Was John Glen a hack?

It isn't easy to directly compare Glen with Campbell or the other Brosnan's directors. Based on the quality of the films I would say that Glen is a genius compared to the rest.

Lack of atmosphere? Hardly. The first four films in the 80's have many great moments. These films actually take time to build up some suspense. Just take the ski-chase in FYEO, the fight at Octopussy's palace, the air-from-tire-scene in AVTAK or the assault at Blayden in TLD as very good examples. Furthermore, these films manage to re-create some great casino-scenes (FYEO, OP) and other elegant scenes such as the dinner with Aubergine in AVTAK.

Honestly, is there any scene in Goleneye that even comes close to that dinner-scene in AVTAK? Bond's dry reply that Rothschild 1959 was an "another excellent choice", Aubergine's voice and self-confidence and Bond feeling somewhat uncomfortable (a sixth sense?) while Mayday "takes over"...now that is how you prepare the audience for an action scene. Is this "bland direction"? Or "lack of atmosphere"?

His films also captured the locations very well. Greece in FYEO and India in OP are probably some of the best examples in the whole series. Glen's films also have a fair amount of romantic moments such as the Bond-Magda scene or the encounter with the countess in FYEO. These moments are extremely important to create a real Bond-adventure. Additionally, the first four 80's films capture the classic Bond-style very well. This strange combination between spying and renaissance that makes the Bondmovies so unique.

But then again, John Glen had talents such as Maibaum, Barry, Hume and Broccoli... its impossible to give all credit to Glen and even more impossible to not give him credit at all. Anyway, I can't even imagine what John Glen could've done with a 80-million dollar budget for GoldenEye.... or wait.... I can

I never knew Mr. Glen had a strong fan-base. This is a eye-opener of sorts. However, without trying to instigate flaming, are the J.G. films as great some make them out, or is there just a sense to defend his films. Honestly if his films are as great as some of the posts would suggest than wouldn't this topic be a non-issue? Really, I've learned to apperciate the Glen films and do enjoy them, but they just don't jump out in my mind (in terms of word association) when Bond is talked about.

Writers edit** I would take 1 of any directors film vs. 10 from anyone else. There should be a limit of 3 films per director. Otherwise the series runs a risk of becoming stale and repetitive.**

Edited by BlackFelix, 10 October 2005 - 03:28 PM.

#31 SecretAgent007

#32 Mr_Wint

#33 BlackFelix

#34 Mr_Wint