Review of The Quiller Memorandum (1966) by Lee M — 06 May 2009

One of the few cynical spy films made at the silly height of Bondmania, and also one of the most enduringly fascinating to this day. As all the great films seem to be, it's a film that's firmly anchored in its time, meditating on issues relevant to the period, and yet, decades later, we're able to view the film as not only a work of entertainment but also as an historical artifact of the turbulent transitional period from post-WW2 to the new era of the Cold War.

"Quiller" works on both levels, but, crucially is more concerned with a study of the New versus the Old and if there will ever be a difference between the two. As the hero seeks out ex-Nazis hiding in old stone buildings he comes to realize that the current generation, young and beautiful, seen between glass walls and steel of the Bauhaus style schools and offices may look and sound different, but, beneath the surface, may be all too similar to the monsters of years earlier.

The hand of the late, great Harold Pinter can be seen here as the author of the screenplay adaptation, though the film is also superbly directed and photographed, as well as acted by the underrated George Segal.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a spy film less about spying and more about looking -- looking at the facades and contemplating what's behind them.