Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy is a film based on John Le Carre' (don't let the name fool you, it's a pen name, he is British,) best-selling novel of the same name. It centres around George Smiley as he is called back from forced retirement to hunt down a mole within the MI6. As this is set in the 1970's, the MI6 and their American counterparts are in a Cold War with the Soviets that is escalating day by day. And that pressure is worsened by someone betraying them. Whats worse, it is someone right at the top of "the circus." The paranoia, the suspicion and the violence is escalating; its a race against time for Smiley to hunt down the mole, even if it means uncovering someone close.
As I have said (numerous times) before, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has the greatest cast ever assembled and each do a sterling job. From veteran actors Gary Oldham and John Hurt to rising stars Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch, there are some fantastic performances and none over shadow each other given enough space for them all to shine. Of course, the highlight is Gary Oldham and without saying much he manages to draw you in to the world of George Smiley using slight facial expressions. Smiley is quiet, reserved but has the power of all investigation under the finger tips. Oldham conveys it all simply but compelling. And its not just Oldham; Mark Strong is superb as Prideaux and Hardy is certainly one of this years greatest stars, shining on with emotive yet dark story to tell as Ricki Tarr. Each performance bounces off each other in a cleverly well written script that doesn't give any clues to who the mole is. It's a wonderful piece well written by Peter Straughan and the late Bridgett O'Connor; it has great conversation pieces the unfolds the plot beautifully within the words.
The film, I have to admit, isn't entirely British. It is directed by Let The Right One In direcot Tom Alfredson (who is Swedish) and he does a cracking job. The cinematography is wonderful and each scene from the close ups to the rolling scenes are exquisite. He also captures the vibe of the 70's from the dank brown fashion to the culture; music and all. You will be much mistaken for thinking you had fallen asleep and woken in the past somewhere. Alfredson takes a great care to the subject and does the book proud; with concise precision and a conducting the film with near perfection.
Yet in this day and age, without the sex and violence we now commonly associate with spies, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy tends to drag and at two hours long it is certainly a haul to get through. There is a lot of information to in take and despite the brilliance of it all, it isn't one for those looking for a quick cinema fix. Also, the flipping between flashbacks and the present day, all though vital, can be unclear and extremely confusing. You'll have to keep your guard up at all times in case you miss a key element to this film.
Otherwise it certainly is a triumph of media. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, of course, has been done before most notably the TV series with Alec Guinness as the Smiley role. But this adaptation recognises that and gives more to the table. The ever versatile Oldham does his grandest performance yet and it will undoubtedly be recognised in up and coming award ceremonies. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is Britain at it's finest (with a little Scandinavian to boot) and does the book justice. A truly amazing film.
4/5
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