In 1979, the BBC commissioned a
TV series based on John La Carre's popular novel about espionage, deceit and
betrayal. One of Britain's greatest actors, Alec Guinness took the role of
George Smiley, an agent of her majesty's secret service. His role was to
uncover the traitor hiding in plain sight amongst the best and brightest of MI6
and deal with him or her appropriately.
Running for 7 episodes, Tinker, Tailor,
Soldier, Spy was applauded by audiences and critics alike for its intriguing,
slow paced and absorbingly realistic take on the novel and for a long time it
stood as a refreshing take on spies and the what actually may happen amongst
them.
Over 30 years later a relatively
new director to our shores (Tomas Alfredson; Let The Right One In) decided to
tackle this iconic and thoroughly British spy story, and he certainly took his
time about it.
In this new adaptation, a
possible successor if not a worthy colleague in the role of one of Britain's
greatest actors takes over the role of George Smiley (Gary Oldman; Red Riding
Hood, The Book Of Eli). Once again the plot focuses on Smiley and his attempts
to uncover the Soviet agent hiding amongst Britain's best line of international
defence and this time the list of characters he encounters really are some of
Britain's finest.
One of the best and most
recognisable British casts since the last Harry Potter film are put together
for the audience's delight and not one of them disappoints in their
performance. Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, John Hurt, Mark Strong and
Benedict Cumberbatch are a worthy cast of Britain's best actors today, some
veteran and some relatively new but they all shine under Alfredson's direction,
with what seems to be their own showcased scenes throughout the movie.
It's also a pleasure to see the
return (albeit brief) of Kathy Burke (Once Upon A Time In The Midlands, Nil By
Mouth) as the alcoholic ex-agent Connie Sachs. Best known for her comedic roles
but also respected for her dramatic turns, Burke brings a little of both to her
scenes with her ex co-star and director Gary Oldman and it's a nice little
treat for the film buffs amongst the audience.
Of course it goes without saying
that all the cast are at the top of their game (although I think I already said
it). But in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy there is an absolute delight in seeing
some of Britain's best sharing scenes, let alone being in the same movie
together. Tom Hardy (Inception, the forthcoming The Dark Knight Rises)
particularly stands out in his emotional scenes retelling the story of the
woman he fell in love with and the journey their love takes them on. Also Mark
Strong (The Eagle, The Guard) is very good as Jim Prideauz, as the Secret
Service agent turned P.E. teacher, forced to deal with his past.
For those who remember
(unfortunately I am not one of those, but I hear things), the pace of the movie
is very similar to the original TV series and Gary Oldman's Smiley is very much
an Alec Guinness Smiley as well, but that's no bad thing. Oldman underplays the
character like it seems the whole movie is underplayed. This is no Bond or
Bourne, this is real life and the pace reflects it as such. Those used to
linear plots, big crashes, explosions and quickly explained plot devices may
come up a little short here, there is a certain way to approach this film and
unless you're ready for it, you'll become confused quite easily. You need to
really pay attention and if not you are lost, but that's not to say that this
film won't be enjoyable. The fine performances and the seamless transportation
to the early seventies make the film a real triumph in cinema and for those who
enjoy an intriguing and thoroughly involving drama will not be disappointed.
However those looking for more
bang for their buck may want to wait until there's something a bit louder and
more thrill-inducing to come along.
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