Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
3 out of 5 stars
I really should have read the book by John le Carré first and I have no excuse for not doing so. I own a paperback edition of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and know exactly where it resides in my library. I had hoped that by not reading the novel, I would be enjoy the film and be ‘surprised’ as it unfolded. For the most part, I felt confused by the plot and unconvinced by the players. I did not expect to make a connection with any of the characters. Spies rarely come across as very likeable or sympathetic, not if they are doing their jobs well. Only the character of Ricki Tarr came close, but I suspect that was the intention of the author and director.
Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy is a slow paced spy film for such a fast paced generation. I enjoyed the period cars, costumes and locations. The state-of-the-art spy tech of the period contrasts nicely with our current high-tech mobile instant gratification society, where privacy has shrunk to near nonexistence for most average citizens – the price we pay for convenience? But I’ll leave that to another post and another day.
