Once in a while a film comes around which boasts such an incredible cast that it becomes a must see film event. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is one such film. Boasting a remarkable cast including: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Mark Strong and Ciaran Hinds. In addition to this remarkable cast the film is helmed by Tomas Alfredson, the acclaimed director of Let the Right One In (2008). The film is a remake of the classic 1979 TV series starring Alec Guinness and based on John Le Carre’s 1974 novel. The film’s plot revolves around intelligence veteran George Smiley (Oldman) and his mission to find a Soviet agent buried at the very top of MI6.The first thing to say about the film is that, as the cast list may give away, the standard of performance from all of the actors in the film is simply extraordinary, to the extent that it is incredibly difficult to pinpoint any actor for praise above the others. However, Gary Oldman’s performance as Smiley and Tom Hardy’s turn as Ricki Tarr, an MI5 field agent who assists Smiley in uncovering the mole, steal the show in my opinion.
In addition to the terrific ensemble cast’s performances, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is absolutely beautifully shot. The film is an absolute delight to look at and it’s twisting and turning narrative only enhances the beauty and importance of every shot of the movie. The plot is also vital in the phenomenal quality of the film, it twists and turns and weaves an intricate web of intrigue which does not fully unwind until the very end of the movie. Because of this slowly unwinding nature of the narrative the audience does not know the identity of the mole until the films close. The key reason that the unfolding of the narrative is so effective is the superbly intelligent and incisive direction of Tomas Alfredson, whose vision and execution is so impressive that it simply has to be admired for what it is. Direction of the very highest standard.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy has been lauded by many critics as an early Academy Award contender. This could not be truer. In fact if Gary Oldman isn’t nominated for Best Actor along with Tom Hardy in the Best Supporting Actor category I, for one will be amazed, the film itself and its Director must both be nominated for the top awards as well. It is just unfortunate that great films such as Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy do not grace our screens more often.
