“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (directed by Tomas Alfredson, 2011)

    Spy films are a very unique film genre. Not only is there action, but there is also a serious about them that can cause you to grab on to your seat as it takes you on a roller coaster of twists and turns. Spy films are fairly enjoyable to watch. Everyone has probably seen “James Bond” so many times and thought how cool it would be to have the gadgets that he has. If you like films that have twists and turns, then “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is for you.
    Based on the 1974 novel of the same name by John le Carre, the film takes place in the heart of the Cold War in London, where British Intelligence (also known as “the Circus”) discover that there is a mole who is possibly delivering information to the Russians. To track him down, they bring out a former member out of retirement, George Smiley (played by Gary Oldman). Smiley is sent to track him down with several people on his side in “the Circus.” However, he know is that anyone could be a traitor. The film goes on a roller coaster of twists that make you wonder if Smiley will find the mole.
    The man who truly steals the show is Gary Oldman. Oldman is one of the greatest, and probably the most underrated, actor of all time. If you watch his performances in “Sid & Nancy,” “JFK,” “Air Force One,” “The Contender,” the “Harry Potter” films, Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, you can tell how good he is because he transforms himself both physically and vocally every time. In “Tinker Tailor,” his portrayal of George Smiley may seem like he’s playing a quiet old man, but he manages to to play him with such intensity that you can tell that he is in control. George Smiley is nothing like James Bond because he doesn’t have the gadgets, Aston Martin’s, Vodka Martini’s, and gorgeous women. Instead, Smiley is a bit of an anti-Bond because he is a great manipulator, but at the same time is wise and cool. Alec Guinness played George Smiley in a version of “Tinker Tailor” for the BBC and he was able to create a character that worked for him. In this version, Oldman does not try to play Guinness’s Smiley, but he manages to take Smiley into his own hands by creating something strong and powerful. This is definitely one of the best performances of Oldman’s career.
    The cast of “Tinker Tailor” is amazing. You’ve got an all-star British cast featuring Oldman, Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”), Tom Hardy (“Inception”), John Hurt (“The Elephant Man”), Toby Jones (“Frost/Nixon”), Mark Strong (“Sherlock Holmes”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“Sherlock”), and Ciaran Hinds (“There Will Be Blood”) so what’s not to like? Each of these actors deliver fantastic performances. Each manages to hold their own with their own touch on John le Carre’s characters. This is probably one of the best ensembles in film history.
    The film score composed by Alberto Iglesias sets the mood of the film perfectly. With a jazz sound, it reminds you that this is a spy movie. As for the direction of this film, Tomas Alfredson does a very great job at adapting the story for the screen. He manages to keep all the important structures of the story in tact.
    “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” may be a bit confusing for people who haven’t read the book. If you go see this movie, please read the book beforehand because there points that can cause you to go, “What just happened?” However, that’s what’s great this movie. There many twists and turns that they will have you riding on the edge of your seat and questioning where the loyalties of these character truly lie. If you like traditional spy films with intensity, then “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is for you.