Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [DVD]

Product Details

• Actors: Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
• Directors: Tomas Alfredson
• Format: PAL
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Classification: 15
• Studio: Optimum Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: 30 Jan 2012
  

By : Tom Hardy (Actor), Gary Oldman (Actor), Tomas Alfredson (Director)|Rated:Suitable for 15 years and over|Format: DVD
Price : £9.99

Customer Reviews

For everyone comparing this new movie to the book and the tv series (and I am a fan of both) - Le Carre himself has said in interviews that he categorically did not want someone just copying the book or even the series. He wanted a new take on the story. Yes, it is different. Of course it would have been nice to have characters fleshed out a bit more, but then, I think that will be the problem with anyone who has read the book or seen the series - you expect the same thing stuffed into an hour something, and that is nigh on impossible. My only personal gripe is that I didn't really understand some seemingly superficial changes, like Sam Collins (in the book) being changed in name to Gerry Westerby (considering Gerry is a whole big character on his own in the second book, and ultra posh to boot), Czech Republic being changed to Hungary etc. But that is minor, and overall, I think this was a great, quiet movie, the kind of thing you just don't get anymore. To the commentator who said this movie was more about betrayal than spies, it's probably true that this was the emphasis, but in the book, it is just as much about the nature of betrayal in relationships as it is about spies (in the book see Guillam/Camilla, Smiley/Ann, Little Bill/Prideaux, Connie/The Circus and even reality as she knew it, etc etc), to the point where you wonder if there is anything redeeming about the world outside of the Circus.

`Let the Right One in' director Tomas Alfredson brings John Le Carre's classic source novel to life in a cerebral, atmospheric and wonderfully restrained film version that although ponderously paced, makes for a highly rewarding watch.
The casting is a veritable orgy of British acting talent, both seasoned and relatively new. In a marvellous piece of under-acting, Oscar-tipped Gary Oldman plays George Smiley, a world-weary and recently retired British agent recruited to hunt down a Russian mole hiding at the top of the British Secret Service, or `the circus', as it is referred to. To this end he enlists the help of young intelligence officer Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Mendel (Roger Lloyd-Pack), a retired police-officer. Further light is shed on the identity of the mole by disgraced agent Ricky Tarr (Tom Hardy), believed to have gone AWOL in Istanbul. Wonderful support and acting master classes are provided by a cast including Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Ciaran Hinds, John Hurt, Kathy Burke and Toby Jones. Plot and character development is aided by a number of flash-backs, some, amusingly, to a Secret Service office Christmas party which also provides some background on Smiley's relationship with his estranged wife.
Tinker, Tailor's world of cold-war espionage is far removed from the super-spy thrillers we are used to from Hollywood. It is a grimy and seedy world of back-stabbing and dishonesty where the agents are bogged down by bureaucracy and budget constraints. Consequently the violence, when it arrives, has more of an impact.
Many of you will be well acquainted with the BBC's six part drama from 1979 which famously starred Alec Guiness as its protagonist, but comparisons are rather unfair. A two-hour feature film simply does not allow the time for the depth of characterisation of a six-part series. In this way, you may feel that some of the characters in Alfredson's film, and particularly those at the top of the circus, are a little underwritten. This is unfortunately inevitable, but while it may not have the depth of that production, plenty of ground is still covered and the grubby, deceitful and decidedly downbeat tone is perfectly illustrated.
The film is quite beautiful to look at. It is clear from the start that Alfredson is in no hurry as he allows the camera to linger on every face and every scene. This is not a criticism, far from it. The pace is slow and deliberate, but complements the subject matter, the cold-war era setting and the dark and unsettling mood perfectly. The ménage of 70s browns and greys are brought to the fore by the excellent blu-ray release, another triumph, with excellent depth of colour and clarity and sublime audio. A terrific transfer. For those interested, there are a multitude of extras including deleted scenes, cast commentaries, interviews with John Le Carre and Tomas Alfredson and a couple of interesting featurettes.
Do not be put off by talk of overly intricate plotting and confusing flashbacks. As the plot unfolds, viewing undoubtedly requires concentration, but reviewers have exaggerated the complexity of the plot. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will understand it, and will be rewarded for your patience. 8/10.

 

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [DVD]