Review of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) by Frank V — 07 Oct 2014
2 hours and I still don't know what exactly just happened. The plot has a simple premise but a completely convoluted method of telling itself. The film has also been fairly criticized for being emotionless.
If you like to see British people talk spy lingo in a realistic film, you may find this enjoyable but that isn't enough for me considering just how boring the actual telling of the story is. Not only that, but most of the time I was trying to figure out if the current scene was in the present or was a flashback.
Critics praised the technique of the film which is probably well-deserved but I'm hanged if I can see it. To a casual viewer, such praise is meaningless.
One critic suggested making this into a mini-series. I have to agree. That is how this story was previously told in 1979.
The film was nominated for 3 Academy Awards (actor, adapted screenplay, score) and lost all 3. I think that adapted screenplay is actually the only nomination it deserved. The score was very stylized yet underwhelming to me. I love Garry Oldman to death but this was one of his weakest performances. Sorry fanboys.
This is a really, REALLY sad waste of talent. If you do happen to watch this, have Wikipedia open so you can read about what is going on.
SUMMARY: A sad waste. Not recommended.
This review of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) was written by Frank V on 07 Oct 2014.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has generally received positive reviews.
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