Articles by Jake Smith

Jake’s Take: One Image from Quantum of Solace (Marc Forster, 2008) The most misunderstood film since OHMSS also has the best Bond woman in the entire series. “I don’t think the dead care about vengeance.” After […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from Casino Royale (Martin Campbell, 2006) Over forty years after the franchise began, the story of James Bond and Vesper Lynd is finally told. “It doesn’t bother you? Killing those people? “Well, […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from Die Another Day (Lee Tamahori, 2002) The magnificent Judi Dench at the end of one Bond’s tenure and on the cusp of another’s. “Knowing who to trust is everything in this […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from The World Is Not Enough (Michael Apted, 1999) The man with the gadgets in an image that never fails to move me. “Now pay attention, 007. I’ve always tried to teach […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from Tomorrow Never Dies (Roger Spottiswoode, 1997) The image of a brooding Pierce Brosnan prompts reflection on his portrayal of Bond. “You forgot the first rule of mass media, Elliot. Give the people […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from GoldenEye (Martin Campbell, 1995) The death of the Cold War marks the moment of the inside villain. “Did you ever ask why? Why we toppled all those dictators, undermined all those regimes, […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from Licence to Kill (John Glen, 1989) A tasteless joke heralds tragedy for Bond’s best friend, turning Bond into a rogue agent. “In my business, you prepare for the unexpected.” While the Daniel Craig films […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from The Living Daylights (John Glen, 1987) The Arrival of Timothy Dalton and the “Back-to-Fleming” Approach “I only kill professionals.” When all else fails, or you’re uncertain of your direction, go back […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from A View to a Kill (John Glen, 1985) A look at the titles and a listen to the music. Choice for you/is the view to a kill. Between the shades/assassination’s standing […]

Jake’s Take: One Image from Octopussy (John Glen, 1983) An image from the reveal of Maud Adams leads to thoughts on adaptation. “You have a nasty habit of surviving.” “Well, you know what they say about […]