Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: A slow burning fuse
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a well-executed film, technically. The acting couldn’t really be of higher quality. The chameleon-like Oldman (that guy looks different everywhere doesn’t he?) puts in a standout performance amongst an all-star cast that all get a fair amount of screen time: Colin Firth, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Mark Strong. The surprise standout, however, is Benedict Cumberbatch (Peter Guillam), who is apparently not a newcomer to fans of the BBC Sherlock series.
Cumberbatch is a welcome screen presence and delivers Peter Guillam as the most dynamic character of the film. Seeing that he is in War Horse almost makes me curious to watch it. Almost.
Basically, the film takes place in the early 70s during the Cold War within British Intelligence, a.k.a. the “Circus,” which has been infiltrated by a spy. Apparently there’s a double agent that’s spouting off secrets to Karla and the Russians. “There’s a rotten apple. We have to find it,” says Control (Hurt), head of British Intelligence.
After a botched mission in Budapest, Control resigns and George Smiley (Oldman) is forced out. In retirement, Smiley is sent to investigate the happenings in Hungary and to talk with a mole named Ricki Tarr (Hardy) in hopes of cleansing the legacy of his generation of the Circus. This is a time of shame for them, not the days of “a real war, [when] Englishmen could be proud." His right hand man along the way is the loyal and dependable Peter Guillam (Cumberbatch). Those are the bare bones.
I don’t know that I have a lot to say about Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, but that’s a good thing in this case. Too much plot information would give secrets away that would take away the thrill of watching it slowly develop. Plus it’s just difficult to take notes on a movie that challenges you so much while you’re watching it.
Aside from the story, the twists, and the dead-on levels of true spy-ery in this film, I must say that I truly appreciated the camera work, the lighting, and design. The costumes, shadows, and angles all capture the mood and tone. The opening camera shot sucks you into Budapest where things go awry.
I appreciate the fact that Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy doesn't get all gussied up for Hollywood. If you're looking for explosions and car chases then this film isn't for you. If you appreciate well- developed characters and a twisting plot, then you're in the right place. The film thrives on the characters and the intensity and uncertainty of their relationships. A spy is among them and the heat level elevates in the tight quarters. Tinker is a slow burning fuse that you’ll watch inch towards the ultimate destruction. "A man should know when to leave the party," but sometimes he just needs to stick around, misfortune or not.
3.25/4 stars
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is now playing at the Art Theater.
Most Recent Arts Comments
Local, I forgot to offer you a piece of sage advice. Don’t bag on 39 south because they represent your potential collector pool. Even though I haven’t lived in Champaign since 1997, 39 south is still the only arts entity that has promoted my work as an…
Lest 39 South feels picked on: Check this from the Urbana City Public Arts Program: “Calling all Champaign County Artists! We’re pleased to announce a Call for Entries for a new initiative called Murals on Glass, which will feature artwork reproduced in adhesive vinyl displayed on the…
You forgot Jonathon Fineberg was also personal pals with the Christo’s. I’ll agree that Dr. Fineberg has done a tremendous job communicating to undergrads why this stuff is important, but I won’t kiss the ring because he also contributed to the dismantling of crafts at the U…
And boom goes the dynamite.
I think the best and most exciting arts programming in Champaign-Urbana is at the Krannert Art Museum. The depth and quality of the museum’s permanent collection speaks highly to the intelligence of the art history faculty at the University. I have to say taking Art History with…
Another mystifying thing is 39 South touts the fact that when you consider all things that are considered “art”, i.e. music, exhibits, movies, performances, craft fairs, circuses, ect; art in Champaign County apparently generates $60 million dollars of “economic activity” every year, so says 39 South. And…
I have to agree, I’m a bit confused as to the purpose of 40 North, although I am aware that the organization is in a period of restructuring and re-examination. And yes, the “staff of 1” does work tirelessly to keep the operations afloat, but the fact…
“Making art accessible to everyone and cultivating the art and artists in Champaign County is 40 North’s main mission.” FACT: When the Urbana City Council proposed to form a new public arts council of its own in 2008, 39 South actually sent letters from board members Cody…
On behalf of the New Art Film Festival, I’d like to thank you for highlighting our event in this article. It is our pleasure to put together this showcase for the community and the recognition is highly appreciated by all of us involved in the NAFF. Also,…
Most Popular Arts Articles (60 days)
- New film showcases the wonders of the Linotype machine
- The intricate jest of Rob Delaney
- No foolin’, April is gonna be good
- An interview with Maya Bruck of Pixo
- Weiskamp makes poster printing a community experience
- Crispin Hellion Glover does it all
- Amelia Gray to close out the Carr series
- Mark Neely returns to C-U for S&B
- BEST Arts
- Ebertfest recap
Most Recent Comments
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Super cool! Excellent track, Excellent band.
Looking forward to trying this place!
I’m in the middle (or the beginning or end, depending on how you look at it) of re-reading Slaughterhouse Five. What a great companion column.
Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
Thanks for the sage advice Mary Anna, but I’m long done with the sucking up and being thankful for the scraps. The most important thing an artist can do to live with yourself is tell the emperor he’s got no clothes, and spray paint something on his…