John Glen (born 15 May 1932) is a film director. He was born in Sunbury-on-Thames, England. A former film editor and second unit director, Glen has carved his niche in action pictures. His first credit was on the James Bond flick “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969). Other credits as film editor include Peter Yates’ “Murphy’s War” (1970), the trial drama “Conduct Unbecoming” (1975) and the Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979), both directed by Lewis Gilbert. He moved to the director’s chair with “For Your Eyes Only” (1981), which eschewed much of the gadgetry and cartoon style of the previous entries in the series. Glen serviceably directed four more Bond films “Octopussy” (1983), “A View to a Kill” (1985), “The Living Daylights” (1987) and “Licence to Kill” (1989). Since abandoning the Bond franchise, he has overseen “Aces: Iron Eagle III” and the unsuccessful “Christopher Columbus: The Discovery” (both 1992). —TCM read more
I decided to watch the film given its divided opinion with fans. I’m of the school that it’s among the most interesting films in the series. The biggest complaint is the lack of traditional Bond aura/sophistication but I see the film as one with a world weary Bond coming to terms with a reality where that previous gloss has faded away. The reference to Bond's late wife is brief but drives the whole film. Must see.
Timothy Dalton delivers a brilliant performance but the script's focus on a leaner, meaner Bond is undone by veteran director John Glen, who was just too stuck in the series' campy mentality. Glen knew how to film stunts to perfection but his fight scenes always come across as limp and staged. If someone like Michael Mann had directed this, all Bond fans would be worshiping at the throne of Dalton right now.
This film may actually be an action masterpiece. The final chase a a tremendous rhythm, a sequence of starts and stops. Davi is the greatest Bond villain, a contrast between sadism and warmth. And Dalton is truly great, the coldest eyes of any Bond. I love this film.