Review of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) by Dan D — 04 Dec 2012

What could have been one of the best films of the year turns out to be one of the most disappointing. The plot makes no sense (the other two friends I went with and many others that I know didn't understand it either) and it is WAY too slow. I have gotten through some very dense plots, but this one, from scene one, confused me. I didn't even know what had happened by the end. It didn't help that I was bored stiff. Gary Oldman and cast are all perfect, the music is great, and the production design is excellent, but those can't save the movie.

Re-watch: This was one of the biggest reversals in opinion that I have ever had. It now is a 4.5/5. I re-watched the film with my dad on DVD and between the two of us, we got through the film understanding everything. Obviously, the film is no less labyrinthine, but it is brilliant. All plot elements are there and combine to form one of the cleverest and densest mystery films that I have ever seen. I will still say, this film is far too confusing for its own good, but what the screenwriters have created is something wild and brilliant.