TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (Tomas Alfredsson, Studiocanal, 2011)

If dense, intricate and superbly detailed adaptations of spy novels are the type of films you like to see, then TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (Tomas Alfredsson, Studiocanal, 2011) is, forgive the Brit slang, your cup of tea. The narrative is full and vibrant, always evolving and gives us a glimpse into the not so distant past, one that is quickly fading in our collective memories. The performances provided by a stellar ensemble cast, headed by Gary Oldman, literally take you to the era the film is set in. Finally, the various entities of the films production are done rather well, from the directing to the writing and every aspect of the production design, making the entire film just a superb spy thriller to watch. The film begins and ends with it's compelling narrative. Adapted from a popular spy novel, the film is not for everyone. It takes time for the narrative to unfold, but when it does the film breezes by. Besides it's slow pacing the film is extremely hard to follow and multiple viewings would be beneficial. Time is fractured quite a bit in the film and this will also lead to a larger scale confusion for most. What struck me most while watching this film is the realization that those whom know and remember the cold war are slowly disappearing. The characters portrayed in the film, the people these characters are based upon, are gone. It has been almost twenty five years since the Berlin Wall came down, and honestly it seems like much longer. The films narrative is set in a different era, one not as easily understood in the age of technology. We have forgotten the paranoia of the cloak and dagger cold war since information has become such a marketable and all encompassing commodity. The life or death stakes waged by the Cold War's combatants seem trivial now in a world more on the edge of economic collapse rather than nuclear meltdown. Taking us to this world is an otherworldly performance by an amazingly strong cast. Each member of this cast is a strong actor in their own right and they are led by the incomparable Gary Oldman. Much has been made of him only receiving his first Academy nomination for the role of George Smiley and it is warranted. Oldman has been giving us incredible performances for years. He has that rare ability as an actor (much like George Clooney) to provide so much to the audience without doing seemingly anything. He is so still in the role of George Smiley as to appear inanimate at times. He can sit and observe easily though, as the remaining cast is superb. Every casting choice was excellent with each performance having depth as well as being rich with emotion. The role of Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a perfect role to examine. Seemingly an innocuous character, one to be glanced over, his scene going home to tell his lover that their relationship is over is remarkable. With no words you see a mans world crumbled, and Cumberbatch brilliantly gives us this. I wonder how many viewers caught this subtle angle to the narrative. The remaining members of the cast are equally as superlative. Other aspects of production are also done quite well. Alfredsson makes great directorial choices throughout the film. One that struck me particularly was when Westerby (Stephen Graham) tells Control (John Hurt) about the shooting of Jim Prideaux. Without needing dialogue, Alfredsson frames Control within the larger frame of the film and then slowly pulls back to reveal Westerby informing him of the development. The viewer focuses on the face of Control, a man trapped by his position. A man who has no control over anything. The production design for the film is also amazing. There were no details overlooked. Set design, costumes, hair all hearkens back to the temporal setting of the 1970's. Finally, the writing. I have not read the novel, but I know many John Le Carre fans. I can imagine the adaptation is not particularly close to the book as a store this dense becomes exceedingly difficult to adapt. But the writing for the film was so good, I can only imagine it is much the same as the book. I do look forward to reading it as soon as the chance presents itself. Do not watch this film when tired or with a lot on your mind. Give it a chance to develop and unfold and you will enjoy it thoroughly.