Are-Forever-James-Bond-on-Page-and-Screen#
What joy! A collection on my favorite Bond book, the one with most wit. This sparkling collection offers interesting perspectives both on the film and on the more lackluster but still worthwhile novel of that title. Both novel and film focus on America during its age of unrivaled power.
— Jeremy Black, University of Exeter, author of The World of James Bond: The Lives and Times of 007
The Many Facets of Diamonds Are Forever offers an abundance of riches for both Fleming scholars and fans. In particular, Guy Hamilton’s 1971 adaptation of Fleming’s novel receives considerable attention and, in the phrasing of one of the volume’s fine contributors, proves to be a ‘key transitional film for the Bond series.’ Readers and viewers alike will find much of value in this anthology.
— Stephen Watt, Indiana University
(Interview with the author, available at https://jamesbondradio.com/inside-oliver-bucktons-new-book-the-many-facets-of-diamonds-are-forever/)