Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Review)

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is proof that 99% of true spy work is drab, low key and slooowww. Not the Bond cinematic wet dream full of stunts, bikini babes and extreme action.

Here is a film that will not be shaken or stirred, but served straight like the hard liquor a great many of its characters consume during the film.

It is seventies London. Times they are a changing – even for spies. British Intelligence has found divisions in the ranks and suddenly has possible leaks that threaten to ruin the efficiency of the entire system. The ‘old guard’ has moved on, or been moved on. One of these men, recently retired George Smiley (Gary Oldman) has been dragged back into the agency in order to uncover a Soviet mole that is believed to be high up in the British ranks.

Smiley is a middle aged career spy, grey around the edges and a little pudgy in the middle, and Oldman plays him as a near silent emotionless man, always watching, possibly judging, yet with an innate sense of potential menace. At times it appears that Smiley is so decidedly un-Bond like that he himself mightn’t even realise that as a spy he is a member of a deadly profession. Also talks exactly like Agent Smith from The Matrix – should I point out here that Agent Smith was an emotionless computer program? The backdrop too is drab and colourless in keeping with the general tone of the film.

As Smiley is also the central character and the pivotal point in the film you shouldn’t expect action aplenty and even twists and turns galore, TTSS is more a procedural work, following up on clues, asking the right people and keeping an eye on those under suspicion.

Speaking of those under suspicion, the cast has enough quality actors to keep you the viewer guessing as they exchange furtive glances that could either represent suspicion, animosity or perhaps guilt. Depending on how active you are you might get the time to guess all of them over the two plus hour running time.

Oldman is great as George Smiley and just deservedly received an Oscar nomination. After all it is hard to play a largely silent type and grab attention with John Hurt, Tom Hardy Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch vying for your attention.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy demands your attention and doesn’t wait around for bathroom visitors to catch up, while not a stunt or explosion a minute it is particularly and suddenly violent at times – not that the slow pace and serious tone would interest the kids anyway.  It is deliberate, clever and rewards the patient and attentive. (That said the odd explosion, car chase or bikini babe doesn’t hurt, smart isn’t always entertaining…)

Final Rating – 7 / 10. This film isn’t the kind of film that you would want to watch every day, but is a prime example of solid film-making, with another in a long line of great performances from Mr Oldman.

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
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