Cinematography

Can anyone familiar with the art of cinematography explain why the John Glenn directed Bond films feel so visually different?

The earlier films felt much more cinematic and almost like comic books. The sets were epic, the lighting was very bright, it felt like technicolour. Compare Moonraker to its follow-up FYEO.

Glenn’s films feel more gritty and ‘real’, with more location shooting, less of a ‘studio’ look. I like it but it can at times feel more TV than cinema, the worst culprit is License To Kill.

Conversely, my favourite Bond film is The Living Daylights and that film looks gorgeous. The whole sniper scene with all those shadows looks superb.

Can any photography nuts enlighten me?