Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

With the release of Tomas Alfredson's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, we are given a glimpse into the world of espionage. Don't expect James Bond; this is the real deal.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is based on John le Carre's famed novel. Having never read it, I was curious to see what it was about. At the same time however, I was reluctant since the last two le Carre adaptations I saw (The Constant Gardener and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold) weren't as impressive as I thought they would be. I had almost the same problem with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but just barely.

Alfredson's previous film was the excellent Let the Right One In and like that film, he captures the many curiosities and uncertainties of the many characters. With the introductions of new information in almost every scene, the curiosities and uncertainties of the characters (and the audience) grows.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy boasts an impressive (and mostly British) cast. The stars range from experienced (Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, John Hurt) to rising (Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy). All of the actors play their parts extremely well, especially Oldman. I won't generally say he deserves an obscenely overdue Oscar nomination, but it would be nice.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a damn good film, but I was left wanting more out of it. I also felt that the ending was trying to quickly tie up all of the loose ends. Still, a good story and fine acting makes up for the slow spots.

My Rating: ****1/2