Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

 "I sat in my seat and felt smug in the knowledge Michael Bay could not interfere with my night."

Tomas Alfredson brings John le Carré spy novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to life but it feels like it's been a long and difficult task and that traditional Hollywood would have thrown it away a long time ago. I may have said "spy" and so have all the trailers but do not expect any Bourne like car chases or perfect fighting moves in this one. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is two hours of pure dialogue and although that sounds understandably boring Alfredson demonstrates how vital a look or a bead of sweat can be to the narrative. 


I assume its the stories pedigree that led it to the cinema, this is very un-Hollywood and I praise it because unlike most films there is the assumption the audience is some-what intelligent. I sat in my seat and felt smug in the knowledge Michael Bay could not interfere with my night. If you do invest your time and attention with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy the impressive British cast is reward enough, Gary Oldman takes the lead and you can't help but wonder where he's been hiding. Colin Firth furthers provides evidence why he'll be out of his seat getting awards once again, while Benedict Cumberbatch reminds you of the forthcoming new episodes of the BBC's 21st century Sherlock Holmes. Tom Hardy (Inception, Bronson) is the star of the show in my opinion along side Oldman and I believe it will only be a matter of time before he gets the critical acclaim he deserves. 


In a time of predictable cinema,  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is brave and intelligent although I do not think its for everyone. I hope people embrace and give Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy a go, we'll just have to see how well it does at the box office, it will surely lack the staying power of Harry Potter 7.