Alex Reviews

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Somehow I managed to book the hottest day of September to go to the cinema to watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but I can't say I regretted it. I haven't read the book, nor have I seen the television series or any other adaptations, and to be honest I was quite intimidated by the prospect of seeing this film. The trailers that I'd seen showed it to be dark and complex, and often I find that I shy away from films that are going to take too much concentration. But, with the reviews piling in and with the exemplary British cast, I couldn't let it pass me by. And the film is good. A lot of the time, you may be struggling to keep up with what is going on, but it never lets you get so far behind that you lose the thread entirely. It's very well shot, with a distinct lack of colour throughout. The acting is superb, with the likes of John Hurt, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy around to support the typically brilliant performance of Gary Oldman as the lead. There have been whispers of an Oscar nomination for the role, and though it is definitely early to say, I think it is a well deserved nomination at least.

The film follows British Intelligence in a mission to uproot a mole within it's own organisation. A spy film for the more mature audience, there aren't high speed car chases, gadgets or shoot outs, but the 'spies' still exude 'coolness' in each of their operations. One particular moment that I quite liked is Gary Oldman's character's trick to check if anyone has entered his house before him; a simple idea but one of those tiny things that will make you think "oh - that's clever". And throughout the film, Oldman keeps his cool in a way that you can only expect a seasoned operative to do; wise with age and experience. He may not be a spy like James Bond or Jason Bourne, but you'll have the same sort of respect for him as you would Colombo - never overexerting himself to get the job done. And the support cast are just as strong, each providing complex and interesting characters that you'll wish you knew more about, with Cumberbatch and Hardy's character's worth a special mention. 

Overall, this isn't a film to see with the lads or with a girl/boyfriend, unless they all want to see it as much as you do. It takes concentration to get through, and you'll feel like you have to take in every detail. A bit slow to start, but you'll be gripped after the first half an hour or so, and then the time will speed by until the final acts. A serious film for serious people, and a serious contender for Academy Awards. Go Brits!

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