'Spy' Games

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Heralded as one of the best Spy novelist of all time, John le Carré has certainly earned that title. Some of his best works include The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, The Constant Gardener, and A Most Wanted Man; all of which have been adapted for the big screen. Though, most recently (in 2011) another of le Carré’s books found its way into movie theatres across the world and garnered it’s leading man an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.  The hunt is on is this Cold War-era thriller, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

After a botched reconnaissance mission in Hungry, Control (John Hurt Hellboy) and his most trusted friend George Smiley (Gary Oldman Batman Begins) are forced into retirement. However when word reaches the Prime Minister that there is a mole buried deep inside ‘the Circus’, Smiley is secretly reinstated to smoke out the double agent. Enlisting the help of a mid-level agent, Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch The Imitation Game), to help him with his task from inside ‘the Circus’.  What Smiley doesn’t realize is just how deep this rabbit hole really is.

I have to again apologize for the very brief synopsis for this film, but it is due to spoilers and you all know how much I hate those. Forget the Bourne and the Bond films of recent years, because Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is an ultra-classic espionage film. Rooted in the 1970’s, the peak of the Cold War, this film does everything it can to stay true to the source material and its essence. I tip my hat to that because so many of these classic spy thrillers are being updated and filled with action scenes that never happen in the books. Very brave of the filmmakers to keep the film like this, but it works and this film is just as intriguing as if George Smiley was suddenly 20 years younger and knew how to kill a man with his thumb.

Thankfully Smiley isn’t changed and we, the audience, get to see an amazing performance by one of the most underrated actors alive. Oldman plays Smiley very smooth and collected, however Oldman is also able to give subtle hints to us that there is more to Smiley than he lets on. The only real problem with this cast is that we don’t see enough of this magnificent group. The story is mainly revolved around Smiley so the rest of the characters are on screen for short periods.

Besides Oldman’s great performance, the other aspect of this film that makes it so wonderful is the direction by Swedish director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In). Alfredson’s use of the long lens was great to get the audience into the feeling of being a part of the investigation. Also Alfredson uses a grainy look and a dark color palette to the film, making it seem that the movie was straight out of the 70’s. I really appreciated the way that Alfredson used the shadows as well. The shadows are used in scenes that deal a lot with the secrets being uncovered and mainly on Smiley, almost reaffirming that Smiley is in the background and isn’t supposed to be seen.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was a perfect reminder to everyone in Hollywood that not every spy film needs to have special gadgets, beautiful women, and insane action scenes. This is a great investigative movie that is just as suspenseful as the most recent spy films. Watch for the performances and outstanding direction, but stay for the cat and mouse story le Carré is known for.

The Verdict: Worth Your Time. (Now on Netflix)