Review: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

So, now that Fanatical Film has received its very own facelift and re-vamp what better way to start than with a review to one of the most anticipated British films in years. That's right, check out the view on Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.


Based on the John Le Carré 1974 novel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a showcase of classic storytelling mixed in with one of the best British ensemble casts ever to be seen on screen. With Gary Oldman on main character duties and a support cast consisting of the likes of Toby Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and Colin Firth to name a few, the film has all the required elements to be a big success.


Set during the times of The Cold War, we follow George Smiley (Oldman), a retired British Intelligence officer who is forced back into the field in order to hunt down a mole in the organisation who has been sitting at the top for years. With the help of sidekick Peter Guillam (Cumberbatch), he begins an investigation within 'The Circus' and slowly works his way through the possible suspects, hoping to find that one link that will lead him to the traitor.


Don't be fooled by a simple-sounding premise, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a far cry from this and instead contains a rather convoluted plot with a wide array of characters that all require your attention. If you go in to the film expecting James Bond you have been extremely misinformed, Tinker Tailor is in a whole different world to your favourite action spy; a slow-burner it certainly is with some absolutely fantastic acting. Oldman excels as George Smiley, even to the point where his first 15 to 20 minutes of screen time mostly consist of him hardly speaking and simply commanding with facial expressions. As for the talented support, all those involved shine even with the little screen time that some individuals receive.


The essence of the Cold War era is also captivating, with a dark and dreary mood constant throughout and some brilliant set pieces and locations really sticking to the era perfectly. There are no high octane scenes aimed to wow the audience but instead a great build up of tension and a full sense of realism is transferred to the audience through brilliant dialogue and intriguing characters. The finale may be predictable to some but this is not the main focus of director Tomas Alfredson (Let The Right One In), he aims to engage the audience with the lead up to the event and does so exceptionally mainly through dialogue which will be hard to match in any other film this year.


Fanatical Film rating: 4 F's out of 5