The best Bond directors' swan song films?

Brosnan_fan

So we've discussed the Bond actors' swan song films, now what about the films of the directors'? Which do we feel are the best they helmed, before exiting the franchise? Obviously we are not counting the one-offs - Hunt, Spottiswoode, Apted, Tamahori etc. (And it could be a possibility Campbell could come back).

My thoughts on the directors' last films, (IMO) best to worst:

LTK - Excellent. Though Glen really had one too many goes, it was fortunate his last effort was this entertaining.

MR - Sorry, MR haters, but Bond is also about escapist fun, and this one delivered it in spades.

TB - Pretty good; I would say the only real flaw is the length. A shame Young disliked the underwater scenes.

TMWTGG - A so-so film; however, there are a handful of worse Bond films, and this one is reasonably watchable.

Silhouette Man

I'd say that Thunderball wasn't a great end to Terence Young's run, as much as OI liked the film.

Moonraker was a good ending for Lewis Gilbert, director of the Big Three Bonds.

Licence to Kill was also a good end for Glen's run despite not being as well received critically or doing as well at the box office.

Guy Hamilton peaked with Goldfinger and never really directed a great Bond thereafter - DAF is awful, although IMHO TMWTGG is a far superior film - still not a great end when compared to GF.

Just my thoughts...

Dutchfinger

Shouldn't you technicly include Casino Royale as well? Campbell didn't do as much movies as the above directors, however he did do two.

Both of his movies are great IMO. They are both present in my own personal top 5. And I'm sure among most fans they are very well regarded!

Silhouette Man

Dutchfinger wrote:

Shouldn't you technicly include Casino Royale as well? Campbell didn't do as much movies as the above directors, however he did do two.

Both of his movies are great IMO. They are both present in my own personal top 5. And I'm sure among most fans they are very well regarded!

Yes, indeed they are BUT Brosnan_fan did rule out Martin Campbell's inclusion as he may come back to direct a potential future third Bond film - he might not be as yet finished!

Dutchfinger

Silhouette Man wrote:

Dutchfinger wrote:

Shouldn't you technicly include Casino Royale as well? Campbell didn't do as much movies as the above directors, however he did do two.

Both of his movies are great IMO. They are both present in my own personal top 5. And I'm sure among most fans they are very well regarded!

Yes, indeed they are BUT Brosnan_fan did rule out Martin Campbell's inclusion as he may come back to direct a potential future third Bond film - he might not be as yet finished!

That's true. I wouldn't mind if that happenend!