Friday 16 September 2011


Jane Eyre or John le Carré ... I didn't have to think twice.
There's no contest.
It had to be Tinker Tailor. Can you give a film 10*? It was brilliant. What can I say ... I didn't think of Alec Guinness, not once. No wonder John le Carré is so pleased with it.
It's a phenomenally good cast. Gary Oldman has made George Smiley completely his own. Colin Firth is superb. (His suede shoes speak volumes.) The homosexual undertones that were more understated in the 1970s version .. well, history speaks for itself.
And in a film that is largely about the quiet ruthlessness of male betrayal, Kathy Burke is simply fantastic as the Circus's retired, alcoholic researcher Connie Sachs.
I'm ever so tempted to go again.

7 comments:

mary said...

I wondered how he'd measure up, but he is completely brilliant, Sue. It's a while since I've read the book but it seemed very true to what I remember. And if it has the thumbs-up from John le Carré, it must be good.
Anyway, I was riveted ... and all the moody atmospheric stuff is good, too. Oscars by the cartload, I should think.

mary said...

Meant to say, the director is Scandinavian so it should be right up your street. (I was hooked on The Killing, too.)

mary said...

Oh, Sue, don't - it's worth seeing in the cinema, you'll lose half the atmosphere seeing it on small screen. Slope off on your own to the midday screening like I did!

Anonymous said...

The second review I've read this morning and the other was less complimentary than yours! I still want to see the film but I have a hankering to watch the old TV version again, too.

mary said...

I'd love to see it again, too, Callmemadam. I wish they'd repeat it.
Hope you enjoy it, Sue!

rachel said...

Can't wait to see it! And Jane Eyre also, although I'm prepared for some disappointment there....

mary said...

I know. I'm inclined to think that Jane Eyre will keep until it's on television, Rachel.