Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Within the considerable espionage canon, John le Carré remains an influential figure. Born David Cornwell, the former MI5 and MI6 employee began writing under his pseudonym in 1961, with more than 20 novels following. Many made their way to screens, including those focusing on his most famous character. Indeed, intelligence officer George Smiley has graced eight books since le Carré’s debut Call for the Dead, six of which have received film or television treatment.

Despite the quantity of tales featuring Smiley, it is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy that left a lasting impact. A 1979 mini-series starring Sir Alec Guinness cemented the operative in popular consciousness, a feat about to be repeated by Tomas Alfredson’s film offering. With Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight) in the role, the latest incarnation seethes with the complexity of its Cold War context. Adapted by Bridget O’Connor (Mrs. Ratcliffe's Revolution) and Peter Straughan (The Debt), it proves a smart and skilful reworking of le Carré’s source material.

When a Hungarian mission ends in tragedy, the agents responsible are forced into retirement. For Smiley, his sojourn is short-lived, with the operative secretly tasked with the search for a mole. Assisted by offsider Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch, The Whistleblower), he attempts to track down the traitor within their ranks. Fellow spies Percy Alleline (Toby Jones, Your Highness), Toby Esterhase (David Dencik, War Horse), Roy Bland (Ciarán Hinds, The Rite) and Bill Haydon (Colin Firth, The King's Speech) are his chief suspects, as he wades through a web of international intrigue.

With Mark Strong (The Guard), John Hurt (Melancholia) and Tom Hardy (Warrior) also among the cast, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a who’s who of British acting talent. As expected of such an esteemed assortment of thespians, each is outstanding, effortlessly inhabiting the intricate material. Under the guidance of Let the Right One In helmer Alfredson, the ensemble – Oldman especially – abounds with accomplishment. Their efforts ensure the film is an engaging study of espionage that rewards the observant.

Boasting the appearance and atmosphere of its 1970s setting, the feature is an involving affair. Unlike many modern thrillers, it values intelligence over action in an astute examination of loyalty and paranoia in covert circumstances. Sustaining suspense throughout its 127 minutes, the film is restrained and riveting in equal measure. Indeed, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy exemplifies the old-fashioned spy genre, in an enigmatic and enthralling example of le Carré’s legacy.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Director: Tomas Alfredson
UK, 2011, 127 min

Distributor: Universal
Rated MA
In cinemas Thursday January 19th, 2012